Basics of Wildlife Tracking with Woodsrunner School of the Wild

"There is a way that nature speaks, that land speaks. Most of the time we are simply not patient enough, quiet enough, to pay attention to the story." (Linda Hogan)

Tracking is an art as ancient and complex as the human mind. Indeed, many believe that tracking helped us to become who we are today, giving birth to such processes as language, mathematics, and science.

To begin tracking is to engage in a new kind of relationship with the world around you; to see words and stories written in the land, where before there was nothing.

In this class, we'll hit the ground running by teaching you basic track and track pattern recognition, enabling you to recognize the comings and goings of the wild creatures that surround us, yet we rarely see. We'll start with an indoor portion on basic foot morphology, animal body mechanics, and other sign, and then go out into the field for some practical experience.

Come out and join us, and learn the language of the land.

When: Saturday, February 25, 9:00am

Where: Calgary Area Outdoor Council, 1111 Memorial Drive NW, Calgary

(To gain access to the parking lot, you must be traveling eastbound on Memorial Drive, due to the median in the road.)

Cost: Adults - $50, Students - $35, Children under 12 - $25, due upon arrival

Upon completing any Woodsrunner class, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for the same class in the future. It's a great way to sharpen your skills, or simply brush up on.

We look forward to seeing you!

For more information or to register please contact Woodsrunner at www.woodsrunner.com or thewoodsrunner@gmail.com or (403) 771-9152.

Inside Out Experience

40 hour Advanced Wilderness First Aide course:
Feb 10 and 17 from 6-10pm at the Bragg Creek Community Centre
Feb 11 and 12 from 9am-5pm at the Bragg Creek Community Centre
Feb 18 and 19 from 9am-5pm in West Bragg Creek

40 hour Advanced Wilderness First Aide course:
March 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22 from 6-10pm at Mount Royal University
March 24 and 25 from 9am-5pm in West Bragg Creek

Swift Water Rescue course:
May 4 from 6-10pm (Pool Session)
May 5 and 6 from 9am-5pm at Seebe/Canoe Meadows

40 hour Advanced Wilderness First Aid course:
April 30 – May 4 from 9am-5pm location TBD

Guide School 2012 course:
April 30 – May 13 includes 40hr AWFA, SWR and River Guide Training

Inside Out Experience
Phone: (403) 949-3305
Toll Free: 1-877-999-7238
Fax: (403) 949-3312
Website: www.insideoutexperience.com
Email: info@insideoutexperience.com

Undercurrents

WINTER/SPRING 2012 dates released!

During the winter & spring months Undercurrents offers paddling clinics for those that want to experience kayaking for the fist time in the safety of a heated pool, or for those who want to improve their skills.

All Undercurrents paddling clinics are held on Sunday evenings from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm. They occur at the Mount Royal University pool. We limit the number of participants to ensure everyone has a great time. Therefore, you must pre-register by calling 403-262-4327 or visiting Undercurrents. Sorry, but no drop-ins are allowed!

Intro to Kayaking Clinic!
This is an introduction to the basics of kayaking. In this clinic, you will be taught how to safely get into and out your kayak, “wet exits” and the basic strokes to get you going. Kayaks, sprayskirts and paddles are included!

• Feb 12
• Feb 26
• Mar 4
• Mar 18
• Mar 25
• Apr 1
• Apr 15
• Apr 29

Prerequisite(s): 16+ years old (or 12-15 years old with a guardian in the pool).

Kayak Rolling Clinic!
This 90 minute clinic is a great opportunity to learn to roll your kayak, or to improve the roll you have. Each participant receives individual attention, based on their current rolling ability. Kayaks, sprayskirts and paddles are included!

• Feb 12
• Feb 26
• Mar 4
• Mar 18
• Mar 25
• Apr 1
• Apr 15
• Apr 29

Prerequisite(s): 16+ years old (or 12-15 years old with a guardian in the pool) and  completion of the “Intro to Kayaking” course or previous experience with a kayak and the ability to perform a wet exit if requested by any staff, lifeguard or volunteer.

Sea Kayak Rescue Clinic!
What would you do if you flipped your sea kayak and had to wet exit? This clinic will introduce you to a variety of self-rescues and assisted rescues. This is a “hands on” program, so come prepared to participate fully. Kayaks, sprayskirts and paddles are included!

Prerequisite(s): 16+ years old (or 12-15 years old with a guardian in the pool) and  completion of the “Intro to Kayaking” course or previous experience with a kayak and the ability to perform a wet exit if requested by any staff, lifeguard or volunteer.

Undercurrents hosts pool sessions throughout the off-season so that paddlers can practise their skills and have an excuse to do a little paddling and socializing while the weather is cool.

• Feb 12
• Feb 26
• Mar 4
• Mar 18
• Mar 25
• Apr 1
• Apr 15
• Apr 29

Swiftsure Sailing Academy

Come sail away with locally-based Swiftsure Sailing Academy! Swiftsure is dedicated to offering the highest quality sailing instruction available in western Canada.

Introductory through Advanced Courses

Want to try out your sea legs? Swiftsure offers ‘Introduction to Sailing’ trips. These sessions are targeted toward the budding sailor who "just wants to try it", the developing sailor looking for on-the-water time, and to the vacationing group looking for a magical day on the lake. All session costs include a certified sailing instructor and boat rental. Two session lengths are offered: 3 hours and 6 hours. And you have your choice of two locations for this introductory course:
Glenmore Reservoir or Okanagan Lake.

For those who wish to pursue further sailing courses, Swiftsure offers certification courses for both the International Sail and Power Association (ISPA) and the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA).

ISPA courses include Competent Crew and Day Skipper, Coastal Navigation, Coastal Skipper, Yacht Master Offshore, and Power Boat Courses. CYA courses include Basic Cruising, Intermediate Cruising, Coastal Navigation and Advanced Cruising. Various locations are available for these courses (check www.swiftsuresailing.com for further information).

Marine VHF Radio and Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card

To legally operate a VHF marine radio, you must possess a Radio Operator's Certificate (ROC). Swiftsure is offering a course several times throughout the spring and winter seasons to prepare you to take the exam. The two-night course consists of one lecture night and one exam night. The ROC exam has both a written and a verbal component. The new course includes the endorsement for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS).

Do you have your Pleasure Craft Operators Card? As of September 2010, all operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes are required to provide proof of competency on board at all times.  Students who complete any of Swiftsure's Learn to Cruise courses can easily write the Pleasure Craft Operator's Card examination. For students not taking a Swiftsure course, the Operator's Card examination can be challenged after a review of Canada's boating laws and regulations.

Corporate Sailing

Teamwork is recognized as one of the key elements in an effective organization. A boat cannot be sailed correctly without teamwork. Everyone regardless of their standing in the organization must work together to complete the tasks.

Swiftsure’s three-day corporate sailing programs will assist members of your company or your organization in working effectively to meet the organizational goals. This is an intense live-aboard experience that builds bonds among the participants.

Sailing Vacations and Flotillas

Swiftsure Sailing Academy can arrange vacations and flotillas on the newest and most modern boats from both Sidney and Comox. From Sidney you have close access to the Gulf Islands which offers quiet anchorages and well-equipped marinas.

From the Comox base further north, it is a short sail into the spectacular deep valleys and mountain ranges of Desolation Sound. With the two bases, you can also arrange for a one way charter between the two locations. Westjet has flights to both locations.

Or How About a "Flotilla?"

The word Flotilla means "a small fleet of bare boats." Anyone can join a Swiftsure Flotilla, whether you are a skipper with your own crew (tag-a-long), couples or a single. All experience levels are welcome. You will sail with 3-5 people per boat (Including skipper) through some of the best cruising waters in the world.

Corporate Retreats

Does your corporation or group has a need to "get away from it all"? Why not arrange for a skippered charter for your group? Swiftsure Sailing will work with you to select boats that meet your needs and provide skippers who are knowledgeable about the area in which you wish to charter. Arrangements can also be made to accommodate group requests to get a sailing certificate from the Canadian Yachting Association or International Sail and Power Association. Swiftsure is not limited by number of boats or team members and will customize a program suited to any corporate need and size.

Contact Information

Swiftsure Sailing Academy Ltd.
PO Box 46058,
1233 - 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T2G-5H7

Bob Cross: (403) 620-5812
Fax: (403) 313-6700.
Toll free: 1-877-470-7245 (SAIL)

bob@swiftsuresailing.com