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Georgian Bay - Big Water Gathering
Georgian Bay - Big Water Gathering

Georgian Bay - Big Water Gathering

$695.00 CAD
Big Water Gathering

Canada's most accessible big water symposium — the best ratio in the country, led by the next generation of sea kayaking leaders. Four days of coached big-water sessions on the Saugeen Peninsula: open-lake swell, surf zones, rock gardens, coastal navigation, and the kind of terrain normally found on the ocean.

Building on the skills you developed in Levels 1 and 2, you'll apply them to real scenarios in open water and dynamic conditions. Base camp included — small group, supportive environment, serious water.

Limited to 16 participants.

4Days
TobermorySaugeen Peninsula
16 MaxParticipants
RentalsAvailable

Your Coaches

Full-time guides and professional instructors who have spent years on the water — bringing depth of experience and fresh perspectives to their teaching. What stands out is not just the skills they share but how they share them.

Iza — Kayak Ontario
Lucas Jones — Wilderness Tours
Jill Graham — Sun Trail
Kathleen Stevack — Kayak Ontario
Evie Stokvis — Kayak Ontario
Aaron Gascoyne — Kayak Ontario

Sample Itinerary

Sessions adapt to conditions and to the group. This is what a good week looks like, not a fixed plan. We confirm the day's location and focus at each morning briefing.

Evening before
Wed, Sept 2
Arrive and set up at base camp. We gather around 7:30 PM for a first hello and the plan for day one. Soft start, no need to sprint.
Day 1
Thu, Sept 3
Edging and supportive strokes. Boat control in elevated sea state. Re-entry in dynamic water. Optional rolling refresher.
Day 2
Fri, Sept 4
Rescues in dynamic water or open-water navigation. Launching and landing scenarios. Towing in elevated sea state.
Day 3
Sat, Sept 5
Coastal navigation. Open crossing and dead reckoning to Cove Island or Flowerpot Island. Group management scenarios.
Day 4
Sun, Sept 6
Rock gardens and cave rescues. Optional rolling in elevated sea state. Wrap up by mid afternoon.

What's Included

  • Four days of coached big-water sessions
  • Camping at Mountain Trout Camp for the duration of the event, provided by them on their land
  • Location selection based on conditions — Lion's Head, Dyer's Bay, Cape Croker, Tobermory
  • Small group format (16 max)

Equipment Needed

Don't own a full coastal kit? No problem. We rent and sell everything on this list.

  • Sea kayak — with two bulkheadsRentals available
  • Drysuit — depending on time of year and conditionsRentals available
  • PFD — mandatory on the waterRentals available
  • Paddle + spray skirtRentals available
  • Helmet — mandatory on the waterRentals available
  • Safety kit — pump, whistle, paddle float, tow lineRent or buy

Good to Know

  • This is not a certification course — it's a coached symposium focused on development in real conditions
  • The symposium takes place on site at Mountain Trout Camp in Tobermory. Camping is included and provided by Mountain Trout Camp on their land, so there is nothing for you to book
  • Locations are weather-dependent and confirmed closer to the date
  • After registration you'll receive a full gear and rental pack with details for kayak and drysuit rentals
  • Food, parking permits, and personal snacks are the responsibility of participants

Prerequisite: Paddle Canada Level 1+ skills. You should be comfortable with wet exits, re-entries, and a full day on the water. Not sure if you're ready? Get in touch.

Start the season right → Kick off your year with the Spring Tune-Up — our spring skills-refresh weekend on the same coastline, focused on shaking off the rust and rebuilding comfort on the water.

Questions

Do I get a certification from this?
No. This is a coached symposium, not a certification course. It builds the skills, hours, and judgment that make your next certification — Level 2, Level 3, or a leadership pathway — more successful.
Where exactly will we paddle?
Locations are weather-dependent. We choose from Lion's Head, Dyer's Bay, Cape Croker, and Tobermory based on conditions — whichever gives the group the best terrain for the day. You'll be notified closer to the date.
Do I need my own kayak or drysuit?
No. We rent and sell everything on the equipment list, from boats and drysuits down to pumps, whistles, and tow lines. After registration you'll receive a gear and rental pack with sizing details. The base price is kept flexible for paddlers who already own their kit.
What about food?
Food is not included. Participants are responsible for their own meals, snacks, and water for each day. Mountain Trout Camp has facilities for cooking at your campsite.
Where do I stay?
On site at Mountain Trout Camp in Tobermory. Camping is included and provided by Mountain Trout Camp on their land, so there is nothing for you to book. If you would rather stay elsewhere in the Tobermory area, that is up to you to arrange.
How big are the conditions?
We work in open-lake swell, wind, surf zones, and coastal features like cliffs and rock gardens. These are real conditions, not simulated. If conditions exceed what's appropriate for the group, we adjust.
I've only done my Level 1. Am I ready?
If you're confident with wet exits, re-entries, and comfortable spending a full day on the water in moderate wind and waves, you're likely ready. If you're unsure, email us and we'll help you figure out the right starting point.

We acknowledge that our courses in Tobermory take place on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabewaki, the Odawa, and the Mississauga peoples, as well as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation — the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. This land is covered by Treaty 45 ½, signed in 1836.

We are especially grateful to spend part of this event in Neyaashiinigmiing, home of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, whose deep connections to these lands and waters continue today.

This acknowledgement, accompanied by action, includes contributions to Indigenous-led organizations that make a lasting impact.

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