Sea Kayak Surf Retreat
Sea Kayak Surf Retreat
Skill Level: Beginner to Expert
Number of Students: 8 Students Max
Course Length: 4 Days, 3 Nights, 16 hours of instruction
ALL meals are included in the cost of registration (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners)
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Sea kayak Instructors: James Manke, Co-instructor to be announced if rrquired
Venue: Manke at The Wreckage, Ucluelet, BC, Canada
Retreat Style & Philosophy
Over the years, I’ve watched clients arrive at my shorter two-day surf workshops eager to sharpen their kayak surfing skills and push their limits. But what they remembered most wasn’t just the skills. It was the deep connection to the water, the technical insights, and the personal stories shared along the way.
This isn’t just a kayak surfing workshop. It’s a full four-day sea kayak surf immersion. Together, we blend technique development, shred hard in surf sessions, build community, and take those much-needed hammock breaks after a hard days work. It’s everything I personally love about life on the water, wrapped into one unforgettable workshop.
The pace is intentional with mornings spent surfing, afternoons to relax and recharge, and evenings filled with presentations, surf reviews, in-depth discussions, stories, and reflection.
What Makes This Different From a Workshop
Refining Rough Water Skills on Flat Water - We start by breaking down rough water and kayak surfing techniques in a calm environment, ensuring your foundation is solid before heading into the surf zone.
Skill Through Immersion - One full day of technical refinement followed by two days of guided surf immersion on land and in the water in a small group setting focused on patience, precision, and progression.
Real Community - Evenings around the fire, shared stories from the sea, games, and laughter. The kind of connection that makes this more than just a paddling event.
The Place Itself - A reimagined version of the much-loved Manke at The Wreckage, a wild coastal haven where waves, rainforest, and wind shape every story.
Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is designed for intermediate to advanced paddlers who want to take their sea kayak surfing to the next level.
If a one or two-day workshop has ever left you wanting more, this is for you.
Logistics & The Promise
A small group of up to eight participants ensures personal instruction and a close community feel.
The experience is immersive, focused, and unforgettable.
Highlights Include
➡️ Refining rough water skills on flat water before entering the surf zone
➡️ Surf zone awareness, etiquette, and ocean reading
➡️ Launching and landing through surf
➡️ Wave selection and timing
➡️ Kayak control, edging, and flow
➡️ Mindset and performance connection
Full Itinerary for the retreat
Friday
|
11:00am - 12:00pm |
Arrival at Manke Kayak for meet and greet |
|
12:00pm - 1:00pm |
Lunch Break |
|
1:00pm - 4:00pm |
Flat-water, surfing & rough water skills refined |
|
4:00pm - 5:00pm |
Personal time (walk the lighthouse loop or explore town) |
|
5:30pm - 6:30pm |
Dinner Break |
|
6:30pm - 8:30pm |
Theory breakdown & FULL review for follow day |
Saturday
|
9:30am - 1:30pm |
On-water Kayak Surfing Instruction |
|
1:30pm - 3:30pm |
Hammock time at the Wreckage or Personal Time |
|
4:00pm - 5:30pm |
Video review from the days session |
|
5:30pm - 6:30pm |
Dinner Break |
|
7:00pm - 9:00pm |
Presentation on The Grand Canyon by sea kayak |
Sunday
|
9:30am - 1:30pm |
On-water Kayak Surfing Instruction |
|
1:30pm - 3:30pm |
Hammock time at the Wreckage or Personal Time |
|
4:00pm - 5:30pm |
Video review from the days session |
| 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Dinner Break |
|
7:00pm - 9:00pm |
Social gathering, music and games |
Monday
|
10:30pm - 1:00pm |
Group rough water paddle in the Graveyard of the Pacific |
What To Bring On This Course
What To Bring On This Course
⭐️ Your kayak and kayak gear
⭐️ Drysuit or wetsuit
⭐️ Greenland paddle
⭐️ Camping gear if camping
⭐️ Additional sleep blankets if needed if you are staying in the loft. A sheet, pillow and blanket is already provided for those staying in the loft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
⭐️ What is on-site camping?
On-site camping refers to camping on the Wreckage property directly beside the Manke Kayak workshop. Grassed areas are provided with access to a warm outdoor shower, water and toilet.
⭐️ I don't have a roll. Is this event going to be OK for me to join?
YES! In fact, all of the workshops are foundational based which is the perfect place to learn. We focus on beginner all the way to more advanced paddlers.
⭐️ Where do the evening happenings actually happen?
They all take place at the Manke Kayak. The building is located in the backyard of the Wreckage where all land workshop, evening presentations and meals will be held.

