Nova Scotia Skills Trip, June 11-15, 2022

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As we move into a new year, I have felt it appropriate to offer up the opportunity that was cancelled last year due to COVID. Have you thought of taking your skills to the ocean but don’t know where to begin? I know that moving from the Great Lakes paddling environment to an ocean can be daunting. I have partnered with Committed 2 the Core sea kayak coaching to offer a unique opportunity to build confidence and explore the many paddling opportunities that are available in South Western Nova Scotia. Join me for 5 days of paddling in one of the most versatile paddling regions in Canada.

Aims of the program:
• Build confidence in a variety of different paddling conditions (including surf and tidal environment)
• Build confidence in chart reading and route finding
• Build confidence and control when performing rescues in dynamic water
• Enjoy Nova Scotia and all it has to offer

Possible paddling locations during this program:

Argyle River – The Argyle river tidal feature offers paddlers an opportunity to work in a controlled tidal environment. The location uses old bridge pillars where the ebb tide is constricted between them, creating 4 distinct jets of water. As the tide drops, the current increases causing the tidal feature to change and become more challenging. At most tidal levels, a small standing wave is formed.

Lobster Bay – This area located in Lower Argyle has plenty of coastal islands to explore and visit during a day on the water. The area provides an opportunity for paddlers to do day trips around the many islands, visiting a few lighthouses along the way. Lobster Bay also provides a unique opportunity to do night navigation during the program.

Cape Sable Island – The island is connected to the mainland at Barrington and is a hidden gem. The island offers large barrier breaches, several sea kayak surfing beaches, the highest lighthouse in Nova Scotia “The Hawk”, and plenty of places to visit on day paddles.

Cape Forchu – This area is a rugged portion of rocks located at the entrance of Yarmouth Harbour. It offers a wide variety of environments to work in. The Lighthouse is a tourism icon and provides a great background for fantastic pictures.

Tusket Islands – This area is an archipelago of islands littered with small fisherman shanties which boost an amazing history centered around the Acadian culture. Leadership, tidal planning, and tide races are just a few options for this area.

Cost: $1200 per person (5 days of coaching with 5 Nights of Accommodations at a local AirBnB).

Program fee does not include kayak rental, travel or meals. Kayak rentals can be arranged for those who wish to fly in. Limited space is available for kayak and gear transportation as well.

Should you be interested or have further questions concerning this trip, please contact me directly at the email provided.

I look forward to paddling with you in Nova Scotia.

Trip Organizer:    Barry Butcher (barry.butcher@gmail.com)
Trip Type:   Instructional – B2/3, See GLSKA Trip Classification
Group Size:   max. 8 participants
Meeting Location:   Halifax, NS
Meeting Time:           N/A
Trip Maps/Charts:     N/A

TO SIGN UP, PLEASE CONTACT THE TRIP ORGANIZER

GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.