WELCOME!

PERSONALIZED MULTI DAY WOMEN KAYAK AND YOGA ECO ADVENTURES  

GULF ISLANDS WOMEN KAYAKI AND YOGA EXPERIENCES  

Summer  2011 (3 Nights / 4 days)

 To your health and well-being!

Join HERIZEN™ Paddling for Women on a unique personalized multi day women kayak & Yoga Gulf Islands Transformative Eco-Adventure.

The Gulf Islands are a world class paddling destination with pristine parks, beautiful campsites, abundant marine life and protected waters.  

We offer the best possible multi-day women kayak & yoga experience for our guests and do so by providing you with excellent customer service, experienced guides, value added tours and fantastic meals created from the very best local products, produce and wines that Salt Spring Island and BC have to offer.  

Valma Brenton E-RYT is a transformation trainer, global adventurer and will be your host for this 4 day transformative kayaking adventure.  She discovered Qigong and Kundalini Yoga 15 years ago while working in Chile.  Within a short time, Valma noticed that the benefits of her Yoga practice helped to raise her level of self-awareness, increased her energy levels, she became more heart centered, all of her relationships improved, she gained fantastic health and improved her flexibility.  This was important, as she had lost the use of her legs temporarily in the recovery of a back injury some years before.  In her continued exploration of Yoga, Qigong, Ayurveda and other healing modalities Valma found her practice to create a bridge between the body, the mind and the spirit and she believes this will also play an important role in the global awakening.  Valma has studied in India, Chile, Mexico, Canada and the USA. She has been teaching Yoga Teacher Trainings in Baja, Mexico and Vancouver Island, BC, Canada for the last four years.  Valma is recognized by Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT in Iyengar / Ashtanga and is a qualified Ayurveda Health Educator by the American Vedic Institute. Valma incorporates integrative Yoga practices in her daily life as well as offerings in her women only adventure programs.  She is certified in Qigong (Cloudy Satchel form) and believes yoga, Qigong and movement gets people into their bodies, deeply connects them to themselves and more openly connects them with nature and others.  

Valma is also a qualified sea Captain and has been sailing, boating and kayaking for up to 25 years on the West Coast of Canada, Chile, Europe, Belize, French Polynesia, the Caribbean and many other locations in the world.  She is a recognized CYA sailing instructor, trained in wilderness first aid, is a qualified sea kayak guide, intuitive healer with a host of training in many other modalities such as writing, photography and story telling.  "My purpose, says Valma, "is to be a mirror for other women, to share my knowledge, wisdom of life and encourage them to reach their desired dreams, reach their fullest potential and live their ultimate life. To inspire them to create miracles in their lives and be hopen to the present moment....creating balance through awareness, self-confidence, intention and faith."

What other women say:

The four day Gulf Island women kayaking and Yoga Adventure with Valma of HERIZEN™ Life Adventures and Lisa of Salt Spring Adventures was a fantastic experience due to the expertise in kayaking, camping, marine life and the spiritual modalities, including various types of Yoga. The meals were healthy and delicious. The group shared a spiritual journey in a beautiful natural and supportive environment. I highly recommend this HERIZEN™ multi-day women kayak and Yoga adventure, and would do it again.  Donalda Carson

Example Paddling Destinations

Kayaking is a wonderful sport that allows people from all ages to experience a connection with the water and it's elements. Thus, while kayaking we are susceptible to the weather and winds when planning our routes. With Nature willing, we will be visiting the following destinations in this order.

 Day 1:  Wallace Island Provincial Park - We will drive to our launch site at Hudson's Point where your guide will go over the finer points of expedition kayaking: paddle technique, boat safety, proper packing of a kayak, etc... After packing, we will launch from Hudson's Point on Salt Spring Island (SSI) and paddle the 30-minute crossing over to Wallace Island Provincial Marine Park, then head straight to Chivers Point and set up camp.  After lunch, we will head back out to explore Wallace Island and the Secretaries, Wallace Island, located in the beautiful Trincomali Channel between Salt Spring Island and Galiano Island, offers beaches, coves and offshore islets to explore.  Bald eagles, black tailed deer and mink are common in the park, as well as harbour seals, sea lions and river otters.  

** Our First Night Dinner Menu: Roasted Garlic and SSI Cheese Platter, Wild Salmon in Mustard-Caper Butter with a chilled Salt Spring Island Mistaken Identity Rose.  

Day 2: Dionisio Point Provincial Park -  In the morning after our yoga practice we will learn to predict the day's tides and currents over Salt Spring Organic Coffee / Tea and come up with an adventure plan for the day.  Our timing for this day will be predicted with precision as we head to Porlier Pass, an area of tidal currents and abundant wild life.  The tidal currents of Porlier Pass have created a rich intertidal life - sea starts, nudibranchs and chitons can be seen in the tide pools, and at times large quantities of swimming scallop shells can be found on the beaches.  Stellar Sea Lions are often spotted swimming and playing in the churning waters.  Dionisio Point offers a beautiful, serene campground with incredible scenery, including headlands flanked by sandy beaches, picturesque bays and a unique shoreline that includes sculpted sandstone shelves, pebble / sand beaches and colourful wildflower meadows.  

**Our Second Night Dinner Menu:  Pasta with Locally Grown Tomatoes, Pine Nuts and Smoked Pacific Albacore Prospect Gallery Pinot Noir.  

Day 3:  Blackberry Point on Valdes Island  - We will head back through Porlier Pass to Blackberry Point..  While sipping your Pinot Gris on the white shell beach of Blackberry Point, it is easy to visualize yourself in the Mediterranean.  This is one of the Gulf Islands mot beautiful campsites with an extensive white sand beach, an attractive meadow for camping and many eroded sandstone formations to explore nearby.  

**Our Third Night Dinner Menu:  Organic Yam Quesadillas with homemade Chipotle Yogurt Sauce and a Garry Oak Vineyards (Salt Spring Island) Pinot Gris.

Day 4: "The Cut" between Thetis and Kuper Island -  There is a hidden water passage between these two lovely islands offering a serene view o nature.  We will stoop in the picturesque Telegraph Harbour for a bite to eat at the Thetis Island Marine Pub, then paddle south along the First Nations Reserve that is Kuper Island, past incredible sandstone formations filled with cormorant nests to Southy Point on Salt Spring Island for our goodbyes and final pictures on the lovely beach.  

What our Gulf Islands multi-day Women Kayak & Yoga Eco-Adventure Includes:  

  • All Meals and Snacks
  • All Kayak Related Personal / Safety / Emergency Equipment
  • 2 Certified Guides
  • Tents, Sleeping Pads, Pillows (Sleeping Bags $25 extra flat rate)
  • Dry Bags
  • 1 Yoga Class per day
  • 1 Qigong class per day
  • 1 Pranayama and Meditation Session  

Additional Products to enhance your experience.  Available upon request    

  • 30 minute Intuitive Tarot Reading $25
  • 30 minute Intuitive Energy Healing $30
  • Post-Trip Spa Treatment $148 (includes Manicure, Facial and Pedicure)  

What to Bring:  

  • All items on our Packing List (this will be sent to you upon signup)  
  • A Sense of Humour    
  • A Sense of Adventure  
  •  A Willingness to Leg Go and Be in the moment!  

Free Added Value  

If you wish to learn more about the finer points of kayaking all you have to do is ask your guides.  

  • Paddle stroke technique  
  • How to read nautical charts  
  • Weather predictiion  
  • Calculating currents and tides for a given area  
  • Wet exits and rescues

FAQ'S

*What is included"  All meals and snacks, all kayak related personal / safety / emergency equipment, 2 certified guides, tents, sleeping pads, pillows (sleep bags $25 extra flat rate), dry bags, 1 Yoga class per day, 1 Qigong class per day and 1 Pranayama Meditation Session.  

*What about food?  We provide all kitchen equipment, meals, drinks and snacks. We create well rounded meals containing as much local organic produce and free range meats as possible.  *Please Note:  We accommodate vegetarian, vegan and people with allergies.  Please let us know in advance."

 *How large are the groups and do you use single or double kayaks?  The maximum group size on our kayak trips is 10 women.  The ratio of guides to clients is 1.5.  We use single and double kayaks.

*What is the difficulty level?   A Gulf Islands multiday women kayak adventure requires that you have a moderate level of fitness.  If you lead an active lifestyle and feel physically up for the challenge, you will paddle up to 4 - 5 hours per day.  There will be upper body exertion,; yet, with the morning Qigong and light Yoga practice we can assist you to enjoy the Gulf Islands kayaking even with moderate athletic ability.  Some women like head to the gym and take a few yoga classes for pre-trip conditioning.  This can help to make your Gulf Islands Women Kayaking Adventure more enjoyable plus you will feel good about yourself right away.

*How much will we paddle each day?   The amount of paddling /day depends on a number of factors: route, winds, currents, group ability and daily itinerary requirements. Generally we paddle up to 4-5 hours a day.

*What about Alcohol?  At the end of our paddling day we do provide one healthy glass of wine with your dinner meal.  We feel this compliments the food and setting.

We ask that you leave all other alcohol beverages at home.  If you have a special bottle of wine that you would like to share over dinner, we can substitute it for our bottle of wine and share it with the group.  Please let us know in advance.  

Where are we meeting?  On the day of the trip departure we will meet at the Salt Spring Adventure Co. office located at #7-126 Upper Ganges Rd.  The office is located at the Salt Spring Marina and is adjacent to Moby's Pub (well known by locals).  Our trip will begin at 0900 Hrs (9am) on the 19th.

When will the trip end? The trip will end by 1700 Hrs (5pm) at the latest, on the 22nd.  If you have ferries / planes to catch please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.  If making reservations for ferries / planes please ensure their departure time is later than 1700 Hrs (5pm).  

Where can we park our car?  We will make arrangements for a space for your car for the duration of the trip. The Harbour House allows long term parking.

*When should we arrive and can you recommend at place to stay?  Our Gulf Islands Multi- Day Women Kayak & Yoga Adventure is August 19 to August 22, 2010 - Sold.  Wait list for summer 2011. We will meet  at Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island.  Our trip starts at 0900 Hrs (9am) on the 19th and will complete our trip around 1700 Hrs (5pm) on August 22nd.  Please arrive to the office at 0830. Most women will come to Salt Spring Island and stay the evening before the trip departure. There are a number of great places to stay on Salt Spring Island.  Please visit this this link to view the list of recommended places to stay.  If you are arriving without a car, we recommend the Harbour House (across the street from our office) and the Wisteria B&B.

If you are arriving the morning of, please plan to be in Ganges by 0830 Hrs on the day of departure.  If you require pick up at the Salt Spring International Airport (Float Plane Dock), please let us know in advance.

Deposit Policy:  A 50% non refundable deposit / person is required at time of registering. Balance of payment is due 60 days prior to the trip start date.

  • Payment can be made with cash, credit card (VISA /MC) direct bank deposit or cheque.
  • What to Bring:  Upon registration for your trip, you will receive all details and packing list.
  • Medical / Cancellation Insurance:  HERIZEN™ Paddling for Women strongly recommends that you purchase travel and medical insurance.  This can include medical or non-medical and evacuation insurance.  Medical Insurance is especially important to visitors from outside of British Columbia and Canada.  Please ask for details.

For further questions or booking please call our office at 250.753.4253 or Toll Free 1.866.399.4253 or by email:  valma@herizenlifeadventures.com

Living in the Loveliness of Life!