In this program we will get to understand tidal currents, learn how to predict ahead how strong and when we will encounter them, and several ways of dealing with current crossings in a sea kayak.

Vancouver Island is a worldwide paddling destination due to the number of bays, channels, narrows and small islands. All those geographical features make for great kayaking and diversity, and create some tidal currents daily. As the tide rises, the water comes in and around Vancouver Island, moving a great amount of liquid at really serious speed. Same is true when the tide falls.

Whether the current is actually strong or not, the simple fact that it can be going in the same direction or against the wind direction will affect the sea state you will be looking at. One can imagine severe conditions developing due to strong currents meeting some headwinds.

Understanding currents is an important skill in order to travel by kayak around Vancouver Island, and it’s also a lot of fun.

Once we’ve covered the theory, we will concentrate our efforts on boat control, how to cross currents and /or use them to our advantage when traveling. Once you can relax and start enjoying the scenery, you’ll discover thriving marine wildlife and start playing with the effect a fast current can have on your long boat.

One of the best feelings comes from surfing a sea kayak on a tidal wave, the water flowing under your hull while the boat is not moving forward nor backward…..

The east coast of Vancouver Island offers several great locations for tidal current courses, come and edge with us on a wave!!!!!

1 DAY COURSE OVERVIEW:

-Currents theory
-Calculating current strength and times (Maximum and Minimum)
-Strategy for traveling in strong tidal areas
-Crossing in and out of currents
-Ferrying across currents
-Boat control, edging and strokes specific to currents areas
-Surfing standing waves (may or may not be covered in the course depending on conditions)
-Rescues in Currents (Theory covered, scenarios may or may not take place during the course).