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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.

2027 coaching team — announced soon. We confirm the roster once the season schedule is set. Ratios stay the same regardless: small groups, high coach-to-paddler ratio, all sessions led by working professionals.

Itinerary

Each day has a set location and a menu of options. Groups are formed on the day, and each group picks its option at the morning briefing based on the conditions in front of us — so the location is fixed, but what you do there isn't decided until the morning.

Evening before
Wed, Sept 1
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 2
Lion's Head
Options: skills and rolling; touring skills along the coast; rock gardening and rescues in the features.
Day 2
Fri, Sept 3
Tobermory
Touring day. Options: the Russell Islands — Small, Medium and Large; Cove Island and the Gut; Flowerpot Island.
Day 3
Sat, Sept 4
Lyal Island
Options: rolling and boat control; a deep dive on control strokes; touring and live scenarios.
Day 4
Sun, Sept 5
Cape Croker
Options: rolling, skills, games and a good time to finish. 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
  • Four locations across the peninsula — Lion's Head, Tobermory, Lyal Island, Cape Croker
  • 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 set in advance; the session your group runs there is chosen at the morning briefing based on conditions
  • 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?
Lion's Head, Tobermory, Lyal Island, and Cape Croker — one location per day, in that order. Within each location there are several options, and your group picks one at the morning briefing based on the conditions that day.
Who are the coaches?
The 2027 roster is confirmed closer to the season and posted here once it's set. Every session is led by working professional instructors and full-time guides, at the same small-group ratios we've always run.
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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