INTRODUCTORY KAYAK RESCUES

(3 hours) Capsize safely and rescue yourself!

If you’re like most new paddlers, you’ve probably wondered, “What happens if I tip over?” This universal concern is the reason we developed this clinic. With help from our qualified instructors, you will gradually and comfortably go through the steps of a safe capsize. You will also learn about general safety issues, rescue gear, and how to rescue yourself or a partner after capsizing. Our small class sizes provide a supportive and relaxed environment to practice these important new skills.

Itinerary

 Your Course Takes Place at Crystal Pool

Meet at 6:00 pm at Crystal Pool, 2275 Quadra Street (south of Bay Street), Victoria, BC. Please try to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Please meet at the rear of Crystal Pool, on the opposite side of the building from the front doors. Because this is after regular pool hours, you will not be entering or exiting using the front doors; rather, we’ll come and go using the back doors where we are able to load our kayaks and gear. Access to the rear of the building is gained via a service lane from Queens Avenue. Parking is not permitted on this service lane; however, parking is available in park- ing lots on the west and north side of Crystal Pool, or on Queens Avenue.

If you are providing your own kayak for the program, please ensure it is clean and free of sand or gravel before bringing into the pool building.

Please remove your street shoes before entering the pool deck through the back entrance. This can be a bit challenging if you are carrying a kayak. Usually, there are people “on deck” to whom you can pass your kayak. Approximately half the people can be outside, and half the people can be inside while we load the kayaks into the pool building. If everyone chips in, things run quite smoothly. When on the pool deck, most people wear paddling shoes, such as sport sandals (with heal straps), running shoes, wetsuit booties, or reef shoes.

Change rooms are located halfway up each side of the pool deck. The Women’s Change Room is found on the right side of the pool, whereas the Men’s Change Room is located on the left side of the pool. Lockers are available in the change rooms for 50 cents (at the time of writing).

What You Provide for Your Program:

Please read the follow  ing equipment list carefully, as it indicates what you will need to bring with you on the program. Please avoid wearing cotton clothing as it keeps you cold when it’s wet, and takes a long time to dry. Please wear clothing designed for outdoor wear and made from Merino (wool), silk, or synthetic materials, such as Capilene™, polyester, polypropylene, or nylon.

Personal Gear      

• Eyeglass retainer strap  if y u wear glasses
• If you wear glasses or contacts, please bring an extra set in case of loss; also, don’t forget contact lens solution and a carrying  case for your contacts or glasses.
• *Nose plug or diving mask, which can prevent the uncomfortable sensation of getting water ‘up your nose.’ Part of your training will involve intentionally capsizing your kayak under controlled and safe conditions. Nose plugs are available at Ocean River Sports or stores that sell swimming accessories.
• Swimsuit and to A  merino, silk or synthetic long underwear top can optionally be worn. Under wear c an   provide  add  additional warmth, even when wet . Females may wish  to wear nylon shorts  over their swim suit.

• Footwear for wearing while paddling such as sport sandals (with heal strap ), running shoes, wetsuit  booties, or reef shoes  with good soles.

A change of footwear for wearing before and after paddling, such as a trail running shoe, light hik ing shoe, or rubbe r boots.

Contact Us

Ocean River Sports

Phone: (250) 381-4233

adventure@oceanriver.com oceanriveradventures.com

Please read the following equipment list below carefully, as it indicates what you will need to bring with you on the program. Ocean River Sports stocks many of the items listed. If you need advice or would like to purchase gear, please visit us or check out our online store!

Cotton keeps you cold when it’s wet, and takes a long time to dry. If possible, bring clothing designed for outdoor wear and made from Merino (wool), silk, or synthetic materials, such as polyester, polypropylene, or nylon.

*indicates optional item.

Personal Gear

• If you wear glasses, an extra pair and retainer strap; if you wear contacts, and extra pair
• *Nose plug or diving mask

 Clothing

• Swimsuit and towel. A merino, silk or synthetic long underwear top can optionally be worn. Underwear can provide additional warmth, even when wet. Females may wish to wear nylon shorts over their swimsuit.

• Footwear for wearing while paddling (that can get wet); e.g., sport sandals (with heal strap), running shoes, wetsuit booties, or reef shoes with good soles.
• A change of footwear for wearing before and after paddling, such as a trail running shoe, light hiking shoe, or rubber boots.

Kayak and Paddling Gear:

You will need a sea kayak and paddling gear for your program. You can either rent these from us for an additional fee, or you can provide your own sea kayak and paddling gear if you already own or have access to these.

If you are renting a sea kayak and paddling gear from Ocean River Sports (or if a sea kayak and paddling gear are included in the price of your program), you will be provided with the following items as one complete package:

• Sea kayak.
• Paddle.
• Sprayskirt.
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device): Canadian Coast Guard approved.
• Whistle.
• Hand pump.
• Throw-line (buoyant heaving line at least 15 meters in length).
• Paddle float.
• *Spare paddle (optional)
• *Sponge (optional): for drying out hatches

If you are providing your own kayak and paddling gear for your program, you must provide the paddling gear listed above, and your sea kayak must meet the following requirements**: (1) is suitable for open sea conditions; (2) has positive buoyancy when capsized; (3) is able to adequately carry gear as required for the program; and (4) has perimeter lines. Please note: recreational kayaks that do not meet the above requirements are not suitable for our programs. If you have questions about the suitability of your kayak, please contact us. If your program takes place in an indoor pool, please ensure your kayak and gear are clean of dirt, sand, and debris.

**Exceptions: (1) whitewater kayaks are permitted on our Rolling clinic; and (2) surf skis or Olympic style kayaks with bulkheads or flotation bags are permitted on our Perfect Your Forward Stroke clinic.