Bay of Fundy & Nova Scotia’s South 14-29 August, 2019

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We will meet near Bangor Maine and proceed the following day to Blacks Harbour where we will take a car ferry to the remote and peaceful island of Grand Manan and Anchorage PP campground.  The Grand Manan Archipelago is geologically rugged and promises dramatic coastal kayaking, or hiking in case of persistent fog.  Finback, humpback, minke, and the rare North Atlantic right wales, harbour porpoises, white-sided and white beaked dolphins, harbour and grey seals abound around Grand Manan.

After several days we will leave Grand Manan and make for our next base, a four night stay at a cottage in West Pubnico, Nova Scotia. In the Yarmouth/Shelburne area we will enjoy two coaching sessions (per individual fees apply) and day paddles. The south coast is sprinkled with many little islands and coves to explore.  Shallow waters, numerous shoals, 4+ meter tides, combined with changeable weather will dictate where, and determine if, we will paddle on any given day.

The next leg of our adventure will take us to a three night stay at a campground in the Queens/Lunenburg areas of Nova Scotia where we will enjoy an additional coaching session and day paddles exploring the area.

The trip will culminate with a two night stay at Fundy NP and a visit to Hopewell Rocks.  We will consider the 40’ tidal range and strong currents before deciding whether or not to paddle in this area.

Paddling on the ocean is very unforgiving, especially where the tidal currents are strong, the water is cold (it’s about 11 degrees) and the coast exposed.  If the water is calm you can paddle safely, however conditions can deteriorate very quickly.  Ocean paddling requires more from the paddler than fresh water paddling. The paddler must be prepared:   with good equipment, knowledge of local conditions, willingness to paddle in fog, and with an understanding of how quickly things can go tragically wrong in a very short time.  Air temperatures average between 11 and 21 degrees in late August and rain is possible several times each day. Participants must be capable of self-rescues, of paddling 10 to 25 km against a current, be comfortable paddling in one meter waves in moderate to strong winds and crossings of up to 3 km.  Wet or dry suits are mandatory.  Participants are responsible for their own gear, drinking water, food and transportation.

Due to their popularity as tourist destinations and the limited accommodations available, reservations must be made by the end of March.  Please note that funds for coaching sessions, ferries and accommodations will be collected in advance of booking.  If you are interested in joining us on this trip, please contact me as soon as possible.

Trip Organizer:  Victoria Best   victoriaahb@yahoo.ca

Trip Type:  Exploratory/Instructional

Trip Classification:  GLSKA Trip Classification:  C-2 Ocean Paddling

Group Size:  max. 8 participants

PLEASE CONTACT THE TRIP ORGANIZER FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL.

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.