Rock Climbing & Kayaking Trip Information - Vancouver Island
DATES: MAY 11-14th, 2026
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIP: Students will be divided into two groups, with each group spending two full days rock climbing and two days in ocean kayaks. The groups will either begin with two days of climbing or paddling, and then “flip-flop” after the end of the programing on Tuesday. Students will spend their days rock climbing and paddling in the outdoors with ACMG guides at local outdoor climbing areas, including Fleming Beach and Nanaimo River, and kayaking launching from Gyro Beach. This program will run during school day hours, with the exception of an early departure for the climbing days at Nanaimo River.
ITINERARY: Note: This is a tentative schedule that may change due to weather, wind, transportation, etc.
Pre-trip meeting: Friday, May 8th during homeroom, students will go over details of the trip and be given gear lists.
Rock Climbing Schedule
Day 1/3, May 11/13th: Meet at CROTHALL building at 8:30 am. Students will travel by SMUS bus to Fleming Beach, Esquimalt for rock climbing and return to SMUS by 3:30pm
Days 2/4: May 12/14th: Rock climbing at Nanaimo River, Sunnyside climbing area. Students will depart SMUS at 7:30am to allow for travel time to Nanaimo, and will return to SMUS by 3:30pm.
Paddling Schedule:
Days 1-4: Students meet at Derby Building to gear up, with a bus departing to Gyro beach at 9:15am and returning to Derby by 3:30pm.
GROUP EQUIPMENT: The guides will bring activity-specific equipment for the group. This will include kayaks, safety gear and paddling equipment. Rock climbing guides will also provide all climbing equipment including ropes, harnesses, helmets and climbing shoes. The guides will also bring emergency response equipment (emergency communication device, first aid kit…).
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT: All climbing gear and protective helmets will be provided by our ACMG Certified climbing guides. Students should dress for the weather and wear clothes they are comfortable to climb and paddle in. A gear list for the day trips will be provided to students during a pre-trip meeting on May 8th.
NO ELECTRONICS/PHONES: Students should not bring any electronics or phones on the day trips. This includes airpods or similar headphones.
For photography, if a student would like to bring a dedicated camera (digital, analogue, or disposable), they may bring that with them during the activity.
MEALS/FOOD: Day students should pack lunches for each day, as well as all snacks and bring at least 1 litre of water. Boarding students will be provided with a lunch and snacks.
TRANSPORTATION: Students will be traveling by school bus to all climbing and paddling locations.
TRIP SURCHARGE: The experiential program fee covers expenses for this trip.
STAFFING: SMUS hires ACMG Rock and kayak guides to manage and guide the climbing and kayaking programming.
INSTRUCTOR/STUDENT RATIOS:
1:4 at Rock Climbing site 1:5 kayaking on the ocean.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: This is a school-sponsored outing and school rules will apply. Participants are expected to follow the guidelines set by the instructional staff. A failure to meet these guidelines or a failure to follow school rules may result in the participant being removed from the activity at their own expense.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT: The Leader-in charge has immediate access to: An appropriate first aid kit, Cell phone or pre-established means to communicate with the school or emergency services, Emergency Call Plan, Student Medical Information
EMERGENCY MEDICINE: Students should not be self-administering ANY medication, even if it is part of their own regular routine, without discussing it first with the guides. Students with asthma, severe allergies and medical conditions should bring a clearly labelled set of the appropriate medication and discuss the treatment plan with the guides prior to the trip.
EMERGENCY CONTACT: Reagan Daly 250-686-8700