Upwind Drop – Additional Information:
Get dropped upwind by one of our instructors in a zodiac.
What to Bring:
- A towel
- A thermos or water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with a tether (preferably floatable)
- Warm clothing for before/after (e.g., fleece or polyester)
- A dry bag, if you want to bring your phone or other non-waterproof items
Location:
38124 Loggers Ln, Squamish, BC V8B 0B7
Parking:
Free street parking is available nearby. Please allow extra time during busy periods. See a parking map here.
Personal Belongings:
Squamish Watersports is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal belongings.
Upwind Drop Requirements & Safety:
To qualify for supervised and unsupervised drops, participants must be fully independent and proficient in all key skills, including deep water self-rescues, upwind body dragging, and riding confidently in all directions, including upwind. If adequate skill levels cannot be demonstrated at the start of the session, Squamish Watersports staff will pack down the equipment and return you to the marina on the first available ride, for your safety. If staff are available, a lesson option may be offered; the upwind drop fee will still apply.
Mandatory Skills for an Upwind Drop & Equipment Rentals:
You must be an independent rider and fully capable of safely performing all required skills listed below:
- Ride in all directions, including upwind.
- Consistently able to stay upwind.
- Proficient in kite re-launching.
- Proficient in upwind body dragging and able to consistently retrieve the board.
- Complete a self-rescue in deep water.
- Safely enter and exit the water.
- Aware of all right-of-way rules and comfortable riding among other water users.
- Familiar with local winds, currents, and hazards
Bar Management:
Kiteboarders are responsible for managing their own bar before the upwind drop. If staff assistance is required, a $15 fee applies.
Drift Launch & Equipment Policy:
For 5-line bars, Squamish Watersports is not responsible for failed drift launches. If a drift launch is unsuccessful or the gear is not properly set, the instructor will pack down the kite. You may then rent compatible kite and bar equipment for $60 (if available) or remain on the boat during the lesson until the next return. Regardless of the outcome, the upwind drop charge still applies.
Upwind Drops – Supervised:
Supervised upwind drops include an instructor-led drift launch for a smooth start, as well as supervision from our instructor team while you are on the water. If assistance is needed, our team will respond as quickly as possible. However, you must have the required skills, including activating your eject system and completing a self-rescue, to safely manage your equipment independently (kiteboarders only).
If an instructor can safely pause their lesson to assist, they will do so. If adequate skills are not demonstrated during the session, Squamish Watersports staff will pack down your equipment and return you to the marina.
At the end of the session, kiteboarders must complete a self-rescue in the water before pickup. Pickup instructions will be provided at that time.
Upwind Drops – Unsupervised:
While staff may periodically check your position in the sound, they are not continuously monitoring participants. At the end of their lesson, they will provide pickup instructions. If an instructor observes someone in need of assistance and can safely pause their lesson to help, a $25 charge will apply upon return.
Unsupervised upwind drops are available to certified members only, with certification completed by Squamish Watersports staff. This option includes either a sandbar drop or a staff-operated drift launch.
At the end of the session, kiteboarders must complete a self-rescue in the water before pickup. Pickup instructions will be provided at that time.
Upwind Drops – Equipment Policy:
Upwind drops do not include Squamish Watersports equipment. Rentals and bar management assistance are available for an additional charge. You are responsible for ensuring your gear is in suitable condition for use.
Squamish Watersports is not responsible for personal equipment during the session.
Tipping:
As a standard in the industry, we would like to encourage you to tip your guide as you see fit after your experience. Tipping is accepted via cash or e-transfer directly to your guide.
Transport Canada Safety Requirement:
As a passenger in our watercraft, Transport Canada requires that you understand the location and use of onboard safety equipment in case of emergency. Please watch the following video before your experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X99U8TTVpsA
Safety Equipment Location:
Please ask your guide where the safety equipment is located on your boat at the start of your experience.
Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel or reschedule your booking, please notify us at least 48 hours before your scheduled start time. Cancellations made within 48 hours are non-refundable. Requests to reschedule within 48 hours will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to management approval.
Satisfaction Guarantee:
Your experience matters to us. If you have any concerns, please speak with your instructor or contact us as soon as possible so we can make it right.
If you had a great time on the water, consider tipping your guide and leaving us a review. We would truly appreciate it.