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Sea Kayaking Vancouver Island

What Steller Provides:
At Steller Sea Kayaking we use the latest top of the line kayaking and camping equipment. Most of our equipment is purchased from local distributors and in many cases its built right here on the coast. Our kayaks, for example, are all high quality composite fiberglass boats from Seaward Kayaks, an independent family owned business in Ladysmith, B.C. Seaward has a reputation as an innovative industry leader and is known for handcrafting safe, stable, and seaworthy performance kayaks.

To make your adventure comfortable and safe we provide you with all of the top quality kayaking and camping gear listed below. If you'd like to take a closer look at the brands we use please visit our Equipment page.

Steller Provides the Following Items (included in tour cost)
  • Kayaks and all safety gear
  • Paddles
  • Spray skirts
  • Water resistant paddling jacket
  • PFD’s (personal flotation devices, or life jackets)
  • Dry bags for clothing, sleeping bag, and miscellaneous personal gear
  • Tents and ground sheets
  • Eating utensils (cup, bowl, plates etc.)
  • Food and food preparation
  • Daily user fees for parks
  • Transportation from local hotel to tour launch location
  • Water taxi service (for Broughton Archipelago tour only)
Rental Equipment
For people who travel light we can provide a sleeping bag and sleeping pad for a small fee. Please let us know if you need to rent any of these so we can reserve them for you.
  • Sleeping Bag - we can provide one for a fee of $30.00 (plus gst) to cover dry cleaning and wear and tear.
  • Sleeping Pad - we can provide one for $15.00 (plus gst).

What You Provide
The following clothing and equipment lists include items that are recommended for your comfort and safety. There's also a list of optional luxury items that will give you an even higher level of comfort and make you the envy of fellow paddlers. Remember that space is finite, however, so pack light and tight because any items that do not fit in your kayak will be stored in the vehicles until we return.

First, we should say a few things about dressing for the weather. Although the weather is generally good on the west coast during the summer we can get clouds, fog, and rain in addition to sun. Layers of synthetic clothing is the key to staying comfortable in this weather. Body heat is effectively regulated by adding or removing a layer. We suggest an inner layer such as merino wool, lycra, polypropylene, or polyester and a second layer of fleece or wool. Cotton is comfortable but it absorbs moisture from the air and draws heat from the body. So cotton is not a good clothing material.

Transportation

You must provide your own transportation to and from the tour origination point. Information regarding accommodations, directions, car rentals, buses and planes will be sent to you when you register for a tour.

 
Clothing
Personal Gear
  • 4 pair quick dry underwear
  • 1 pair synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
  • 5 pair synthetic socks (Smart Wool)
  • 2 pair quick dry long pants
  • 2 pair quick dry shorts
  • 3 quick dry tee shirts
  • 2 long sleeve synthetic shirts
  • 1 wool sweater or pile jacket
  • 1 light, water resistant jacket
  • 1 synthetic pile vest
  • 1 bathing suit
  • 1 warm hat (fleece toque or skull cap)
  • flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
  • small towel and wash cloth
  • biodegradable hand/body soap
  • toiletries
  • bandanas
  • sun glasses with strap
  • UV blocker - sun screen & lip balm
  • bug spray
  • 1 liter wide mouth nalgene water bottle
  • medications (If you bring prescription meds please follow these guidelines: 1) label containers with name and expiry date, 2) carry detailed instructions regarding dosage and frequency, and 3) bring twice as much as necessary and give half to your guide as a back up.
Outdoor Gear
Personal Luxury Items (optional)
  • waterproof rain gear (jacket and pants)
  • waterproof rain hat with wide brim
  • ball cap or sun hat with wide brim
  • neoprene water shoes, strapped sandals, or rubber boots
  • runners or light hiking boots - in plastic bag
  • several large garbage bags and zip lock baggies
  • light weight paddling gloves (bicycle gloves)
  • neoprene gloves or pogies
  • spare glasses or contacts
  • camera
  • binoculars
  • journal, pen, pencil
  • book
  • chocolate
  • beer, wine, liqueur, etc.
 
Sleeping Bag
As with clothing we highly recommend a synthetic bag as apposed to a down or cotton bag. A 3-season bag will suffice and please be sure to have a stuff sac or compression sack to store it in.
 
Gourmet Meals
Our guides do all the cooking and we provide all the food for gourmet meals, snacks, and beverages. Yes, we can accommodate many dietary requirements. Just remember to let us know what they are when you send in your Medical and Personal Information forms.
 
The only other thing you need to bring is an enthusiasm for adventure and an open mind ready to embrace the unexpected!
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