ADV24110

Sea kayaking places us in intimate contact with the coastal environment and its characteristic interactions between land and sea. Kayakers are as much in the sea as they are upon it. This unique perspective allows us to experience the power of the ocean's physical nature as well as giving us the opportunity to closely observe the living communities in the water and on shore. This course is an introductory exploration of sea kayak touring and study of coastal environments. Topics for study include nautical geography, moon phases, tides and currents, wind and waves, and an introduction to habitats including nearshore waters, estuaries, rocky and sandy intertidal zones. Kayak topics include an exploration of the cultural context for the development of kayak craft, and paddling, touring, rescue, and navigation techniques drawn from the rich, thousand-year history of sea kayaking. Students can expect to complete the course at a level II-III ACA.BCU standard.This course occurs on the Gulf of California in Mexico. Students must have a valid passport throughout the duration of the program. Students must be able to swim.