One- and two-day events require full fee at time of registration. Registration fee is refundable minus $20 processing fee until 14 days before the event. From 14 days to 7 days before the event refund will be half of total, no refunds will be given after 7 days unless your spot fills. If your spot fills, you may have a refund minus $20 processing fee. Rescheduling is encouraged.

Baja events require deposit of half at time of registration. Full amount is due 30 days before trip. Registration fee is refundable minus $200 processing fee until 30 days before the event. From 30 days to 14 days before the event refund will be half of total, no refunds will be given after 14 days unless your spot fills. If your spot fills, you may have a refund minus $50 processing fee. Rescheduling is encouraged.

Please arrive 15 minutes to half an hour before your lesson or tour, and allow that it may run over by up to an hour.

Discounts
-Combine two half-day classes on the same day for just $115.
-Repeat a class within the same year for half price (except square water workshop).
-Frequent Flyer: Between May 1 and September 30, take three classes or tours, and subsequent classes or tours that year are 15% off.

Skill Level Rating
based on new (2008) BCU star awards

Level I programs are generally scheduled for mornings or days with little tidal movement, or in protected lakes or creeks. No experience necessary.
New BCU One Star - "A Flat water award that demonstrates an individual has basic boat control and foundation skills.The one star can be taken in any kind of paddlesport craft (e.g. sit-on-top, slalom C2, polo boat, sea kayak, racing canoe etc.)"

Level II tours may experience light wind (8kts), small waves (1'), or moderate current (1kt). Level 2 tours build on the basics introduced at level 1. Calm capsize and reentry experience is required.
New BCU Two Star - "An improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water interact. This award is significantly different to the old 2 star, with a change to develop generic movement skills that can transfer to any discipline .... ie. in a variety of craft."

Level III programs take advantage of afternoon wind (15kts, waves 2-3') or greater tidal action (2kts).
New BCU Three Star - "Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate can consider themselves an intermediate paddler rather than a beginner. Unlike the existing award this will be discipline specific with awards in Sea, Surf, Canoe, WW Kayak, FW Kayak and some of the competitive disciplines. The three star paddler will be a competent performer in sheltered to moderate water environments and have the ability to paddle unsupervised, with similar standard paddlers on sheltered water. The new award will look similar in structure to the existing 4 star, but with the skills applicable in an easier environment."

Level IV programs require well-refined paddling skills as they venture into surf, strong wind, or dramatic current. They may require or build navigation skills, and contain strong elements of group interdependence.

Link to BCU star award syllabi

June-September:
One quart plastic water bottle (full)
Lunch for full day events, snacks
Sunscreen and lip protection
Sunglasses with strap
Hat for rain and sun
Paddling jacket or rain jacket
Non-cotton shirts (2) for layering (wool, pile, polypro, other synthetic)
Non-cotton pants (nylon, wool, spandex, fleece)
Eyeglass strap
noseplugs (optional)
Sandals with heel strap or neoprene booties, or tennies that can get wet
Wool or fleece socks
Swimsuit (optional, but makes a quick-drying under-layer)
Towel
Change of clothes for the trip home
Wetsuit if you have one
Gloves for blister protection (optional)
Drybag if you have one
Camera, film, binoculars

The Other Months:
Drysuit if you have one
More and warmer non-cotton layers
Shatterproof thermos with hot drink
Warm paddling gloves or pogies

Evening and Moonlight Paddles:
Flashlight or headlamp
Warm non-cotton clothes

Wetsuit, paddling jacket, and pogies available


Custom Lessons and Tours