Equipment Supplied
Butterfly Tours provides highest quality equipment, maintained in excellent condition. Our kayaking gear and tents are replaced every few years in order to ensure that our guests enjoy the use of new equipment.
Single Kayaks
Three types of Seaward single kayaks are provided for you to choose from:
- One Cosma TX kayak
- Two Tyee TX kayaks
- Six Chinook TX kayaks
Our kayaks are strong and seaworthy; they come fully equipped with a foot-operated rudder, two hatches with sealed bulkheads, a paddle and spare paddle, a Canadian Coast Guard approved PFD, a neoprene sprayskirt and a bilge pump. An adjustable, padded backrest provides comfort for touring.
- Chinook kayaks are pleasantly responsive, yet predictable and forgiving in a wide variety of sea conditions; they are well suited to both novice and experienced paddlers.
- Tyee kayaks are slightly more responsive, making them a good choice for intermediate paddlers.
- The Cosma is best suited to smaller people with some kayaking experience.
Butterfly Tours is the only outfitter in Gwaii Haanas specializing in single kayaks; each person is equipped with a single kayak for the entire trip.
As an alternative, one Necky Looksha T double kayak is available, however; we do not provide a paddling partner for the double. (We provide each person with the opportunity to paddle a single kayak.) If you would prefer paddling the double, please be sure to arrive with a paddling partner.
- Single kayaks are significantly different than double kayaks:
- Single kayaks have one seat, allowing an individual to be responsible for both the propulsion and direction of their own boat. They provide each paddler with greater control and independence, while increasing the opportunity to develop paddling skills. Many people prefer the additional rewards and challenges provided by single kayaks. For more information, please see: Why choose Butterfly Tours?
- Double kayaks have two seats, requiring two people to paddle in the same boat. Only the person in the stern (rear) seat of a double kayak has directional control of the vessel, through use of the foot-operated rudder. Two people may join a trip and use our double kayak if they prefer to paddle in the same boat. For more information, please see: Personal preparation
Before registering on a trip, it is recommended that particularly large people try out a Seaward Chinook to ensure that the kayak will fit them. The Chinook is a high-volume boat; most tall people with long legs can be assured that the kayak will comfortably fit. We provide extra-thick backrests for smaller people, so they can sit comfortably and reach the foot-pedals.
Paddles
Each person is provided with the choice of a wide variety of paddles, including: Lightweight Aqua-Bound carbon straight-shaft paddles, as well as finely-crafted Bending Branches wood paddles in both straight and bent-shaft.
Our paddle selection ranges in length from 210 cm to 240 cm.
PFDs - Personal Floatation Devices
We provide high quality Extrasport Retroglide personal floatation devices in five different sizes.
Enjoy the benefits of wearing this comfortable and fully adjustable Coast Guard approved PFD.
Tents
The tents provided on the wilderness kayak journeys are expedition-tested shelters constructed by MSR (Mountain Safety Research).
We supply enough tents so that everyone can sleep in their own private shelter if they wish.
Two people may share a spacious SuperFusion 3 tent during a trip. Alternately, we will provide a lighter Fusion 2 as your private tent.
Arriving with appropriate outdoor clothing is essential to each person's comfort and safety during the trip. A detailed clothing & equipment list is provided upon registration.
You are welcome to contact Gord if you have any questions.