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Ten Thousand Islands – Veterans – Sea Kayak
Spend a week kayaking the mangrove-covered waterways of the Florida Everglades alongside a crew of fellow Veterans.
Almost Full 
Open 
Florida
About This Course
Activity
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Kayaking
Setting & Location
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Coastal -
Course Start Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL -
Course End Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Session Details
2 sessions are available for this course
What You’ll Learn
Outward Bound Veterans courses have helped thousands of service members and veterans draw on the healing benefits of teamwork and challenge. Through adventurous wilderness expeditions, you’ll find the camaraderie, confidence, and clarity to thrive in civilian life.
What You'll Do
As a team, you will work together to navigate with tide charts and maps, explore fragile and unique ecosystems, cook and set-up camp on white sandy beaches under the stars, and paddle to new areas each day.
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.
Why It Matters
Life after Military service can feel disorienting. Our Veterans courses offer a supportive crew and purposeful challenge through adventurous wilderness expeditions—so you can reset, refocus, and return home with renewed confidence.
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Veterans Courses
What if you can find familiar connections in unfamiliar places?
Lead in New Ways
Tap into familiar leadership skills and learn new ways to engage with your crew to meet and navigate through unique challenges.
Connections That Last
Build connections that outlast the adventure as you and your crew learn to recognize each other’s strengths and celebrate success together.
Confidence Beyond the Uniform
Leaving the military can feel disorienting. Our Veterans courses offer a supportive crew and purposeful challenge—so you can reset, refocus, and return home with renewed confidence.
Life on Course
Paddle into the remote waters of the Everglades as part of a crew united by challenge and adventure.
During this six-day expedition, you will spend your days paddling to new areas by kayak, exploring mangrove tunnels and open bays along the way. Each day calls for marine route planning, navigation, and teamwork as you develop paddle stroke techniques and travel efficiently as a crew. In the evening, you will set up camp on remote sandy beaches, which offer a place to reflect, recharge, and connect as a crew. Through adventure, teamwork, and time on the water, many veterans leave course with strong bonds and a renewed sense of direction.
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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.
Swipe on table below to view more.
6-Day Course
| Day 1 | Course start. Tone set, gear issue, and water comfort assessment |
| Day 2 | Kayaking expedition: expedition planning, marine navigation, kayaking and rescue skills, and campcraft |
| Day 3 | Kayaking expedition: assessing risk |
| Day 4 | Kayaking expedition: natural and local history and ecology. Begin final challenge event |
| Day 5 | Complete final challenge event, gear de-issue, and course end banquet |
| Day 6 | Debrief and departure to airport |
FAQs
Where does course start and end?
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?
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?
North Carolina Outward Bound School’s 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?
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?
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.
