Ten Thousand Islands Sea Kayaking for Adults
This sea kayaking course is designed to help you unplug, reconnect with yourself and nature, and live in the moment.
On this expedition, you will be paddling through lush mangrove tunnels in a land of contrast: between tropic and semi-tropic, land and sea and salt and fresh water. You and your crew will learn to work together to read tide charts, explore unique ecosystems, cook and set-up camp on white sandy beaches under the stars as you paddle to new areas each day. You will also learn about what makes the Ten Thousand Islands famous worldwide, the unique environmental value of the area and how we can better take care of it.
During adult courses, Instructors often facilitate the sharing of life experiences amongst the group and design activities to allow for participants to examine where they’ve been, where they are now and where they’d like to go in the future. These courses are perfect for those who find themselves at a transition point in their lives, need a fresh new outlook, or want to remind themselves there is more in them than they know.
**Considerations: Outward Bound sea kayaks typically accommodate participants who are up to 6 feet tall, 275 lbs and size 12 men’s shoe. If you exceed these measurements, our sea kayaks may not accommodate you.
NOTE: Outward Bound strongly recommends that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date as defined by the CDC prior to arriving to their course start. For all open enrollment courses beginning on or after April 15, 2023, Outward Bound will no longer require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For questions regarding this policy please see this page or call us at 866-467-7651.
UPCOMING COURSES
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For detailed information on course availability statuses and what they mean, click here.
Course # NEAK-323
Age 18 and up
Days 6
Cost $2,010
Dates 12.28.23 - 1.2.24
Course # NEAK-2421
Age 18 and up
Days 6
Cost $2,010
Dates 2.6.24 - 2.11.24
Course # NERK-2421
Age 30 and up
Days 6
Cost $2,010
Dates 3.5.24 - 3.10.24
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date.
Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
In fielding a lot of questions along the lines of, ‘Why on Earth would you want to do something like that?’ I was able to answer easily…’for the experience. While the brain craves order and finds comfort in patterns, it’s critical and healthy to throw ourselves for a loop every now and again, lest we find ourselves in a rut.’ I once read that the only difference between a rut and a grave is its depth. A rather ominous warning, don’t you think? These kinds of experiences provide time and space to see what’s working, what might need some tweaking and what needs eliminating. It is most excellent time spent getting to ‘know thyself.’
On this course, students will be navigating the Florida Everglades, carrying everything they need in the hull of their sea kayak. Both single and tandem kayaks will be used and students will have the opportunity to spend time in both vessels. Depending on the wind and weather, the level of difficulty will vary from day to day. Crews will practice marine expedition risk assessment and management, route planning, navigation, paddle stroke techniques, kayak-based rescues and equipment use and its care. Once beached, the crew will practice cooking and Leave No Trace camping before tucking in for the night.
A little more than halfway through course, students will participate in a reflection period called Solo. During this time, Instructors assign students their own individual spaces within a designated area. These sites are both secluded and within hearing distance of other group members and Instructors for safety. Students will be given all the necessary gear, food, water and skills to enjoy this time alone. Solo is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge and reflect on their course after having long days of strenuous group activities. They also know the location of their Instructors should they need to contact them for any reason. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this experience.
Everglades National Park, Florida
This course takes place off the west coast of southern Florida in Everglades National Park and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. As the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and the third-largest national park in the lower 48 states, the Everglades provides a variety of precious wildlife habitats. The aquatic preserve hosts more than 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, and 40 species of mammals within its confines. Everglades National Park is one of only three locations in the world to show up on lists of International Biosphere Reserves, Wetlands of an International Importance, and World Heritage Sites. As a subtropical region, The Everglades have a 12-month growing season. The Florida peninsula is believed to be the last part of the continental United States to rise from the ocean, making it the youngest region geologically and only Alaska can claim a longer shoreline. The Everglades have mild and pleasant temperatures from December through April, with low humidity and clear skies. Temperatures reach average highs of 88 degrees and lows of 54 degrees throughout. These regions are the ancestral lands of the Calusa, Miccosukee, and Seminole nations.
Course Stories
In fielding a lot of questions along the lines of, ‘Why on Earth would you want to do something like that?’ I was able to answer easily…’for the experience. While the brain craves order and finds comfort in patterns, it’s critical and healthy to throw ourselves for a loop every now and again, lest we find ourselves in a rut.’ I once read that the only difference between a rut and a grave is its depth. A rather ominous warning, don’t you think? These kinds of experiences provide time and space to see what’s working, what might need some tweaking and what needs eliminating. It is most excellent time spent getting to ‘know thyself.’
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Getting Started
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.