5-Day SUP Expedition Training — Vargas Island, Clayoquot Sound

Immerse yourself in one of Canada’s most rugged and inspiring coastal landscapes on this 5-day SUP touring training course based around the wild shores of Vargas Island, just north of Tofino. Designed for paddlers looking to advance their overnight touring and expedition skills, this west coast training experience combines hands-on learning with the raw beauty of Clayoquot Sound’s outer coast.

Whether you're a dedicated adventurer ready to elevate your SUP touring confidence, or a Paddle Canada Flatwater Instructor working toward your Touring Instructor certification, this course builds the essential foundation for safe, effective, and rewarding multi-day leadership. Throughout the week, we focus on coastal decision-making, weather and swell interpretation, route planning, technical paddling efficiency, safety and rescue, and group management—while travelling through a spectacular and dynamic environment.

A Rugged Island Classroom

After loading our boards on the morning of Day 1, we paddle into the traditional waters of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation for a full circumnavigation of Vargas Island—weather and conditions permitting. Vargas is the ideal SUP touring classroom: a place where long stretches of gleaming white-sand beaches meet exposed outer-coast swell, rocky headlands, and calm, protected inlets. It’s a landscape that demands awareness and good decision-making while rewarding paddlers with dramatic coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable sunsets over the open Pacific.

Build Skills. Gain Confidence. Explore Deeply.

Each day blends experiential learning with real expedition travel. You’ll refine your stroke efficiency on open crossings, practice navigation and hazard assessment along rugged shorelines, and develop the judgment required for dynamic coastal touring. Evenings on the beach bring campcraft, route planning sessions, and time to unwind as the sun drops into the ocean—one of the west coast’s true gifts.

This is a challenging and inspiring week designed to accelerate your development as a touring paddler and leader. We look forward to sharing the beauty of Vargas Island with you and supporting your growth on the water.

Norm Hann Expeditions is excited to have Andrew Woodford leading our Vargas Island Expedition. Born near the Himalayas, Andrew has always chased adventure and innovation. A founding contributor to SKILS (Sea Kayak Instruction and leadership systems) he has also helped launch a whitewater kayak company and Power to Be, expanding access to nature for people facing barriers. He played an early role in shaping Paddle Canada’s sea kayak program introduction instructor training courses across Canada and previously held Level-4 Instructor, Level-2 Instructor Trainer, and SKGABC Level-3 Lead Guide certifications while running SKGABC guide training courses on the BC coast.

Over the last 15 years, Andrew has focused on Stand-Up Paddling, Touring the east and west coast of Vancouver Island, earning advanced flatwater and SUP surf credentials. After 14 years at MEC as a paddling and climbing manager and trainer, he brings deep industry experience, along with a passion for sharing knowledge as an author and illustrator in the paddle sports world. Currently Andrew is sharing his knowledge and passion through the Outdoor Education and Experiential Education programs with Students at St. Michaels University on Vancouver Island. When not teaching or creating, he’s exploring new waves and routes with his family.

This training-focused expedition is designed for paddlers with existing flatwater SUP experience who are ready to advance into the world of coastal touring and multi-day travel. If you’re looking to build confidence in dynamic environments, refine your expedition skills, and experience the thrill of travelling self-supported, this course is an ideal next step.

Participants are required to carry all of their own gear and pack their own food for the journey. Daily paddling distances typically range from 10–20 km, depending on weather and sea conditions, so you should feel comfortable managing a fully loaded touring board.

This is excellent preparation for anyone interested in joining one of our longer multi-day expeditions, planning their own independent SUP adventure, or working toward Paddle Canada Touring Instructor certification. It’s also a perfect choice for those simply seeking a rewarding learning vacation—an opportunity to slow down, develop new skills, and immerse yourself in the rugged coastal beauty of Vargas Island.

A $300 non refundable deposit is required at the time of booking with full payment, auto billed,  due 60 days prior to the trip start date. A full refund will be issued less deposit if you cancel at least 60 days prior to the trip start date. Cancellation less than 60 days prior to the first day of the trip will result in the full loss of the trip fee.  Please purchase travel insurance to secure protection for your trip in case you need to cancel for any reason including medical.