How?

How do you sign up?

We are accepting registrations on a first come, first served basis and aiming for 12 participants.

To register, send a $100 non-refundable cheque made payable to Briercrest College.
Mailing Address: Briercrest Adventure Students c/o Steve Allen, 510 College Dr., Caronport, SK, S0H 0S0.

Total trip cost is $375. Your balance ($275) is due by Dec. 15.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Carrie at cadeega@yahoo.com or call her at 603-397-2205 (note: this is a US number).

Once you are registered for the trip, we will send you a trip information packet that includes a medical form and waiver that we will need filled out and returned to us.

As can be seen in this picure, your guides will prepare finger licking good food for you!

What?

What should you expect?

This expedition is one of North America's favorite winter sea-kayaking trips. And deservedly so! It offers the adventurer 7 glorious days voyaging up and down the western coasts of one of the most appealing islands in state of the art expedition sea-kayaks. The rugged shoreline, off-shore islands and series of headlands and deep bays make each day a new adventure. The west coast of Espiritu is studded with some of the most spectacular white, sandy bays. After paddling approximately 3-4 hours each day we will have plenty of time to enjoy fantastic snorkeling, to swim with sea lion pups, hike intriguing volcanic arroyos, bathe in the glorious Baja sun, watch manta rays leap up out of the water, admire a school of dolphins, explore hidden inland lagoons and relax in great company..... Isla Espiritu Santo really is paddling in paradise!

Day One - Meet together at BOA to go over gear and organize boat shuttle. The boat shuttle leaves from La Paz, and takes us to the western tip of Isla Espiritu Santos. After lunch on our first beach site, the leaders will take you through 'kayak school'. Whether a beginner or seasoned kayaker, this time will provide opportunity to practice and refine kayak strokes, wet exits and rescues. We will camp at this site and set up tents after kayak school.

Day Two - We embark on our first paddle beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at the another of many beautiful beaches to set up camp.

Day Three - Continue voyage to the end of the island, stopping off to take a refreshing well water shower, hike up a wonderful canyon to discover fascinating rock formations. Continue paddle over to Isla Partida and set base camp for two days on north end of the island.

Day Four - This is our lay over day - time to relax those paddling muscles! Today we take a short paddle to a beautiful off shore island which is home to a large sea lion colony. Experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish.

Day Five - Start paddling back down the island, while continuing to explore small off shore islands where numerous sea birds nest. Camp on a new beach.

Day Six - In the afternoon we arrive at our favorite camp spot ~ a magnificent 2 mile stretch of superb sweeping white sand. Last night camping.

Day Seven - Final morning sea-kayaking to complete our trip. We will paddle the 4.5 mile crossing back to mainland, where BOA will pick us up and return us to La Paz. Check in to your hotel. Time to shop for souvenirs before a farewell dinner together.

See pictures at the bottom of the blog for a glimpse of what this looks like!

What do you need to bring?

Participant Gear List: (taken from BOA - http://www.kayactivities.com/bring.htm )

Clothing General

We recommend that your clothing is made of synthetic material such as capilene, nylon etc. for quick drying.
Shorts (1 or 2 pairs)
A couple of t-shirts
Fleece & long pants
Foot wear: Tevas and hiking shoes
Shorty wetsuit (Recommended Mid Dec-April)
Swimsuit and towel
Rain jacket (optional Dec-Feb)
Lycra suit for snorkeling to avoid jelly fish stings.

Miscellaneous

Compact Sleeping Bag in stuff bag
Thermarest or sleeping pad (rentals available)
Sun glasses (with leash)
Sun hat/visor/bandana
Personal water bottle
Mug
Camera and films (ziplock bag to carry camera with you)
Flashlight/Headlight
Notebook/Pencil
Reading Book
Paddling gloves (optional)

Toiletries

Sun cream
After sun cream
Small first aid kit
Insect Repellent (Skin so Soft works well)
Prescription Drugs
Toothbrush/Paste
Shampoo/Conditioner - Biodegradable
Deodorant
Washcloth/towelettes
Personal Hygiene items
Diarrhea medicine
Lip Balm

Travel Essentials

ID/Passport
Airline tickets
Money belt/pouch
Credit Card (note: There are ATM's all over La Paz - this is the easiest way to get local currency).
Do not bring travelers checks as not many places will accept them (banks also don't accept them).

Available Rental Gear:

BOA has a limited supply of the following items - please advise early if you wish to reserve anything:
Therma rest sleeping pads
Dry Bags
Snorkeling Gear ~ (Rental rates: Quick Escape = $20US, Week trip = $30US)
Wet suits ~ (Rental rates: Week trip = $40US)
Lycra suits ~ (Rental rates: Week trip = $30US)

Why?

Why join us in La Paz? This trip is an amazing (& affordable) opportunity to participate in the learning and leadership develpment of the adventure students. The purpose of the adventure program, and this course specifically, is to see the students grow as adventure leaders. By joining us, you are giving us the opportunity to 'go public' with our learning. We aim to share with one another and you as we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, God & others by providing a unique and challenging opportunity through this sea kayak trip.

And who doesn't want to escape to Mexico in January!?!

When?

The trip takes place from January 5th-11th.

This means you should arrive in La Paz on January 4th, and plan on leaving January 12th.

Stay posted for accomodations suggestions for your 2 nights in La Paz. There are excellent Bed & Breakfasts in La Paz, such as the one pictured below!

Where?

La Paz, Baja, Mexico

La Paz (Spanish for Peace), the heavenly capital of the state of Baja California Sur, lies in northwest Mexico. It is one of the main cities of the southeastern Baja California Peninsula region and is located 220 km (136 mi) north of Los Cabos and 1464 km (907 mi) south of Tijuana. The average year-round temperature is 24º C (75º F).

For flights, many find it is more economical to fly to Cabos San Lucas (SJD - San Jose Cabo, Mexico) and bus to La Paz (there are buses every hour that cost app. $14 one way).

www.cabotips.com/publictransportation.htm

La Isla Espirtu Santo (Island of the Holy Spirit)

This 23,383-acre island near La Paz is centered in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world and is a major environmental success story. Several plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world, including the blacktailed jack rabbit and antelope squirrel. Take a guided walk among the tangle of exotic cacti, or swim, snorkel, and kayak the crystal clear sea here that supports 900 species of fish.

Who?

Your leaders will either be the dynamic team of Mike Fehr and Kailey Thompson or Jon Lampard, all overseen by Carrie McGown. All your leaders are Wilderness First Responders and hold Bronze Medallion swimming certifications. The leaders will spend a week prior to your arrival becoming acquainted with the area and activity, so that they are fully equipped to introduce you to this beautiful area!

Mike Fehr is a 3rd year adventure student from Prince George, BC. Mike's passions are snowboarding and wakeboarding. He has spent summers in the forestry industry and working at Ness Lake Bible Camp.

Kailey Thompson is also a 3rd year adventure student, coming from Victoria, BC. Kailey has also spent summers working at Ness Lake Bible Camp and this past summer was a treeplanter. Her favourite outdoor activities are snowboarding, camping and playing in the forest.

Jon Lampard is also a 3rd year adventure student, also from Victoria, BC. Jon has spent his summers ministering at Camp Imadene and loves backpacking and whitewater canoeing.

Carrie McGown is a PhD student at University of New Hampshire, and has been an instructor at Briercrest College since 1998. She has spent over 22 months in the wilderness, including her 9000km cross-Canada canoe trip. She is a sea kayak guide and whitewater canoe guide for Black Feather and has sea kayaked in the Baja before and can't wait to introduce others to this amazing spot!

Photos from Carrie's 2005 trip