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!
Alan Campbell (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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Siska February General Meeting Agenda
by Jane Jacek/Fred Pishalski
1. Kayak Tripping Social - Wed, Feb 26th, 6:00-7:00pm
(in our usual room at The Citadel, right before our regular monthly meeting)
Did you have a great kayak trip last year? Come with charts and suggestions for others planning theirs. We’ll have some tables set up where you can inspire and be inspired to paddle in 2020. And, if you want to go kayak tripping this spring, summer and/or fall, for a weekend or longer, and are looking for others to share the experience, then come ready to discuss possible plans. You may find the perfect paddling partners!
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2. Whales in our Waters covers key information about some of the main marine mammals that we can find around S. Vancouver Island and the threats that they face, in addition to information about the BC Cetacean Sightings Network and how your members can contribute to the network to help support marine mammal conservation. In 1999, the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network was established to maintain these data in a consistent format that makes it valuable to researchers, NGOs and government. The B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network continues today as a collaboration between the Ocean Wises Coastal Ocean Research Institute and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO).
Our presenter will be Aaron Purdy who holds a Masters Degree in Marine Conservation, is a Research Biologist with Ocean Wise Marine Mammal Research Program, and Coordinator of its newly established Southern Vancouver Island Cetacean Research Initiative.
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Upcoming SISKA Events
For more details, go to the SISKA website
Tuesday, January 28th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Tides & Currents - Session One Part 1
Thursday, January 30th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Tides & Currents - Session One Part 2
Saturday, February 01st, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Mackenzie Bight Paddle
Sunday, February 02nd, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking - City of Victoria
Tuesday, February 04th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Tides & Currents - Session Two Part 1
Thursday, February 06th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Tides & Currents - Session Two Part 2
Saturday, February 08th, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Albert Head to Witty's Lagoon Paddle
Sunday, February 16th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM - SISKA - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking
Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - SISKA 2020 Budget Consultation
Thursday, February 20th, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Todd Inlet Willis Point Paddle
Monday, February 24th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Marine Weather Seminar by Tony Merry
Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Monthly Meeting - Whales in our Waters
Sunday, March 01st, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking - City of Victoria
Tuesday, March 03rd, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Charts & Compass: Basic Navigation - Course One Part 1
Thursday, March 05th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Charts & Compass: Basic Navigation - Course Two Part 1
Saturday, March 07th, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Esquimalt Lagoon to Millstream Falls Paddle
Sunday, March 08th, 2020 - 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM - Spirit Bay to Cabin Point Paddle
Sunday, March 08th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM - SISKA - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking
Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Charts & Compass: Basic Navigation - Course One Part 2
Thursday, March 12th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Charts & Compass: Basic Navigation - Course Two Part 2
Thursday, March 19th, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Fleming Beach to Victoria Harbour Tour Paddle
Saturday, March 21st, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Coles Bay Paddle
Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Monthly Meeting
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Community Events of Interest
These events are not formally supported by SISKA, but considered to be of interest to a significant number of our members.
Any member may request an event to be included in this section by sending a note to chairperson@siska.ca.
Thursday, January 30th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Paddling Presentation: Teen Angst in the Stikine - VCKC
Thursday, February 06th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Ocean River - Kayaking on the West Coast with Dave Pinel of West Coast Expeditions.
Sunday, February 09th, 2020 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM - Intro to Ocean Kayaking - MEC
Monday, February 10th, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Paddling Presentation: Baffin Island to Greenland - VCKC
Friday, February 14th, 2020 - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Wildlife Photographer of the Year - RBCM
Friday, February 21st, 2020 - 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Victoria Boat and Fishing Show
Monday, February 24th, 2020 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Underwater Noise - VNHS
Tuesday, March 03rd, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Quebec and Ontario on the Great Trail - Robinsons
Saturday, March 21st, 2020 - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM - One Day Fly Tying Fundamentals with Dennis Gamboa - Robinsons
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Upcoming Courses
by Barb McDougall
What: Charts and Compass: Basic Navigation 2020
Who: John Abercrombie
Skill Level: All SISKA members welcome but class size limited to 8.
When: Two classes will be offered per course:
Tuesday, March 3rd and Tuesday, March 10th, 6:30 to 9:00 pm and Thursday, March 5th and Thursday, March 12th, 6:30 to 9:00 pm.
Each workshop comprises 2 evening classes, one week apart.
The classes will run from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Pre-class help will be available from 6:30 onward.
Where: Salvation Army Citadel, 4030 Douglas Street (McKenzie exit off of Blanchard Road) Junior Room.
The Plan:
This workshop will focus on some basic navigation techniques that can be used while paddling or at a campsite, as well as during pre-trip planning.
We'll try to maximize the time spent in 'hands-on' work during the workshop.
There will be a pre-workshop "homework assignment" for each evening, which should be completed before the workshop.
Topics will include:
Basic skills when using a nautical chart
Using Chart 1 to interpret chart symbols
Measuring distance on a chart, and estimating paddling time
Kayak compasses and navigation tools
True and Magnetic bearings
Drawing a course line/heading/bearing on a chart and finding its Magnetic direction.
There will be time during the second evening class to explore further topics of interest to participants.
Workshop Materials:
Participants will need CHS Chart 1 and CHS Chart 3441 (Haro Strait, Boundary Pass and Satellite Channel) to complete the pre-class worksheet, and must bring Chart 3441 to the workshop.
A navigation protractor will be supplied to each participant at the workshop (cost is included in the class fee).
The first preclass worksheet, materials list, and book/resources list will be emailed to each participant upon registration.
Cost: $35
Registration: r.barbara.mcdougall@gmail.com
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Spring Training 2020 - Sign Up Now!
by Alan Campbell
Beginning in April, and running until June 14, SISKA is sponsoring many specially designed workshops with Bluedog Kayaking, GoKayak, Ocean River Sports and Skils, as well as Paddle Canada courses with SISKA instructors. We are delighted that our professional partners are providing their workshops at a discount over their regular prices. The course fees listed are not subsidized by SISKA – our service partners are eager to work with you and have priced these special workshops accordingly! Altogether there are over 200 course/workshop spaces available over the next few months. Let’s use them all!
Link to course information and sign up ("Click to Sign Up" column) - HERE
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$50 SISKA SUBSIDY FOR FIRST AID CERTIFICATION/RECERTIFICATION
To encourage our members to take a First Aid course, or to recertify and keep their current certification valid, SISKA will provide a $50 subsidy to those completing a basic, advanced, or wilderness first aid course. Simply enroll with the course and organization of your choice and email chairperson@siska.ca to confirm when you have completed it successfully.
Numerous accredited trainers are available in the Victoria area including Alert First-Aid, Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance and several community recreation centres, through which a variety of courses are scheduled at different times.
In order to manage this new program, we have set aside $1,000 in our 2020 budget at this time, and will re-evaluate it once the first 20 members have claimed a subsidy.
So…don’t delay, sign up for a first aid course today!
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Paddling With A Living Legend!
by Alan Campbell
What kayaker has not heard of Freya Hoffmeister?
The self-styled “Goddess of Love to the Seas”, this amazing woman has paddled around Australia and South America and is now circumnavigating North America!
And…starting February 2nd, Freya will be accompanied as she paddles in Baja Mexico by Elizabeth Purdon, a SISKA member and an accomplished PC Level 4 sea kayaker who recently paddled around Vancouver Island and down the BC North and Central Coast.
You can follow Elizabeth’s InReach Mapshare and posts for the next month at https://share.garmin.com/ElizabethPurdon .
And check out Freya’s own website http://freyahoffmeister.com/ and daily blog posts http://freyahoffmeister.com/posts/ to follow their paddling adventures day by day!
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What's In A Name
by Vic Turkington
WITTY's LAGOON
A SISKA energizer paddle to Witty's lagoon is scheduled in February, so paddlers may be interested in the history and especially the legend of the “Sitting Lady Falls.”
Witty's lagoon was named after John Fredrick Witty, who purchased the adjacent Bilton farm in Metchosin in the mid 1860s. The area is now a CRD Regional park which includes 5km of walking trails, large arbutus trees and the remains of Indigenous settlements.
Paddlers can enter the lagoon from the ocean at tides over 7ft., where the shallow salt water flats are ideal for bird watching and provide a home for a wide variety of wild life.
Kayakers can paddle up to the Sitting Lady Falls where the fresh waters of Bilson creek plunge into the lagoon. The Falls are usually a raging torrent during the winter and sometimes tempt kayakers to challenge the cascades. (see legend of the “Sitting Lady Falls”).
Survivors can enjoy lunch on the long sandy beach on the ocean side of the lagoon (complete with washrooms.) This area is often fun to practise surfing on the gentle ocean swells.
Vic and Sandy playing at the Falls - https://youtu.be/RqkeymqOrA0
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LEGEND OF THE SITTING LADY FALLS
Long ago there was a great chief who lived in the mountains far inland. He had five daughters, and each was a princess.
One day the five princesses decided to go to the beach for a picnic. They set out and soon came to a very high cliff. The princesses leaped from rock to rock down the cliff like mountain goats. Remember that they were princesses from the mountain, and their clothes which were made of icicles and snow flashed like jewels as they played on the rocks. They had so much fun playing amongst the rocks that the picnic was forgotten and they only noticed what time it was when it began to get dark. Quickly all the princesses rushed home - all except the youngest, who was having too much fun to go home.
The great chief was very angry with his daughters for arriving home so late. He was furious with the youngest, and despite the pleas of his other daughters, he turned her into the waterfall. She will forever be reminded that she should have obeyed her father and gone home on time.
This is why the waterfall is called the Sitting Lady Falls, and it is said if you look closely, you can still see the Indian princess.
(courtesy Sooke Museum)
So as we probe our kayak bows into the cascading waterfall, if we look up, we may see the princess sitting on the rock luring us closer!
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Causeway Coast Kayak Association (CCKA)
by Vic Turkington
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Alan Campbell recently announced in the December Newsletter that the SISKA executive had formed a twinning relationship with the Causeway Coast Kayak Association in N.Ireland, to mutually expand kayaking opportunities for both members.
The Causeway Coast Kayak Association is a dynamic group of paddlers operating around the North East Coast of Ireland in County Antrim. It has an active membership that enjoys paddling on rivers, lakes and the Irish Sea. Their activities range from calm touring on rivers, ocean sea kayaking, canoeing, SUPs and sailing to challenging white water kayaking. Coast sea kayaking can include exploring the Giant's Causeway and stunning coastal scenery of the Antrim coast.. Photos of their activities can be seen on their website: HERE.
This new association with CCKA opens the mutual possibility for club members to try kayak trips in a different part of the world and experience new venues. The exposed coast around the Giant's Causeway and Rathlin Island offers similar sea kayaking conditions to our West Coast. Opportunities abound for advanced kayaking further afield in Donegal, Sligo and on the Atlantic west coast of Ireland, Each club would offer local advice and guidance to suit a paddler's skill level, in addition to supplying kayaks, paddles and gear to reduce costs and inconvenience.
(see mutual conditions: http://bit.ly/2YMBruB)
A couple of their members are hoping to visit us next September to enjoy some Vancouver Island paddling. This will give us an opportunity to welcome them, offer some SISKA hospitality, exchange kayaking news and learn first hand about kayaking opportunities in Ireland. Many thanks to our members who have already offered kayaks and assistance.
This twinning association has the potential for members to plan a kayaking trip, or one in combination with other activities, such as hiking, biking, or a historic scenic tour of Ireland. For example, Bushmills Distillery is within easy striking distance of kayak venues and the Giant's Causeway. King John granted it a charter in1608, making it the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world – tasting tours are available.
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Further updates and info. will appear in the Newsletter, as it evolves.
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Tips from the trips
by Debbie Leach
Knife on the Line. Corral your knife with a bungee to slip over the scabbard on your PFD. Keep the loop around your wrist when you use your knife to clean gravel out of your paddling buddy’s skeg box.
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Camp Cookery
by Lynn Baier
Sometimes when you get to camp you really feel like something to take the edge off before rehydrating and cooking dinner. Here are a few ideas for easy camp appetizers:
* cheese! Can’t go wrong here.
* dolmades in a can
* smoked oysters or mussels, with cream cheese
* hummus- it dehydrates really well and is also available in a can
* pesto on crackers
* olives
* olive and sun dried tomato tapenade
* rehydrated artichoke/spinach dip- dehydrate vegetables, then rehydrate at camp and warm up with Parmesan and mayonnaise.
* refried beans (dehydrate really well) and queso warmed up together.
* salsa (also dehydrates really well) and nachos
* pepperoni sticks
* shiitake mushroom snacks. I just discovered this Costco wonder and they’re delicious!
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The Challenges of Sea Kayaking
by Dorothea Hoffman
I have been thinking about this lately, and recently got an email about an article posted by Nick Schade. It is about risk and how he and a friend handled it. Leading up to the discussion, he has some interesting thoughts.
Click here for article
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Book Recommendation
by Edmond Duggan
Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue by Gordon Brown
After Gordon Brown's presentation in November I was able to borrow and read the club's copy Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue over the holiday season. I've not read any of his other books yet, but have digested several books on similar topics in whitewater paddling and aviation.
I'd hesitate to call this article a review, as I don't have a similar wide background to Gordon's in sea kayaking. His wisdom from the many years of paddling shine in this volume, each chapter starts with a relatable story providing context for the section. The book covers a wide selection of topics, much like a buffet has a wide selection of dishes. There is something in it for everyone no mater your background.
If you are a beginner just starting in the sport you might assume to believe that the book is aimed at the more experienced paddler. It isn't. While you may not be in charge of a rescue, you may find yourself as and active and committed participant in one. Being informed ahead of time is going to reduce your stress levels when something does happen.
For the intermediate paddler, you'll probably gain some insight into things you've never considered before. You'll be a safer paddler as you expand your knowledge.
To me, expert paddlers are the ones who are always learning. The book may present you with new ways of think about items that you regularly do. It may even give you insight to a beginner's mind, which can provide further wisdom into skills mastered long ago with a new perspective.
Like a buffet, one should work through the index to see the extensive selection of material before diving into the chapters that interest you. Sequential reading of the complete book from start to finish isn't required. The chapters are short readable segments rather than long laborious exercises. They can more or less be read in any order you choose without sacrificing understanding.
Learning about safety and rescues needs to be backed up by practical experience to become effective in an emergency. Most of us don't plan on going out to be rescued when we paddle. Consider taking one of the many courses and clinics offered through the club in addition to learning with this book. Combining the two will help you learn faster.
Consider purchasing a copy for your own library, that way you'll aways be able to re-read a section from time to time, or loan it out to your paddling buddies. Perhaps SISKA's copy needs a waiting list as I don't expect it to sit unread in storage between meetings. If the book isn't available, consider borrowing another item from the library till you check out this book.
One note to mention is the book is printed in what I call "squint" sized fonts. So, if you require glasses this will test that you've got the right prescription. :-)
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Safety Tip
by Lynn Baier
DITCH KITS
You might think having a ditch kit is only important if you might get caught back of beyond in big water, but it has happened more than once that paddlers have happily gone over to Discovery Island and the wind comes up to dangerous levels or the fog rolls in. Would you be prepared to spend the night? There is never a time when you have to get back. No one wants you to die.
Here’s what’s in mine:
* I think my drysuit or wetsuit is my best protection against the elements. I will always have one or the other. I’m also always wearing shoes that are suitable for land.
* spare clothing....quick dry shirt, pants, gloves, socks, hat every single time you’re on the water!!
* first aid basic kit, including meds
* hot shots- my hands get very non-functional if cold
* a fire-starting pack of lighters and tinder
* sunscreen
* a couple of cliff bars and water
* a lifestraw personal water filter
* a Mylar lined poncho
* an umbrella
* a large orange garbage bag (it’s a shelter, it’s a sleeping bag, it’s a signal)
* a multi-tool
* lightweight parachute cord
* duct tape...... of course
* signal flares
* signal mirror
* maps and a handheld compass in case you need to walk out
* a headlamp and extra batteries
* ‘write in the rain’ note pad and pencil
* cell phone, keys, wallet
* backup vhf radio or backup charge for the one on your pfd
If conditions are such that you and your boat become separated, if you aren’t wearing it, you don’t have it. I tether my knife, my vhf radio, my whistle and my strobe light to my pfd. I have an orange garbage bag tucked into my pocket (orange is the universal colour of distress). I’m hoping to add a laser flare to my pfd this year. I’m also experimenting this year with a dry bag/backpack, with my ditch items inside, to keep on me. I don’t intend to wear it unless I’m in big water and help is a long way off. All items that have to be kept dry are also in additional ziplocks or other waterproof packing.
While I was working on this article, I discovered that the bag I had my spare clothes in had deteriorated, and I had more bandaid wrappers than bandaids, so remember to check out your kit frequently.
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Siska Apparel
by Debbie Leach
Look as good off the water as in your kayak!
Order your SISKA branded apparel now.
When 12 orders are received for each item, we can get them embroidered with the SISKA logo and available for pick up in a few weeks.
Open the links for technical descriptions, colour and size information.
Email your order to debbieleach52@gmail.com and indicate for each:
Item
Mens/Ladies
Colour
Size
Quantity
E-transfer the total $ to the same e-mail. Password: SISKA2020
All sales are final.
For questions or more information contact Debbie via e-mail.
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BC Kayak Centre Now a SISKA Kayak Skills Partner
Mike Gilbert, BC Kayak Centre, offers a 10% discount to SISKA members for all courses, clinics and trips in British Columbia. You can check them out online at bckayakcentre.com.
For those interested in kayaking further afield, the highlight trip for BC Kayak Centre in 2020 is a guided 7-day kayaking excursion in Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago, August 2-8:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r3tBvQLV51z8GURcAKYNdSn8XkvRLM68/view?usp=sharing
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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.
For Sale:
Valley Gemini SP (Sports Play) Plastic Kayak - 14'10" - Orange, not Yellow as shown in the image below. $1100 (Sells for $2600 New + Tax).
Information and Specifications - Here
A few years old but still in very good condition. Excellent rock gardening boat and surfer for Jordan River or Tofino. The quality of the plastic is one of the highest in the business. I have the original foot pegs if desired but I installed a mini-cell full width foot brace which can be cut down to suit your leg length. Much more comfortable for paddling and makes it easier for re-enter and rolls if needed. The boat rolls very easy.
Contact Tony - here
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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.
Our partners are:
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