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Patagonia Sea Kayaking; Leadership & Guide Training Course
(12 & 24 days)
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No place on earth compares to the wild, untouched landscape and rugged beauty of Patagonia. The dynamic weather and terrain of this glaciated wilderness make for exceptional sea kayak expeditions.
Imagine navigating through intricate fjords and passageways of a glacially carved landscape, experiencing the long austral summer days, and kayaking around icebergs broken off from the massive tidewater glaciers.
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 coastal environment.
Course Location Patagonia, a land of legendary allure and mystique, is home to lofty Andean peaks, massive glaciers, and a primeval wilderness area. Tidewater glaciers spill off of the 3rd largest non-polar ice cap in the world and shape the majestic fjords and waterways of Patagonia. Students will explore this verdant landscape and travel by lush temperate rainforests, giant icebergs, and waterfalls cascading down sweeping granite walls.
Puerto Natales is the starting point for our sea kayaking expedition into the fjords of Patagonia. Interactions with the friendly people of the region give insight into the culture that has changed little over the last 100 years.
The fjords of Patagonia have dense forests of laurels, magnolias, beeches, and a variety of conifers. This UNESCO world heritage site hosts endemic Chilean species such as the monkey-puzzle tree and the pinelike araucaria. Andean condors or albatross may be spotting soaring the high above the fjords. The Andean wolf, the foxlike chilla, guanaco, and puma are some of the large mammals found in the area. The vibrant marine ecosystem supports orcas, sea lions, and some six species of seals.
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.
Leadership: Opportunities to lead the group will be abundant, and you’ll have the time to learn and practice multiple styles of leadership in varied situations.
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.
Weather: Will the storm arrive in the next 12 hours or the next 48? Understanding weather patterns and trends will help you plan successful trips in a wilderness setting.
Trip Planning: The first day of the 24-day course is devoted to planning, packing, and organizing the logistics, food, and equipment for the expedition.
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Photo: Henry Cookson |
IWLS 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.
Braces: Paddling in rough conditions requires solid bracing skills. We’ll learn and practice the low brace, high brace and sculling brace in a fun, controlled environment.
Rescues: What happens when you’re paddling with clients in the frigid waters of Patagonia and a boat capsizes? We’ll learn everything from the paddle-float rescue to the assisted bow rescue to kayak rolling.
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.
Tides and Currents: Patagonia is home to some of the largest tidal changes in South America. We’ll learn about tide charts, the “Rule of 12’s”, and how to identify and avoid strong currents.
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Photo: Darsie Culbeck |
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 location, we place a premium on being respectful and learning about the local culture and history.
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 the fjords of Patagonia.
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
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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