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"My kayak trip with Brian
was the experience of a
lifetime! Thank you all so
much for putting together
such a stellar course!"
-Sonya G.
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-Sea Cucumber.
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Caribbean Sea Kayaking; Leadership & Guide Training Course
(12 & 24 days)
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The Caribbean coast of Mexico hosts one of the richest ecological preserves in North America. Ancient Mayan ruins dot the landscape of remote beaches, waterways, savannahs, and tropical forests. We’ll explore the lagoons, magnificent reefs and pristine coastline in kayaks, on foot, and with snorkels.
Imagine paddling through lagoons rife with rare aquatic birds, snorkeling among vibrant reefs or relaxing on remote island beaches in the Caribbean. The combination of warm winter temperatures, rich natural history, and unique coastal environment, make this course ideal for people looking to develop their wilderness kayaking skills.
This comprehensive sea kayaking course is the perfect setting to achieve your goals whether you are looking to become a professional guide, hone your technical abilities for personal adventures, or expand your leadership skills. It focuses on teaching students to be safe, efficient, knowledgeable and confident outdoor leaders in a tropical coastal environment.
Course Location The course begins and ends in Cancun, Q.R., Mexico. The southeastern shores of the Yucatán peninsula are home to the 1 million acre world heritage site known as Sian Ka’an. In the language of the Mayan peoples, Sian Ka’an means 'Origin of the Sky'.
Sian Ka’an consists of 1.3 million acres, with 62 miles of coast protected forever in its pristine condition, including the second longest reef in the world, beaches, a lagoon, savannah and rare wildlife. This biosphere reserve also contains and abundance tropical forests, mangroves and marshes. The warm Caribbean waters are intersected by one of the largest barrier reefs in the northern hemisphere and the snorkeling here is world class.
Sian Ka’an has remarkably rich flora and a fauna including over 300 species of birds and large terrestrial vertebrates such as jaguars, pumas, tapir, margay, and ocelots. The beaches are visited by loggerhead and leatherback turtles; rare West Indian manatees may be seen offshore. This remarkable region provides for a great learning environment in coastal and reef ecology and an incredible sea kayaking adventure.
The Instructors and Guides of IWLS are widely recognized as some of the very best in their field and have practical leadership experience from around the globe. They are well trained and have an uncommon enthusiasm for sharing their skill and knowledge, borne out of a passion for outdoor exploration.
The International Wilderness Leadership Schools' educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world class.
The IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership. Here are a few points that your course will focus on.
Decision Making and Problem Solving: Over the course of 12 or 24 days, we’ll discover ways to assess problems, explore solutions and evaluate options in order to make effective and safe decisions in the field.
Expedition Behavior and Group Dynamics: Because this course is a true wilderness expedition, interactions between group members need to be supportive and contribute to the efficacy of the group. The daily dynamics of the group, combined with instruction, will teach participants not only how to be a member of a team, but how to influence and lead an expedition.
Basic Camping Skills: Mastering these essential skills will prove valuable whether you are pitching a tent in gale force winds or melting snow for drinking water.
Navigation: Learn how to take a bearing, read a topographical map, triangulate your position, or navigate in a whiteout.
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Photo: Ted Roxbury |
IWLS Sea Kayaking Curriculum is oriented to providing students with a solid skill set of paddling techniques to be safe and confident in a coastal environment. Here are a few of the topics students will learn on the course.
Maneuvers: When coming in for a rescue, speed and efficiency are of utmost importance. We’ll learn and practice maneuvers such as the low brace turn, bow rudder and hanging draw.
Towing: Whether you are pulling an injured kayaker away from booming surf or lending a helping hand to a seasick client, you’ll learn the finer points of a towing system and the criteria for towing.
Navigation: Expeditions in the tropical lagoons of the Caribbean require solid navigational skills, including how to use deck compasses, read charts and position off land features.
Group Management: Managing a pod of kayaks on a windy day is challenging. You’ll learn techniques for managing safety with a group on the water.
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Photo: Eli Fierer |
IWLS International Curriculum is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of planning and leading expeditions in foreign countries. Here are just a few topics that will be covered:
Cultural History: As visitors to this remarkable place, we place a premium on being respectful and learning about the local culture and history. The rich Mexican history of Mexico provides great insight into the culture of the region today.
Language Skills: The ability to ask directions, purchase items, and communicate on any level is an essential element of leading an expedition to a foreign country. Throughout the course, we’ll develop our Spanish language skills through dialog and lesson plans.
Trip Preparation: Logistics in a foreign country have the potential to be complex and tenuous. You’ll take part in shopping at the local market, arranging transportation, and securing permits in preparation for your expedition to Sian Kaan.
Experience Level: No previous experience is necessary for this course. However, with a desire to learn and an enthusiasm for adventure, this course prepares you for a lifetime of wilderness exploration.
Certifications upon completion of the 24-day course participants may qualify for the following certifications:
 Certified Outdoor Leader
Wilderness Education Association
ACA Certificates of Completion
American Canoe Association
ACA Assessment Levels 1-5
American Canoe Association
24 Day Guide Training Certificate of Completion
International Wilderness Leadership School
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Click Here for all available certifications.
University credit is available for this and other IWLS courses.
Consider combining three 24-day courses for an IWLS semester!
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