This 1.5 day course is designed for those paddlers carrying out coastal journeys. The aim of this course is to give the student the tools to enable them to plan and navigate effectively on coastal journeys.

Outline:  Navigation Fundamentals

• Interpret sources of information including maps, charts, coastal pilots and tide tables.
• Navigate on the water using visual references and simple pilotage techniques e.g. transits, dead reckoning and a compass.
• Be able to source, interpret and apply a weather forecast to the marine environment
• Understand tides and currents
• Become aware of the range of resources required to plan trips
• Take new skills to the water for a half day of practical application

Length: 1.5 Days - 8 Hours (one evening classroom plus one on water day)

ALL PADDLING GEAR PROVIDED or bring your own

 This 1.5 day course  is essential for any sea paddler.  Learn and apply basic navigation and seamanship concepts in a real world environment with the assistence of a highly trained coach at your side. 

In the evening classroom session we will establish some key concepts and rules of the road while learning to read charts and tidal information. 

On the water later that weekend use your new skills on the water paddling with a group.  Learn to read a chart on the deck of a kayak.  Apply navigation knowledge to the real world and pull all the pieces together for a memorable learning experience!   

Things To Bring

All necessary paddling gear plus any navigation tools you have access to.  (ie. charts, hand compass, deck compass, chart case, GPS, etc...)

Please call us if you have questions or need to borrow ANY gear.   

If you are un-able to bring the items listed below please let us know as we can provide them if needed. We typiaclly provide immersion wear in the form of either a neoprene wetsuit or nylon drysuit with latex gasket seals and neoprene boots.

Only in the hottest summer months do we run courses without some form of immersion wear. The water is cold year round so you will need to bring layers to wear under the suits provided.

• Sunglasses with retention device (i.e. Croakies, Chums, etc)
• NO COTTON Synthetic top and bottom layers (thermal underwear, heavier wt. for cooler weather)
• Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit for warmer days
• Hiking style wool or synthetic socks
• Water bottle
• LUNCH small enough to pack into the boats
• Towel and change of clothes for ride home

Optional Gear:

• Water proof camera
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• River shoes or booties
• Tow belt
• Rescue gear
• Spare Paddle
• Bilge Pump

Inclusions

any gear needed upon request

Exclusions

transport, parking fees, food/water

Cancellation Policy

The Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and often unpredictable environment. All activities are run/fun rain or shine. All programs are conditions dependent and may change at any time at our discretion. In order to keep our programs affordable a minumum number of participants may be required. If we are unable to fill a program to a minimum requirement level we reserve the right to cancel the program. A full refund will be provided in the event of a cancelled or re=scheduled activity upon request. Please allow 48 hour notice for any cancellations or changes in your reservation. Please give us atleast 48 hours notice for any cancelations or re-scheduling. Just give us a call at 503-285-0464. Cancelations within 48 hours of the program are NOT refundable. Please call with any questions.

Departs

5pm for evening classroom session. Then meet at Alder Creek Jantzen Beach for on water portion. A few times per year

Pickup/Departure

Location:
-The first night's classroom session meets at the Boathouse location near OMSI. (1515 SE Water Ave) Meet at 5pm

- The on water portion of the class on day 2 is offered at our Portland location on Jantzen Beach on flat water.

Additional Locations