Introduction
Dear <<First Name>>,
Thanks to those members who contributed photos and materials. After enjoying a SISKA event or paddle, please consider sending a short (100-150 words) summary article; for more information, contact one of us. If you would like to start a regular column, please let us know!
Michael Jackson (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)
PS: You can find SISKA on Facebook at this link.
PPS: SISKA has a Meetup site for "impromptu" and other paddles organized by club members. For more details, go to https://www.meetup.com/SISKA-Meetup/. To join this, you have to be a club member.
PPPS: You can find the SISKA newsletter archive here: http://goo.gl/VUkafR |
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Upcoming AGM and executive positions
At our April 24th meeting we will be holding our Annual general Meeting. One of our tasks at that meeting will be to elect some new executive members. In particular, we are looking for a couple of directors at large. Directors at large are able to take on some special initiatives as well as providing input and decision-making into the Club's activities. If you are willing to volunteer (or be volunteered!), please contact our current president, Mike Jackson.
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Upcoming SISKA Events
For more details, go to the SISKA website
SPRING FORUM
April 13,2019
by Fred Pishalski
For those of you who have not yet signed up to attend the Spring Forum and are thinking about it, I would like to share a little information about our two major presenters: Justine Curgenven and Jean-Francois Marleau. They are putting a special presentation together just for the Spring Forum. Coming to the event just to hear them is well worth the price of admission of $12.50 especially when you consider lunch is thrown in as well.
Justine is an award winning adventure filmmaker and expedition sea kayaker. She has been on challenging expeditions around the globe, including circumnavigating the south island of New Zealand, Tasmania and the Haida Gwaii islands, a solo trip around Vancouver island, a 2500km traverse of the Aleutian islands and a wilderness journey in Kamchatka with a novice Russian kayaker. Justine runs Cackle TV and created the highly acclaimed This is the Sea series of sea kayaking DVDs. Her films have won over 20 prestigious prizes including best film at Graz Mountain Film Festival and best adventure film at Banff & Kendal Mountain Film Festivals. Shes been runner up in CKUK magazines Paddler of the Year & a finalist in Canoe & Kayak Magazines Female Paddler of the Year and Expedition of the Year. She was named as one of the UKs top 20 living explorers by The Telegraph and was invited to meet the Queen at a Buckingham Palace reception for adventurers. In 2016, she won Media Professional of the Year at the World Paddle Awards. Justine represented England in the surf kayaking World championships and honed her rough water paddling skills in the tidal races of North Wales. She now lives in Ucluelet on the west coast.
Jean-Francois is a certified Level 4 Guide & Guide Trainer and Examiner with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC (SKGABC). He was vice-president of the SKGABC for 14 years, He is a certified Level 4 Instructor and Level 3 Instructor Trainer with Paddle Canada. JF is a pioneer of kayak fishing in Canada. He holds many diplomas, including a Masters degree in Industrial Relations and a Bachelor of Art degree in Political Science from Laval University. JF is the author of books and training manuals and wrote the kayak fishing chapter in Johns Dowd classic book Sea Kayaking: A Manual for Long-Distance Touring. To preview some of their earlier appearances please check out http://www.cackletv.com/about/the-cackle-team/justine-curgenven/
WHERE & WHEN & MORE:
WHEN: April 13, 2019 10 - 3 P.M.
WHERE: THE GYM at the Salvation Army Citadel, 2030 Douglas St, (North of McKenzie Blvd)
COST: JUST $12.50, which includes lunch!
MORE:
Online pre-registration is required as we need to know how much food to prepare
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/springforum2019
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List of Upcoming SISKA Events
Tuesday, April 02nd, 2019 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Kayak Trip Food Preparation by Lynn Baier, Robyn Byrne and Debbie Leach
Saturday, April 06th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Oak Bay Marina - Parking Lot to Trial Island Light Station Paddle
Saturday, April 13th, 2019 - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM - SPRING FORUM - A CELIBRATION of OCEAN KAYAKING
Sunday, April 14th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Spectacle Falls/Mackenzie Bight Paddle
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Canadian Coast Guard Presentation by Nathan Webb, Deputy Superintendent of Maritime Search & Rescue, Western Region
Thursday, April 18th, 2019 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - VHF Refresher Workshop by Edgar Hulatt
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Month Meeting
Sunday, April 28th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Telegraph Cove to Margaret Bay/Cormorant Point Paddle
Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Monthly Meeting:
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Spirit Bay to Becher Bay Paddle
Sunday, May 26th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Amherst to Rum Island Paddle
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SISKA Spring Training 2019
All SISKA Members,
I know you agree that sea kayaking is a fantastic sport, and Vancouver Island is arguably the best place in the world to paddle!
But…in order to enjoy this amazing experience along our ocean shores, each one of us must be well prepared each season to get out there (and back again!) safely.
So, in addition to our great lineup of off-water kayaking courses already underway, SISKA has organized a terrific series of inexpensive on-water paddling workshops offered by several of our paddling skills partners and our own instructors - your chance to do some serious “Spring Training” for the warm weather paddling season just ahead!
Beginning in late April, SISKA is sponsoring 10 specially-designed workshops with Blue Dog Kayaking, Go Kayak, Pacifica Paddlesports and SKILS, as well as 4 Paddle Canada Basic and 2 Paddle Canada Level 1 courses with our own SISKA instructors. We are delighted that our professional partners are providing their workshops to our members at a discount over their regular prices, and we have reduced the cost of the Basic and Level 1 Paddle Canada courses offered through SISKA to make them even more attractive! Altogether there are 136 course/workshop spaces available over the next couple of months. Let’s use them all!
Take a look at the very reasonably-priced workshops and courses listed below, choose those that best meet your needs, and sign up online through SISKA right away to make sure you get what you want. These workshops and courses will fill up quickly!
The summary table has links to details following, and to our online sign-up and pay sites.
DON’T DELAY – SIGN UP NOW 😊
Happy Paddling!
Blue Dog Kayaking
Paddlers Workshop – Thursday April 25th
Start 9:00am – Meet and Greet at Gyro Beach, Cadboro Bay
o who you are
o why you’re here
o what are your goals for today
Participant Exercise – Beach Talk/Safety Briefing
Instructor Led Stroke Clinic – The Core Paddling Strokes
o Low Brace – 10 mins
o Sweep Strokes (forward and reverse)- 20 mins
o Pivot Turns with Edge – 10 mins
o Stopping – 5 mins
o Draw Stroke – 15 mins
o Forward Stroke – 30 mins
o Reverse Stroke – 5 mins
Video Assessments – 30 mins
Lunch
Risk Assessment presentation and group discussion –
o CLAP
o SAFER
o Me, we, the weather & the sea
o “The Lemon Theory”
Rescues
o Assisted Rescues – all three, T, UPSIDEDOWN T, PILLION
o Self-Rescues – SCRAMBLE & PADDLE FLOAT
o Bow Rescue to be demonstrated by instructor team
De-brief
Finish approx. 4pm
Blue Dog Kayaking
Advanced Workshop - Friday April 26th
Start 9:00am – Meet and Greet at Gyro Beach
o who you are
o why you’re here
o what are your goals for today
Participant Exercise – Beach Talk/Safety Briefing
Instructor Led Advanced Stroke Clinic – kayak maneuverability under momentum
o Forward Stroke
o Bow Rudder
o Sweep (forward and reverse under momentum)
o Stern Rudder
o Low Brace Turn
o Stroke Blending Participant Exercise
The 4 Corners
Towing
Lunch
Risk Assessment presentation and group discussion –
o CLAP
o SAFER
o Me, we, the weather & the sea
o “The Lemon Theory”
Advanced Rescues
o Assisted Rescues – choice of rescue and technique for conditions
o Self-Rescues – choice of rescue pros and cons
o Advanced Towing scenario (all participants) dealing with an injured paddler on the
water
De-brief
Finish approx. 4pm
Go Kayak
Workshops for intermediate paddlers
Advanced paddling strokes – Friday May 3, 10 am - 12 noon
This workshop will focus on blending and using a variety of advanced paddling strokes in preparation for paddling in more active and challenging waters. It will also help you to save energy when conditions get tough.
Towing – Friday May 3, 1 pm – 3 pm
Learn about different sea kayak towing techniques and how to safely tow an injured or fatigued paddler back to safety.
Workshops for beginners
Paddling Strokes – Saturday May 4, 10 am – 12 noon
Learn the benefits that paddling has to offer, including paddling more efficiently, building strength and fitness.
Rescues – Saturday May 4, 1 pm – 3 pm
Learn how to deal with a possible capsize by performing rescue skills such as wet exit, self and assisted rescues; essential skills to master if you are planning to get into sea kayaking.
SISKA - Basic Sea Kayak Skills
Saturday May 5, Sunday May 11, Saturday June 8, Sunday June 9 – 10 am – 4 pm
This is the primary starting point of the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak skills progression. With a focus on foundation skills and knowledge, Basic Kayak Skills inspires students to go out on short paddling excursions in calm and sheltered waters.
Prerequisites: None
Course Length: 1 day
Overview
Re-entry Skills
- Wet Exit
- Assisted Re-entries
Paddling Skills
- Lifting and Carrying a Kayak
- Launching and Landing
- Emptying the Kayak
- Forward Stroke
- Stopping
- Reverse Stroke
- Forward & Reverse Sweep Strokes
- Pivots
- Draw Stroke
- Low Brace
- Edging
General Knowledge
- Kayak Part Names and Outfitting
- Paddling and Safety Equipment
- Injury Prevention
- Sunsense
- Collision Regulations
- Navigation
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Impact of Kayakers on the Environment
SISKA - Sea Kayak Level 1 Skills
May 5 and 11, June 8 and 9; 10 am – 4 pm each day
Building on the information covered in Basic Skills, Level-1 is a two-day course that moves participants beyond flatwater kayaking and into the sport of sea kayaking. The course is conducted in slightly rougher water than Basic Kayak, aiming to develop the paddler’s comfort in class-1 waters. There is a strong focus on re-entry techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a day trip with friends (for example, navigation & route planning, weather interpretation, proper clothing/gear.)
Prerequisites
Certification: Paddle Canada Basic Kayak skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge at the discretion of the course director.
Paddling experience: Five kayaking excursions (2 or 3 hours) in class-0; Can execute a controlled wet exit in class-0 conditions; Can perform a simple assisted re-entry in class-0 conditions.
Course Length: 2 days
Overview
Re-entry Skills
- Unassisted Re-entry
- Assisted Re-entry
- Towing
Paddling Skills
- Launching and Landing
- Forward Stroke
- Stopping
- Reverse Stroke
- Sweep Strokes
- Draw Stroke
- Low Brace
- Stern Rudder
- Edge Control
General Knowledge
- Equipment and Equipment Care
- Communication
- Route Planning and Basic Navigation Techniques
- Half-day Kayak Journey
- Weather
- Sea State
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Cold Issues and Sun Safety
- Impact of Kayakers on the Environment
- History and Heritage
- Kayaking Community and Resources
- Vehicle Boat Tie Down
Pacifica Paddlesports – Wet Exits and Rescues
Saturday May 25 – 9 am – 12 noon
Learn how to exit and reenter a kayak after capsizing. Practicing these techniques will increase your confidence during any paddling trip.
Our approach is simple and effective:
- Lessons are delivered in a manner that allows for step by step progression so the learning of new skills isn’t overwhelming.
- Our experienced instructors break down the lessons into skill sets that are easy to understand, remember and apply.
- We ensure that you gain a practical sense of each skill, which will allow you to understand when and how to best use your new skills to improve your paddling experience.
SKILS
Forward Stroke Polishing – Monday May 27, 9 am – 12 noon
All levels welcome
Description: This is the most important stroke and the most neglected one.
Towing – Monday May 27, 1 pm – 4 pm
All levels welcome
Description: Test out a variety of towing-gear and towing techniques for towing, and rescues that involve towing.
Paddling in the Currents – Thursday May 30, 9 am – 4 pm
All levels welcome
Description: Maneuvering and boat control in moving water. We will also use specific navigation techniques like vectors and ranges while navigating currents.
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Gear Swap + Clinics - Sat. June 15
Cadboro Bay Beach - Gyro Park
by Jane Jacek
Schedule:
9am-12pm: Gear Swap
10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm: On water and off water clinics
12pm-1pm Lunch break (Bring your own lunch)
Coffee/Tea and goodies supplied
More info on clinics to come....
Cost: $5 for the day (keep eye out for future email with PayPal link)
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Community Events of Interest
If you are aware of an event that should be included in the next Newsletter, please email Alan Campbell at alanglencampbell@shaw.ca.
List of Upcoming NonSISKA Events
Tuesday, April 09th, 2019 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM - In Search of the Real Wolf - VNHS
Saturday, April 13th, 2019 - 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Massive Marine Garage Sale - MMBC
Friday, April 19th, 2019 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - SUP Touring in the Great Bear Rainforest - ORS
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - West Coast Trail - Robinsons
Monday, April 29th, 2019 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM - How Storms Impact the Coasts - VNHS
SKGABC Exchange Invitation Extended to SISKA Members
Daye Cooper, Executive Director, Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC, has invited interested SISKA members to join them for their Spring Exchange in Haida Gwaii May 9 to 13, 2019.
You can view the Itinerary here.
Although normally reserved for SKGABC members and associate members, SISKA members registering and paying to attend will be granted associate membership status at no extra cost.
Daye reports that they have a pretty phenomenal weekend planned, with coaching by the renowned Kate Hives, a tour of the island, options for zodiac village tours and an introduction to Parks, a tour of the Haida Heritage museum, etc. A fantastic opportunity for folks who would like the opportunity to visit and be oriented to do so, and very low cost as everything is donated and or not for profit. They would be happy to have SISKA members join them, and have extended the earlybird price to April 1st.
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What’s in a Name?
ALBERT HEAD
by Vic Turkington
Named in 1846 by Capt Kellett of HMS Herald after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, as the settlement further north was named Fort Victoria, in honour of the Queen.
Prince Albert of Saxe-Cobourg and Gotha (1819-61) married Queen Victoria in 1840. The Spanish explorer Capt.Quimper landed at Albert Head in 1790, while exploring Juan de Fuca Strait and claimed Vancouver Island for Spain. The headland was the site of BC's first saw mill (1853-59); it was subsequently destroyed by fire. A quarantine station operated at Albert Head (1883-93), before it was relocated to William Head. The promontory was fortified during WW II to guard Esquimalt Harbour.
Nowadays, the lagoon is a quiet refuge for ducks, geese and other wild life. Depending on the log jams, paddlers can exit or enter the lagoon to or from the ocean. Albert Head also provides a convenient pebble beach for kayakers to launch while on SISKA paddles to Witty's Lagoon and elsewhere.
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Tips from the trips
by Debbie Leach
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PFD Snack Pack - use small plastic containers for trail mix instead of snack bars.
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Camp Cookery
Ice Cream Cones
by Michael Egilson via Lynn Baier
Ingredients:
Pringles- any flavour
Waffle cones
Mini marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Eat the Pringles.
2. Pack the waffle cones into the empty Pringles container.
3. In camp: fill the waffle cones with layers of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, starting with the chocolate chips, and filling to the top. Double wrap the cones in aluminum foil and place near hot coals until the contents are a delicious gooey mess. Unwrap and enjoy!
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Coopers Cove into Sooke Inlet
On March 2, 2019, a group of 18 SISKA paddlers gathered at Cooper Cove to paddle across Sooke Basin.
As the high tide had left only a miniscule beach, the launch process was one-at-a time. This gave the early launchers time to acquaint themselves while paddling around in the bay waiting for the later launchings to be completed. For the later launchers, paddle leader Mike Jackson had arranged for a special ice-breaker: in order to get out of the cove, the group had to noisily crunch their way through a field of sheet ice. The conversation was replaced by the sounds of the ice giving way to kayak hulls and paddle chops. All paddlers made it through – no need to call on CCGS Terry Fox.
Once through the ice, the plan had been to strike out directly across the basin to Anderson Cove. As a strong wind was blowing from the northeast – perhaps outflow from the political storms in Ottawa this past week – the group paddled along the lee of the shoreline. Just shy of Anderson Cove, however, the wind picked up again (as if this were an Energizer paddle). At this point, the group retreated to Roche Cove and floated under the new bridge (not nearly as interesting as the old bridge, however). A suitable beach was found, but it meant paddling to the very end of the cove.
As the wind had died down, the return trip was directly from Roche Cove to Cooper Cove – with only the occasional gust to contend with. As predicted, the tide had revealed more of the beach by the return and the landing was in groups rather than one-at-a-time. Then off to the Stickleback next door for the de-brief.
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Telegraph Cove to Chatham/Discovery Islands
Saturday 9th March
by Edgar Hulatt
At 9.30 am the wind was 10 to 12 knots blowing directly into Telegraph Cove. There was a 1 to 1.5 feet swell breaking on the beach with short, choppy wavelengths. The same conditions or worse existed out past the cove entrance. Gusts suggested that the wind was strengthening. As the paddle back from Chatham in the afternoon would have been directly into the wind a decision was made to change the launch point to Cadboro Bay.
Mike Jackson joined the group from his home on Cadboro Bay and 8 paddlers headed out to Jemmy Jones Island. We regrouped here and due to the strong ebb current set a course for the North cardinal Buoy protecting Fulford Reef. The ebb current carried us down to the top of Strong Tide Islet. The group was able to watch as the ranges of the two sets of towers changed as the current swept us south. Mike Jackson gave a short current in the narrow channel between Vantreight and East Chatham islands. Everyone enjoyed playing in the current and it was difficult to move on as we were having so much fun.
Eventually we had to leave and headed between Chatham and Discovery to round Discovery on the east side, past the lighthouse for lunch at Rudlin Bay. A forward stroke paddle lesson was requested on the beach after lunch.
The flood current had started to set as we paddled back across the channel and we retraced our path past Jemmy Jones Island to our launch point. One paddler practised a roll off the beach but had to give up on a second roll as a hatch cover had come loose as it was not secured after emptying the boat. No names shall be mentioned but I do remember it was a bright red kayak.
Mike Jackson paddled with the group for most of the time but kept paddling off to say Hi to friends he recognized who were also paddling the area. Mike also identified a comprehensive list of birds that we saw.
Coffee and a debrief was at Olio's Cafe where we played with the route on Navionics courtesy of Delcie. Say, doesn't she paddle a red kayak?
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SISKA Relaxed Paddle: Brentwood Bay to McKenzie Bight – Saturday March 9th
by Alan Campbell
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Unlike the same paddle a month earlier, during Victoria’s wintry weather, the March 9th paddle from Brentwood Bay to McKenzie Bight was a lovely Spring kayaking experience! We lucky 13 paddlers were treated to sunny 7C weather and very little wind as we made our way south along the Saanich Inlet shoreline and back, also visiting Tod Inlet to inspect the remaining skiff of ice there, before continuing back to the launch and on to coffee at JJ’s in Brentwood Bay.
https://www.relive.cc/view/2202720522
Enthused by the delightful weather we over-achieved, covering 8 nm in all! Many thanks to Bridget and Edmond for taking photos and sharing them with the group! Paddling at a leisurely pace, we stopped on the water a few times for Alan to share some fun facts about Saanich Inlet’s geography and history. It turns out that the Inlet is a very active marine research area, since it is quite deep (234m at one point), but also bounded by a shallow underwater ridge on the north reducing the tidal exchange and creating a unique undersea environment for studies by Ocean Networks Canada. Check this out for more information on a very special place!
https://www.oceannetworks.ca/observatories/pacific/saanich-inlet
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A request from our paddle coordinator
When using launching and landing sites, please be respectful of adjacent private property. We don't want to give paddlers a bad name!
It’s a delicate topic
So let me be brief
Your bladder was full
And you needed relief
The neighbours were watching
And they weren’t delighted
When your “business” trip
They angrily sighted
Please plan ahead
Go away from the shore
At your house or restroom
It’s what they are for
But if you find
You have no resort
Then hide in some trees
So there’ll be no report
To be a good neighbour
Is job number one
As for job number two?
That’s It, I’m DONE
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Event Reports
Reel Paddling Film Festival
by Fred Pishalski
Once again SISKA assisted Ocean River Sports in putting on the Reel Paddling Film Festival. This is either the 4th or 5th year that SISKA has been involved with this event. A large enthusiastic crowd watched a number of paddling-related short documentaries at the Roxy Theatre on Quadra Street on March 20, 2019. Also helping out was special guest Simon Whitfield who is a retired Olympic triathlon champion. Simon won 10 consecutive Canadian Triathlon Championships titles and carried the Canadian national flag during the 2000 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Sydney, where he had won gold, and the opening ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, making him one of few Canadian athletes to be honoured twice as Olympic flag bearer. SISKA volunteers were Gail Miller, Tony Playfair, Willi Fast, Alan Campbell, and Fred Pishalski.
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Safety Tip
by Lynn Baier
Yay! Camping and tripping season is upon us. Now is the time to go over your kayak to make sure all maintenance, pre-empting a problem far from your workshop/garage, is done. Pay special attention to your rudder/skeg system. Check your lines.... Fix those slow leaks.... Make sure your repair kit is stocked....
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To Buy or Sell
If you have any buy/sell items that you would like to post in the Newsletter, please send a short description and your contact info to newsletter@siska.ca.
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SISKA’s Kayak Skills Course Partners
There are some fine discounts available from our kayak skills course partners for SISKA members who sign up for their skills training programs; have a look at http://siska.ca/docs_public/SISKAsKayakSkillsCoursePartners.pdf.
SKILS has the following new kayak courses:
With Gordon Brown in the Victoria area: https://skils.ca/skills-tune-up-with-gordon/
More Gordon Brown - https://www.skils.ca/course/sea-kayak-with-gordon-brown/
Paddle Canada Level 2 skills on Quadra Island: https://skils.ca/paddle-canada-level-2-skills/
Also, SKILS offers private courses in the Victoria area with numerous staff including Gordon Brown
Our partners are:
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