Lake Superior Self-Reliant training trip

This 7-day training kayak trip through Lake Superior Provincial Park is an empowering, memorable experience where paddlers hone their skills and learn the valuable asset of self-reliance on a kayaking trip.

We originally came up with the self-reliant theme way back in 2010 as a way to help Ontario’s sea kayakers take the next step in their expedition paddling skills. Lake Superior is the world’s largest inland sea which can produce unpredictable conditions in a very short time. We help participants plan their own personal gear and menu plans, pack for a long trip without re-supply and make the right risk management decisions to execute a successful trip.

Paddle Canada certification

This trip has be designed to take Paddle Canada Level 2 graduates that want to refresh their skills, test their skills out on Lake Superior or just to join likeminded paddlers on an awesome coastline. During the trip Jeff and Jeff will be making decisions with the group, making sure everyone stays safe, and understand why certain decisions make sense as well and tuning up all of your paddling skills. This trip is also a good choice for someone working towards their level 3 skills as a prep course.

As part of the trip we are proud to also offer the Paddle Canada Wilderness Camping certification. To facilitate this, we will organize pre-trip training classes over Zoom to teach topics such as navigation, expedition food preparation, and route planning. Throughout the trip we will complete the rest of the syllabus topics.

What to expect on this kayaking adventure

• Learn trip planning, including navigation and weather interpretation.
• Learn menu planning, packing and food preparation for extended trips or expeditions.
• Learn the skills of expedition self-reliance.
• Learn how to plan and pack paddling and camping equipment.
• Improve paddling skills like strokes and advanced rescues.
• Share tips and stories with group members around the campfire and on the water.
• Apply navigation skills and map work.
• Gain a better understanding of weather conditions, risk management.
• Build leadership and teamwork skills, facilitated by the guides and of course, experience and of course the most beautiful sea kayaking in Ontario and world-class lingering sunsets!

Your trip guides and skill development facilitators

Jeff Arbing and Jeff Phaneuf have been teaching sea kayak courses for OSKC for years and are some of our most active Instructors. The chances are you have worked with them on your Level 2 skills or met them at Paddlepalooza. Their passion for teaching kayak is contagious. You will love the fun, inclusive and friendly manner in which they support their students and help them improve.

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