Ocean Discovery

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Cloud 9 Adventures

Are you interested in exploring sea kayaking in the ocean? Have you been paddling in protected bays, lakes and rivers but want to see what the ocean is all about? Maybe you have been paddling on the ocean, but only choose the perfect flat water days? If any of this is ringing true for you, we have something new to offer. The Ocean Discovery program is designed for paddlers that have taken some instructional courses and are ready to get out and explore the ocean or explore more days on the ocean by building comfort and confidence with variable sea conditions. We like to call it Kayak Camp for Adults!

This 4 day immersive program is designed to be an introduction to ocean paddling and is focused on paddlers that have had formal sea kayak instruction (Paddle Canada Level-1 or Level-2 Skills) , but have limited (or no) experience paddling in tidal waters and exposed coastline or chooses to steer clear of any wind and waves. It is designed for those looking for a structured program to guide and facilitate the learning required for you how to safely paddle in these waters. All of our programs are lead by highly trained Paddle Canada instructors and the Ocean Discovery program will be facilitated by our lead instructor – Jarrod Gunn McQuillan. He has selected multiple locations in Prince Edward Island and knows these locations are ideal for introducing paddlers to the ocean environment.

We will combine some foundational theory components focused on tides and currents, coastal weather, ocean navigation and trip planning, however, the majority of the time will be spent getting out on the water and building confidence with this thoughtful progression.

We will start but refining our paddling strokes and boat handling techniques as well as working on our safety & rescue skills to sharpen them before we head out to the ocean. After this we will get out and push ourselves a bit to explore paddling in more dynamic water including currents, waves and swell. This progression will use a model of building scaffolding to not only increase your competence, but your confidence as well.

We will explore multiple beautiful locations in Prince Edward Island and visit lighthouses and beautiful coastline as we learn. We will also visit local play spots to safely introduce ourselves to more dynamic water. The program will set up as day trips, with our home base being the newest glamping resort in Prince Edward Island called Nature Space Resort & Retreat Centre. This will provide a comfortable and relaxing location for our theory sessions as well as private hot tubs and on-site sauna to return to after our days of paddling. The resort also has regular yoga classes should you wish to add this to your experience and truly make this a complete learning and relaxation adventure!

We have two program dates for you to choose from. Group size is limited to 6 people. Cloud 9 Adventures uses small group sizes as this helps in creating an optimal learning environment. This ensures a customized and tailored experience that allows every guest to have appropriate attention and focus on their development.

Spring Program Options

Location: Prince Edward Island

Dates: May 18-21, 2023

Full Package – includes 4 days of high quality instruction, 4 nights accommodations at luxury glamping resort

Private Yurt (yurt all by yourself) – $1569/pp + taxes
Shared Yurt (two people) – $1109/pp + taxes (must register with 2 as we do not arrange shared accommodations)

No Accommodations Package – includes 4 days of high quality instruction

$649+tax

Additional Add-On’s

Kayak & Gear Rental available
Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off available
Yoga Classes available on-site
Additional Night stay (if available) – $229/nt

Fall Program Options

Location: Prince Edward Island

Dates: September 10-13, 2023

Full Package – includes 4 days of high quality instruction, 4 nights accommodations at luxury glamping resort

Private Yurt (yurt all by yourself) – $1569/pp + taxes
Shared Yurt (two people) – $1109/pp + taxes (must register with 2 as we do not arrange shared accommodations)

No Accommodations Package Septmeber – includes 4 days of high quality instruction

$649+tax

Additional Add-On’s

Kayak & Gear Rental available
Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off available
Yoga Classes available on-site
Additional Night stay (if available) – $229/nt

Rough Itinerary

As the safety of our paddlers and instructors is our top priority, our schedules are always subject to change based on weather and environmental conditions as well as our group. We have provided an example of a tentative plan so paddlers can get a better sense of how the program will run.

Guests staying in our yurts will arrive before day one and get checked-in and settled to allow them to be prepared for the first day!

Day One – FLATWATER SKILLS

8:30am – 9:30am — Welcome, Introductions, Overview, Goal Setting & Expectations

10:00am – 12:00pm – Stroke Review & Refinement

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lunch

1:00pm – 3:00pm – Rescue Review & Refinement

3:30pm – 5:30pm – Tides & Currents Theory Session

Day Two – PADDLING IN TIDAL CURRENTS

8:00am – 1:30pm – Paddling in Tidal Currents Session at Local Playspot