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Adults

Ten Thousand Islands – Sea Kayak

Spend a week kayaking the mangrove covered waterways of the Everglades, where tropical and semi-tropical climates, land and sea, and salt and freshwater meet.

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The image shows a group of people kayaking on the ocean during a sunset. The sky is a mix of orange, yellow, and blue, reflecting on the water's surface. The kayakers are silhouetted against the bright sky, and they appear to be paddling in the same direction. The water is choppy, with small waves visible in the foreground.
A group of people are carrying a yellow kayak on a sandy beach towards the water. The water appears to be a bay or ocean, stretching out to the horizon under a partly cloudy sky. Trees and vegetation line the edge of the beach, providing a natural backdrop to the scene.
A selfie shows a man with sunglasses and a red cap, smiling in front of a yellow kayak. He is wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt and a yellow life vest. The kayak is on clear water, and the background shows the sandy bottom of the water. The man's face is the main focus, with the kayak and water providing context to his outdoor activity.
CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

  • The image shows a blue drawing of a kayak and a paddle on a black background. The kayak is depicted with visible seating and a rounded shape. The paddle is positioned diagonally below the kayak, suggesting a sense of readiness for paddling. The drawing style is simple, resembling a sketch, with clear lines defining the shapes of the kayak and paddle. Kayaking

Setting & Location

  • The image shows a dark background with blue, pixelated shapes clustered in the lower-left and upper-left areas. These shapes might represent landmasses or abstract forms, with some resembling islands or coastlines. The pixelated style gives the image a retro or digital aesthetic, and the contrast between the blue and black creates a stark visual effect. Coastal
  • airplane Course Start Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
  • airplane Course End Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Students Can Earn

  • College Credit

Session Details

3 sessions are available for this course

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A man in a green jacket points towards the ocean. He is wearing a blue head covering. Two other people are partially visible in the background. One is wearing a white hat and a red jacket, and the other is wearing a blue hat. The sky is clear and blue, and the ocean is calm.

What You'll Learn

There’s so much to discover in the silence between footsteps; the quiet between paddle strokes; the space between stars. Circle up with your crew and recapture the joy of trying something new – whether that’s an activity, a location, or a perspective.

The image shows a group of people kayaking on a body of water, likely a river or bay, under a vibrant rainbow. The kayakers are in yellow and white kayaks, paddling near a lush green shoreline with trees and some houses visible in the background. The sky is filled with dramatic clouds, adding to the scenic beauty of the moment.

What You'll Do

Work with your crew to read tide charts, explore unique ecosystems, and enjoy cooking and setting up camp on sandy white beaches under the stars.

The image shows a first-person perspective from a blue kayak, gliding through a narrow waterway surrounded by lush green mangrove trees. Another kayaker in a red kayak is ahead, paddling through the dense vegetation. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a dappled effect on the water. The scene evokes a sense of adventure and immersion in nature.
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Where You'll Be

Explore across the subtropical waters through the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Everglades National Park. Navigate lush mangrove tunnels, spot incredible wildlife, and experience one of the most unique and vibrant ecosystems in the world.

A group of people are gathered on a sandy beach, possibly for a lecture or discussion. They are sitting or standing, facing a person who appears to be speaking or presenting from a notebook. The beach is lined with vegetation, and the ocean is visible in the background under a clear sky. The scene suggests an outdoor educational or recreational activity.

Why It Matters

So often, we find ourselves moving at the pace of the world around us. Reconnect with the world within you and rediscover your strengths, what inspires you, and set some new goals. Outward Bound courses for adults are an investment in yourself: a time to reset your bearings and look ahead with fresh perspective.

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CB11 Scrolling Bullets

Classic for Adults

What if the hardest part is your favorite part?

Educational Approach

Connection.

Disconnect to reconnect – with your environment, your crew, and yourself. Return home with a renewed sense of possibility.

Leave your comfort zone.

With a supportive crew, you’ll meet challenges that help you unlock confidence, curiosity, and energy to thrive with purpose.

Get ready for growth.

Meeting new people and trying new things together builds confidence and community. At any experience level, everyone has the opportunity to discover something new.

CB31 Media Gallery

Life on Course

Need a break from your day-to-day routine? Immerse yourself in unique marine environment of the Florida Everglades to develop backcountry skills, rediscover your inner strength, and build relationships with like-minded peers.

This 6-day coastal sea kayaking course is designed to aid those navigating a life transition, seeking a fresh perspective, or wanting to discover that they are capable of more than they thought possible. Each day you will practice marine route planning and navigation as you travel from campsite to campsite in kayaks carrying your own food and water. You will learn skills such as paddle stroke techniques, kayak-based rescues, and risk-assessment, while also learning about what makes the Everglades famous worldwide. During course, you will have the opportunity to relax and recharge for the challenges ahead during periods of self-reflection.

The image shows two people in the water near a yellow kayak. One person is holding a paddle and appears to be swimming or struggling in the water. The other person is in the kayak with their arms raised in the air, seemingly celebrating or cheering. The water is choppy, and there are trees visible in the background, suggesting a lake or coastal environment.
A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a body of water. They appear to be on a kayaking trip, as some kayaks are visible in the background. The people are wearing casual clothing and some have hats and sunglasses. The background features lush green trees and a calm body of water, suggesting a natural setting. The overall atmosphere seems cheerful and adventurous.
A group of people are doing yoga on a sandy beach near the ocean. Some tents are pitched nearby, suggesting they might be camping. The sun is shining, casting long shadows on the sand. The overall scene suggests a peaceful and active morning by the sea.
A man is setting up a green tent on a sandy area surrounded by trees. The tent is partially set up, and the man is working on it. The area appears to be a campsite, with trees providing shade. The ground is covered in white sand. A blue bucket is near the tent.

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CB39 Table Feature

Sample Itinerary

Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.

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6-Day Itinerary

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Day 1 Course Start. Review equipment, rescue skills and boat packing techniques
Day 2 Begin kayak expedition: learn paddle strokes and boat control techniques
Day 3 Paddling: learn navigation skills, reading tidal charts and flow, and using a weather radio
Day 4 Paddling: Everglades natural history lesson, beach campfire
Day 5 Final expedition paddle; course end ceremony
Day 6 Course end. Transportation to the airport
CB27 Pull Quotes
A woman wearing glasses and a beanie stands in a snowy landscape, smiling at the camera. Behind her, there's a tent pitched on the snow-covered ground, suggesting a camping scene. The sky is clear and bright, possibly during sunrise or sunset, casting a warm glow on the surroundings. The overall impression is one of enjoying the outdoors in a winter setting.

I love nature and find that being in it is healing, calming, meditative, and, well, just natural. When I come out of nature, I feel rejuvenated, clearer, nourished, and more able to take on life. Here, being immersed in it for six days was very much needed…I enjoyed every bit of it.

Natasha

Being here, seeing sights I never thought I would, putting society behind me to pursue a better understanding of myself, and reflecting on what is important was special and I will miss it.

Gabriel

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

Where does course start and end?

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All Ten Thousand Islands courses start and end at Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). A North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) representative will meet participants at baggage claim for check-in. Transportation is provided between Ft. Lauderdale International Airport and the course area at course start and end.

Is there a maximum age limit for this course?

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No, there is no maximum age limit. Ages vary widely on adult expeditions. Our Essential Eligibility Criteria shares what participants must be able to do during course. Full disclosure of all health and medication information is required during the admissions process.

What size are North Carolina Outward Bound School's sea kayaks?

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Outward Bound sea kayaks are designed to fit participants up to 6 feet tall, 275 lbs, and size 12 in men’s shoes. If you exceed these measurements, our sea kayaks may not be suitable for you. Give us a call if you have questions about sea kayak sizes.

What gear is provided and what do I need to bring?

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All group gear, including shelter, and kayaking gear, is provided. You will receive a detailed packing list upon enrollment outlining additional items to bring, including clothing layers, footwear, and other personal items.

What is solo?

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A little more than halfway through course, students will participate in a reflection period called Solo. During this time, Instructors assign students their own individual spaces within a designated area. These sites are secluded while remaining within hearing distance of other group members and Instructors for safety. Students will be given all the necessary gear, food, water, and skills to enjoy solo time. Solo is a great opportunity for students to relax, recharge, and reflect on their course after having long days of strenuous group activities. Instructors will be monitoring students closely during this experience.

THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE. THERE'S A BREAKTHROUGH OUT HERE.
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