COURSE OVERVIEW

Course Number

NEAK-2521

Date

March 12, 2025 - March 17, 2025

Ten Thousand Island Sea Kayaking

This six-day sea kayaking expedition takes students through a maze of lush mangrove tunnels in a land of contrast: between tropic and semi-tropic, land and sea, and salt and fresh water. Participants will work together as they learn to read tide charts and maps, explore fragile and unique ecosystems, cook and set-up camp on white sandy beaches under the stars and paddle to new areas each day within the Ten Thousand Islands in Southern Florida.

Activities

SEA KAYAKING

You can expect to spend a good deal of time each day in kayaks. We use both single and tandem kayaks. Each student will have an opportunity to spend time in both vessels. Depending on the wind and weather, the level of difficulty will most likely vary day to day. You and your crewmates will practice:

  • marine expedition risk assessment and management.
  • marine route planning and navigation.
  • paddle strokes and techniques for kayak propulsion and steering.
  • kayak-based assisted rescues and self-rescues.
  • sea kayak expedition equipment use, care and maintenance.

It will be necessary for you and your crewmates to perform a swim assessment; as well as a flip and swim assessment as practice for paddling and self-rescue. This activity is closely monitored by your instructors. It is critical for us to determine your paddling comfort as you and your crew explore the islands. Even if you are a non-swimmer or weak swimmer, you will still participate in this safety assessment. All students will be wearing personal floatation devices (PFDs) during the assessment. Personal floatation devices (PFDs) are required apparel anytime students are on the water.

FINAL CHALLENGE EVENT

At the end of your course, you may participate in a final challenge event. This is an opportunity to see how much your skills have improved since you began your course.

SERVICE

Service will be a continuous theme throughout your course. The ethic of service is practiced through Leave No Trace camping techniques, reaching out with compassion to your fellow crewmates and working together as a team to overcome the challenges of Outward Bound.

SOLO

Solo typically occurs more than halfway through your course and may last up to 24 hours. Your instructors will assign each participant an individual campsite within a designated area. Your instructors will teach you procedures to follow during solo and monitor you during this experience. You will know the location of your instructors’ campsite should you need to contact them; otherwise it is essential that you remain in your designated area. If your course has an overnight solo you will have your clothing, food and water.  In addition, you will have Outward Bound issued gear: including rain gear, shelter, sleeping bag, compass and whistle. You will not be physically active during solo, as solo is a time for rest, recharge and reflection. Solo is also a good time to write in the journals we provide. If you have questions or concerns, please discuss with your Student Services Representative or your instructors.