Introduction
Dear Tony,
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!
Siska now has a backup newsletter site here. Mailchimp also has a backup but is limited to a certain number. A password is required for the backups and it is "lifejacketon". Hopefully that may reduce the number of bots grabbing email addresses from the newsletters but we'll have to wait and see. Some weather info is also there and trip reports will be posted too.
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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Upcoming SISKA Events
Saturday, January 30th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Cadboro Bay to Chatham and Discovery Islands Paddle
Tuesday, February 02nd, 2021 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Mike Gilbert on BCKC and Paddling in New Zealand!
Saturday, February 06th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Amherst to Tsehum Harbour Paddle
Saturday, February 06th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Currents Clinic
Sunday, February 07th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Albert Head to Wittys Lagoon (FULL) Paddle
Sunday, February 07th, 2021 - 10:15 AM to 3:00 PM - Currents Clinic
Sunday, February 07th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Beginner / Intermediate Rough Water Paddling Intensive Clinic Series
Monday, February 08th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Beginner / Intermediate Rough Water Paddling Intensive Clinic Series - Part 2
Tuesday, February 09th, 2021 - 7:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Choosing a VHF Radio
Thursday, February 11th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Spirit Bay to Becher Bay Tour Paddle
Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Food for Kayak Tripping
Thursday, February 25th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Light Paddle - Cooper Cove to Roche Cove Paddle
Saturday, February 27th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Spirit Bay to Cabin Point Paddle
Sunday, February 28th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Telegraph Cove to Chatham and Discovery Islands Paddle
Thursday, March 11th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Cadboro Bay to Cattle Point or Willows Beach Paddle
Saturday, March 13th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Strokes and Manoeuvres Refinement
Saturday, March 13th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Fleming Beach to Fisgard Lighthouse Paddle
Saturday, March 13th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Turning Strokes and Edging
Sunday, March 14th, 2021 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Intermediate Currents
Sunday, March 14th, 2021 - 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM - Cadboro Bay to Uplands and Oak Bay Marina Paddle
Sunday, March 14th, 2021 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Paddling Strokes
Thursday, March 25th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Cadboro Bay to Ten Mile Point Paddle
Saturday, March 27th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Paddling Strokes
Saturday, March 27th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Oak Bay Marina to Gonzales Beach possibly via Trial Island Paddle
Saturday, March 27th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Strokes and Manoeuvres Refinement
Sunday, March 28th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Paddling with your legs
Sunday, March 28th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Paddling in the Currents
Sunday, March 28th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Braces
Monday, March 29th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Edging and Strokes Tune-Up
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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.
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Siska Now Has a Youtube Channel
by Editor
We now have our own Youtube channel and we are posting all Zoom meetings there for your viewing anytime. Previous presenters talks, pre Covid, will also be posted in the coming weeks.
You have to scroll to the right to see all possible videos. A right facing arrow should show when you move your cursor to the right side of the videos.
All videos only show on the homepage because they are unlisted for now so don't be alarmed when you click "Videos" and nothing shows up. Enjoy!
Here is the channel -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIxhd33Iq1phFZabjqBzv0g
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SISKA February Zoom Meeting
by Fred Pishalski
Topic: In Progress
Time: Feb 24, 2021 07:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81358038796?pwd=N3Q2T3hpZlVCOUNhamNZVDVpanQydz09
Meeting ID: 813 5803 8796
Passcode: 996641
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It Pays to be a Member!
by Alan Campbell
Good news! Most of the businesses offering paddling skills courses, which provided a discount for SISKA members last year, have agreed to continue to do so in 2021!
Check out https://siska.ca/prod/docs_public/SISKAsKayakSkillsCoursePartners.pdf for all the details!
Many thanks to our kayak skills course partners:
- Mike Gilbert, BC Kayak Centre
- Dave Nichols and Amber Champion, Blue Dog Kayaking
- Yves Aquin and Patti Stevens, Go Kayak
- Mark Bitz and Gordon Brown, Ocean River Sports
- JF Marleau, SKILS
NOTES:
1. Details can be found on the SISKA website, under the General Interest tab on the homepage at https://siska.ca/prod/docs_public/SISKAsKayakSkillsCoursePartners.pdf
2. To confirm your current club membership if requested, SISKA members can log on to our website at www.siska.ca and print a membership card out by clicking on Print Your Membership Card(s) under the Members tab.
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SISKA’s COVID-19 Guidelines for Paddling
by Alan Campbell
On January 8, 2021, Public Health officials confirmed that SISKA’s on-water activities are permitted, as long as we continue to adhere to SISKA’s Covid-19 Guidelines for Paddling (below):
Note: Participants should only attend if they can answer NO to each of these questions:
In the past 14 days, have you:
1. experienced any symptoms related to COVID-19?
2. travelled outside Canada?
3. had contact with anyone travelling outside Canada, or with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or who has experienced symptoms related to COVID-19?
As active sea kayakers we maintain our health and fitness partly through regular paddling. The following guidelines are to ensure that we are abiding by the direction of our public health authorities to minimize the risk of contagion and maintain physical distancing.
- Paddles should be planned to minimize the likelihood of adverse conditions.
- Groups should be limited to no more than 6.
- Face masks should be used if distancing requirements cannot be met at any time.
All paddlers, except for those living in the same household, should:
- Avoid carpooling.
- Use hand sanitizer to maintain personal hygiene as required.
- Use disinfectant to clean surfaces as required (e.g., kayak carry handles)
- Carry their own gear between their vehicle and the water.
- Enter and exit their kayak on shore without assistance.
- Not share food or beverages.
- Maintain 2m distance from others.
- Before and after the paddle
- during launchings and landings
- during any rest/lunch break
- while on the water, unless involved in a rescue.
- Not congregate after the paddle, unless a short outdoor debrief is required.
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Spring Training 2021 Workshops are 80% Full!
by Alan Campbell
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SISKA'S SPRING TRAINING 2021
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****SPACES AVAILABLE IN SOME WORKSHOPS SO REGISTER NOW****
The links to register and pay for workshops are in the Register column of the table when you follow the link below as well as in SISKA's calendar.
The list of workshops below shows available spaces as of 3 pm January 30th...
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Click HERE to Register and read more about Spring Training 2021.
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Get an Excellent Paddler’s Manual at Wholesale
by Alan Campbell
JF Marleau and SKILS staff recently revised and expanded their respected reference manual for sea kayaking, Navigation, Sea State and Weather, A Paddlers Manual (SKILS, 2020)
https://skils.ca/store/Navigation-Sea-State-Weather-A-Paddlers-Manual-Freedom-of-the-Seas-Volume-1-2020-Second-Edition-Paperback-p10572295
SISKA organized a group buy to get the wholesale price, $18.62 delivered to Victoria, and the response from members has been tremendous!
A few extra copies were purchased and are still on hand, so if you want to get in on this deal , contact Alan Campbell ASAP at chairperson@siska.ca
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What to Wear Paddling
by Alan Campbell
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Puffins look good and are always geared up for any weather, but what about us?? In a Zoom workshop Jan 25th Alan Campbell and a number of his experienced SISKA paddling friends shared their advice, photos, videos, tips and tricks to help you prepare for cold or warm weather paddling this year.
What are the pros and cons of wet and dry suits, and what is a tuilik? How can you keep your head, hands and feet warm and dry in our wild west coast winter weather? These and more practical ideas are yours for the viewing!
A video-recording of the session can be found on the SISKA website www.siska.ca under General Interest, Presentation Videos, or directly on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52D3wDnTRN4&feature=youtu.be
What to wear online links -
Dry Suit Suppliers Online Links
Tuilik Suppliers Online Links
Wet Suit Suppliers Online Links
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Janice Mason and Ian Graeme (Team Oaracle) Raced to Alaska (R2AK) Several Times!
by Alan Campbell
SISKA’s first monthly meeting of 2021 took place January 27th, by Zoom of course, and we were joined by Team Oaracle, Janice Mason and Ian Graeme.
Janice and Graeme have participated in the demanding Race to Alaska (R2AK) several times in different watercraft, including a tandem kayak, and engagingly recounted some of their many adventures, learnings, and other amazing people they have met during the events.
If you missed their presentation, you can still catch it online at:
Team Oaracle and the R2AK
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As part of SISKA's Spring Training 2021, and to promote our participating kayak skills course partners...
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Join us this Tuesday February 2nd at 7pm, meet Mike Gilbert, BC Kayak Centre, hear about BCKC and Mike's paddling adventure in NZ!
Mike is owner/operator of BCKC but also a Kayaking Guide, Consultant, Product Tester, Ambassador, Dealer, Lobbyist, Sponsor, Director, Examiner and Certifier - he is one busy guy!
BC Kayak Centre offers Paddle Canada courses, clinics and classes, and will be running a number of workshops as part of SISKA's Spring Training 2021!
This year, Mike is also offering guided kayaking tours on the Yukon River, as well as in the Southern Broughtons, Northern Broughtons and the Deer Group.
Somehow, with all of this going on, Mike also finds time to paddle in other amazing places!
He'll show slides from his recent paddling trip in New Zealand, and answer any questions you may have.
Zoom Meeting Information
Tuesday, February 2nd at 7:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83408130411?pwd=RTJIVU9XQ3pHeHRBbU50UHFCVy9UUT09
Meeting ID: 834 0813 0411
Passcode: 587186
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Gordon Brown, Sea Kayaking Centre of Excellence, Ocean River, joins us online Wed Feb 17th. Gordon is looking forward to your questions about sea kayaking!
Zoom meeting Information
Wednesday February 17th at 7:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82075044205?pwd=aHE1L2wzTlZaUEYrK1RycXhTUmdEUT09
Meeting ID: 820 7504 4205
Passcode: 836092
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On The Water Clinics in Early 2021
by Jennie Sutton
Once the Spring Training sessions participation have been finalized (many are fully subscribed and even have wait-lists!), we hope to start offering more on-water clinics taught by club members who are certified Paddle Canada instructors. If you have any special requests please contact Jennie Sutton at instructordevelopment@siska.ca
Jennie Sutton
Instructor Liaison, SISKA
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Marine Trail Code of Conduct
by Mike Jackson
BC Marine Trails is introducing a new standard for user behaviour on the BC coast called the Marine Trail Code of Conduct. It was created through the Environmental Care Program by using scientific data to establish the baselines for user behaviour to achieve minimal impact on the BC coastal environment through recreational use.
The Code of Conduct is currently going through a peer review and public feedback process before a final draft is released. You can read about how the Code was determined in the Environmental Care Program outline. The following is the draft version.
Continue reading full article HERE.
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Meet More Of Our Kayak Skills Training Partners
by Alan Campbell
Special Zoom sessions in January introduced SISKA members to two more of our training partners:
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Amber Champion, Blue Dog Kayaking owner, joined us on January 5th and shared a short video about Blue Dog https://youtu.be/4G_aUxMC1Lo
Here is the link to our Zoom session: Meet Amber Champion from Blue Dog Kayaking
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JF Marleau, owner of SKILS, met with us online on January 19th and showed photos from his paddling expeditions to Antarctica and South Georgia.
Here is the link to our Zoom session: Meet JF Marleau, SKILS
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What’s in a Name?
by Vic Turkington
Street Names Of Victoria
To some of us, street names are merely convenient labels but behind each one lies a story and colourful history of successful citizens and mariners, who helped to build and develop Victoria in the 1800s – so what's in a name? Former BC Governors were honoured in the street names of Blanshard and Douglas. Others bore the names of prominent citizens, farmers and HBC employees: James Yates, Judge Matthew Begbie, Roderick Finlayson, Robert Rithet, Alexander Dallas etc. (cities, rivers and lakes were also used: Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, St. Lawrence, Michigan, Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario.)
Of particular interest to us mariners is the rich naval history of Victoria which is commemorated in our street names. For example, Captain George Courtnay (1793-1863), had a long and distinguished naval career. In 1848, he sailed his 50 gun frigate HMS Constance into Esquimalt harbour (reputedly the first RN ship to sail into Esquimalt Harbour). Capt. Courtnay gave his name to the up-island town of Courtnay and downtown street of Courtney in Victoria (albeit misspelled).
Also, famous naval explorers, such as: Capts. Cook, Quadra, Vancouver and Capts.Broughton, Rudlin and McNeill are remembered in our street names. Furthermore, some streets bear the name of ships that plied our seas during the early days of Victoria, such as: HMS Pandora, Fisgard, Herald, Pembroke, Thetis, Constance and Cormorant, In addition, two of our streets and favourite island paddling destinations are named after Capt. Vancouver's 10 gun ship HMS Discovery, in which he explored and charted the PNW coast (1791-95) together with his brig HMS Chatham, as tender.
We certainly kayak in an area which is full of interesting and intriguing naval history. So, as we wander the streets of Victoria or paddle our rocky and varied coastline, we can visualize these naval captains and their sailing ships that plied our waters, during the early days of Victoria.
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Tips from the trips
by Debbie Leach
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Save a friend and your spray skirt. Doing T-Rescues can chafe your spray skirt. Soften your cockpit combing with metal reinforced plastic edging....available from Trotac Marine.
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Food for Kayak Trips on Zoom
by Debbie Leach
Watch for details about this Zoom presentation on Tuesday February 16th at 7pm.
Debbie Leach, Elizabeth Purdon and Lynn Baier will share ideas about food shopping, dehydrating and kitchen stuff for camping trips.
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Safety tip - the Essentials List
by Lynn Baier
Most of our paddling is done on day trips, but how many times have you been to a launch where someone has forgotten a key piece of equipment? For me, it’s usually that the radio is still in the charger. Making a list of the essentials may prevent that. Sometimes just a quick glance at the list will jog your memory and let you proceed safely.
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Camp Cookery
by Lynn Baier
Recipe for granola
I was looking through the newsletter recipe index and I don’t see my most requested recipe for granola. It contains no added sugar. The fat and protein that you’ll need when tripping is in the nuts and seeds, so it’s a healthy start to a paddling day. I do it in large batches.
Granola
I get out my large turkey roasting pan and spray the bottom and sides with cooking spray. Put in a kilogram bag of large flake oats and add in a jar of unsweetened apple sauce. Mix well. Bake at 350°, stirring every 15 minutes or so until it’s golden brown. Sprinkle coconut over the top and shut the oven down as low as it will go (170° on my oven). Leave it in the oven at that temperature overnight. You can also do this step in a dehydrator if you prefer. It is important that it is completely dried out if you want to store it at room temperature. Now sprinkle on a layer of sliced almonds (or any nut you prefer), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and raisins. Customize it to your taste. Mix it all up and you’re done. I mix in dried coconut milk to my camping granola and regular milk at home. I find half a cup is enough to get me through the morning. Enjoy!
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Currents Course - Saturday, January 9, 2021
by Elizabeth Purdon
The first SISKA course of 2021 was held on Saturday January 9 after the club received approval for a group of six with our COVID -19 precautions. Students Raj, Paul and Rebecca were led by instructors Jennie Sutton, Dorothea Hoffman and Elizabeth Purdon. We departed from Gyro Park heading for Ten Mile Point around 10:30 following a short beach talk. The paddle was planned for a high tide of over 2.7 meters and for a building ebb. Jennie did her usual impeccable planning, and the conditions were as expected. Unfortunately, Dorothea had to leave at lunch time due to an urgent situation in her basement.
We started on a gentle ebb, first learning to break into the flow using a low brace on the downstream side. We found that good forward speed was required and crossing the eddy line at the top of the eddy was best. Sometimes a sweep on the upstream side was necessary to get turning. The angle of crossing the eddy line varied as the current changed. “Showing our butt towards the flow” felt the most stable. Then, we practiced breaking out of the flow back into the eddy, again using a low brace and showing our butt to the flow that is now going upstream.
We then worked on ferrying across the building current. Again, the angle of leaving the eddy changed as the current increased. We practiced finding the right amount of edge and angle so that ferrying across the current was almost effortless.
After a couple of hours, the students were truly able to play in the current, hitting different eddies and working their way upstream. Things got exciting when one keener got sideways to the current between two rocks, requiring a manual moving of the kayak from a participant on shore. However, no damage was done, everyone stayed dry and Jennie’s record of no swimming students remains intact. Our students were outstanding, and a good time was had by all.
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Good edges crossing the current.
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Jennie is all smiles. Spectacular mountains even with a grey day.
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CSBC offering a virtual Cold Water Workshop in 2021
by Edmond Duggan
BE SAFE AROUND COLD WATER THIS YEAR!
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ZOOM WORKSHOP WITH DR. GORDON GIESBRECHT
(aka PROFESSOR POPSICLE)
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23rd &
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25th
8:00p.m. - 10:30 p.m. EST
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If you’re a first responder, work or just spend time recreating on or near cold water, this workshop is for you. You will learn everything you need to know to survive an accidental cold water immersion and also how to help others who may have become hypothermic. It is hosted by the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC), delivered over “Zoom” and will cover...
✔ Understanding the Myths Around Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia
✔ How Our Bodies React to Heat and Cold Stimuli
✔ 4 Ways Our Bodies Lose Heat
✔ What Happens to Our Bodies When Immersed in Cold Water
✔ Immersion vs. Submersion in Cold Water
✔ Cold Water Survival and Thermal Protective Clothing
✔ Basic First Response…When You’re The Only One Who Can Help!
✔ The Decision to Stay or Swim When You’re on Your Own
The cost of this online Cold Water Workshop is only $50 and participants will receive a certificate of completion. Registration can be completed by going to the Canadian Safe Boating Council website www.csbc.com and selecting Cold Water Workshop under “Events”. Please note that the course instruction will be in English.
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Province acquires more land for Octopus Islands Marine Park
by Roger Graves
Interesting Article for us kayakers that visit this beautiful area!
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Parks Canada Permanently Closes Broken Group Islands to Off-Season Use
by Alan Campbell
SISKA members who received the SKILS December 2020 newsletter were surprised to learn that the Broken Group Islands are to be permanently closed Oct 1 - Apr 30 every year (not just this year due to Covid-19). Members who enjoy "off-season" kayak camping in that area may well be concerned...
(SKILS December 2020 Newsletter Item copied below)
Closing the Broken Group Islands (BGI) to recreational and commercial users outside of the official fee collection period. More specifically from October 1 to April 30 every year.
Behind the scenes, over the years SKILS and SKILS staff have been involved with organizations that represent the interests of the paddling community. Recently we have been fighting the permanent full closure of the BGI from October 1 to April 30. As a community we need to act in solidarity otherwise the right to enjoy the wilderness and our beautiful country will keep being encroached.
User and camping fees for the BGI are currently only collected online from May 1 to September 30. For the past decades, guides as well as recreational kayakers and boaters were able to enjoy the Broken Group Islands all year round, although no fees were collected from October to April. In 2020, permanent closure of the Broken Group Islands outside of the fee-collecting period was made with absolutely no consultation and was not communicated. One local outfitter learned this after a random exchange with the Visitor Experience Manager of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Outfitters were then told that the BGI is closed during the off-season because there are no Parks Staff there during that time. Parks Canada has not demonstrated by documentation or statistics, evidence that justifies closing the BGI. We think kayaking outfitters and recreational kayakers should continue to have access to the BGI all year for the following reasons.
During the fee collecting season in the BGI, Parks Canada do not have any permanent staff in the BGI and they do not stay overnight. Therefore, a lack of Park Canada staff in the winter is not a logical reason to close the park. There are friendly Beach Keepers on Keith island during the Summer but they are not properly trained to perform rescues or advanced first aid in remote areas, so their presence does not make it significantly ‘safer’. The nearby permanent Coast Guard station in Bamfield is well located and equipped to perform rescues if necessary. Nearby Ucluelet also has an auxiliary Coast Guard station.
Furthermore, the application of this decision does not make sense due to the lack enforcement and the very porous border of the Broken Group Islands with a lot of visitors transiting in this area all year round by human powered or motor boats.
Suggestions
1. Allow access to the Broken Group Island all year round.
2. We would like to suggest to Parks Canada to allow users to pay user and camping fees all year round. This is easily achieved with the current online booking system.
3. Users are fine to pay fees, but if Parks Canada is concerned about liability during the off-season, then users could continue to have access to the BGI without paying fees from October 1 – April 30th. This has worked in the BGI for decades and currently works in other National Parks.
4. Parks Canada could create a partnership with the guides and outfitters so they become the eyes and ears of Parks Canada in the BGI to report any issues (i.e. infractions) or significant wildlife reports.
We encourage recreational kayakers and guides to voice their concerns and communicate with Dave Tovell, Visitor Experience Manager at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (dave.tovell@canada.ca) and Karen Haugen, Superintendent at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve(karen.haugen@canada.ca)
Please email or write to Dave Tovell and Karen Haugan with your thoughts on the closure.
The Federal Minister responsible is Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Jonathan.Wilkinson@parl.gc.ca)
The MP for the area is Gord Johns (Gord.Johns@parl.gc.ca)
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Paddling Photography - VI
by Edmond Duggan
Workflow? Wasn’t paddling & photography suppose to be fun, and combining the two “funner?” Workflows are actually just the steps in the process. Let me explain.
Consider going for a paddle. One has to do the preparation work such as loading the boat/gear, dressing, then drive to the put-in. I think you get the idea. On the photographic side, one should also have workflows. This article will cover the post-trip workflow, a later article will address the pre and during paddling process.
At the end of the day, I move the images to my computer from the camera.
I move a copy of each to an external drive to archive before any editing. I keep everything I shoot, even the seemingly bad shots. My organization is by folders date and time, since they are unique. Going with folder names can seem easy, but it leads to great problems when you need to sort through an archive. Several modern imaging software packages have organizers, but I don’t use them as my archive has outlasted several packages, versions, operating systems and even computers. While that works for me, consider using a built in organizer as a starting point to get an idea if it will work for your needs.
I then process the images which is a key step many fail to do in the digital world. First I eliminate any shot that I don’t consider good enough to show. This step alone will make you a better photographer; no one likes looking at bad shots or multiple shots of the same thing with only minor variations. Some of you in the past might have been subjected to a slideshow where every image was shown. You want to avoid this pain.
Once selected, then I’ll adjust each image by cropping and levelling the horizon. After that I adjust the colour & exposure as needed. This step may seem foreign, in the old days the machine processing and making the prints did that work for you. Digital camera do a good job, but there’s always adjustments based on viewing that can be done. I’ll then do minor edits such as remove distracting foreground/background items. Doing this work now is more time consuming than just adjusting when taking the shot. The feedback from working the image will help you on your next trip.
A critical step is to reduce the file size of the images to make distributing them efficient if you share your photos. Most cameras make rather large file sizes with resolutions that can’t be reasonably displayed or even emailed out. Also consider the recipient, are they going to want to make a hardcopy print to display, or just reflect on the photo?
I use a batch software process to reduce the file size & quality, and impose my name and year onto the image. As well, I’ll rename the image so that the name makes more sense than “WGII2316” but include the original filename so I can reference it as needed - “SISKA Brentwood 2020 07 21 - WGII2316.jpg”. It’s quick and easy process.
Finally I’ll create folder of the processed images and store them on the external hard drive under the source folder.
If you are sending a couple of images, an email is fine. When I have several to share with a large group, I’ll post them to a file sharing service and just send out a link. It’s efficient and easy. Remember that by using most services you give the provider a right to use/sell/distribute your images as they see fit. Read the fine print in the agreement you clicked through :-)
I plan on an online webinar demonstrating the post-shooting workflow. From that I’ll run a sequence of virtual workshops roundtabling images and look at improving them with more advanced image editing tools. Photoshop anyone?
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SiSKA Zoom Hints
by Edmond Duggan
The club has moved meeting online by using Zoom. While we are all learning as we go on how to best use this tool, there are a couple of hints that will help.
First, ensure you update the Zoom client every once and awhile. Zoom doesn’t automatically update the application, as this process might happen at the wrong moment such as trying to join a meeting when late. Having the latest version avoids bugs and give you all the features.
Consider signing onto the meeting 5-10 minutes before the starting time. If the meeting isn’t going yet you’ll be in a waiting room. If the host has started, there’s usually time to chat and say hi beforehand while waiting for others to join. Sometimes you’ll hear recent stories such as whale encounters as you wait.
In most meetings switching to the speaker’s view gives you the best experience. On a computer in the top right corner you’ll see the view button. Clicking on it gives a list - select speaker view and you’ll have the best seat in the house.
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During a presentation, please do mute yourself. It avoids distracting sounds and feedback which can be be problematic. I’ve heard toilets flush during online meetings and know who the guilty part was. You may never live something like that down :-)
Likewise, turning off your camera when not needed avoids distractions and has the benefit of reducing the bandwidth needed.
Be aware that if a meeting is recorded your voice and video may also be recorded. You may choose to turn off camera and audio and just use the chat window to ask questions.
Finally, Zoom has many fun features. At https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials there are a series of short helpful videos covering a wide range of subjects, such as improving how you look and fun backgrounds to your video.
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KAYAKING KLIPS
by Debbie Leach
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PADDLE WITH YOUR LEGS
Dorothea shows how to paddle with more power.
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Trip Reports
Esquimalt Lagoon to Millstream Falls - January 10, 2021
by Willi Fast
SISKA Club Paddles Great Start to 2021 !
On Sunday January 10, 5 paddlers plus the Leader met at Esquimalt Lagoon. After socially distanced introductions, all paddlers were asked to reply to the SISKA COVID Screening Questions. Assured that all participants were 'on-side' from a COVID perspective, we proceeded with our Beach Talk to review weather, tides, paddle plan, on-water communication and paddling strategy, and safety (including Esquimalt Harbour paddling procedures).
The Beach Talk was augmented with a display of three large California Sea Lion open-water floating rafts (>20 individuals in each group) just off shore.
We successfully launched individually, without incident, but assisting one another, into the 1.5 foot dumping surf.
While paddling around Fisgard Lighthouse and into Esquimalt Harbour, our group was treated to a custom naval operations tour by Stephen Whiting, paddling in our group, new SISKA member (with wife Darlene), and retired naval officer.
The paddle up Millstream was calm and peaceful with very high water, allowing easy access to Millstream Falls. At the Falls, we all played a bit, sticking our noses into the falls.
On the way back, we stopped at the beach at the Gorge Waterways Portage/Launch for a socially distanced lunch break around the picnic table there.
The return paddle was on calm water, with incoming swell increasing as we approached the opening of Esquimalt Harbour. Before approaching the landing beach, we had a discussion about landing options. Everyone voted in favour of landing in the surf on the outside beach rather than paddling into the lagoon.
Before final approach, we had a short lesson on surf-landings, and after the leader landed, remaining paddlers landed one-at-a-time while being assisted by the leader.
A short de-brief indicated that we all had a lot of fun, took home some highlights (seeing Millstream Falls for the first time, surf launching and landing for the first time!) and learned a few things.
All in all, a successful launch to SISKA's 2021 club paddle program!
Willi Fast
Paddle Leader
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BROKEN ISLANDS, Sechart Lodge, June 21-26, 2019
by Jonathan Lomas
Access
Francis Barkley leaves Ucluelet at 2:00 (be on dock with kayak and baggage by 1:00). Takes 1.5 hours to get to Sechart Lodge. Cost is $66.00 round trip per person. Only sails to Sechart Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Book through Lady Rose Marine (see below under accommodation).
To come in from Secret Beach pay $11.00/kayak launch fee and $10.00/day parking and paddle across Toquart Bay via Stopper Islands. About 2-3 hours paddle.
Accommodation
Sechart Lodge is booked through Lady Rose Marine in Port Alberni (250 723-8313). Cost was $130/night double or $92/night single + $97/person/day for full meal package. Total cost for two people for five nights was nearly $1800. When you add in the cost of water taxi to outer islands ($70/person) on at least one or two occasions it adds up to well over $2000 for two people for five nights.
Trips
Day One: We went up the outside of Alma Russell Island and then found the tiny entrance into Julia Passage to go down the narrow route inside Alma Russell with all the float homes. Saw lots of marine life, bears (with cubs!), and eagles. Total of 10nm and about five hours including lunch.
Day Two: Went out to outer edges of Gibralter via a crossing to Nettle Island and through the passage between Nettle and Reeks. Crossed over to Dempster and had lunch but when we tried to go to the outside of Dempster it was too windy and backtracked through Harbour Entrance, Island Harbour (in very heavy winds and tough going) before portaging between Jacques and Jarvis (because tide too low to float through) and resting in the lagoon with fish traps. Then back around Denne Island and between Prideaux and Nettle (lovely channel) before heading across Sechart Channel and home via tip of Canoe Island. Total of 11nm in tough conditions.
Day Three: Took the water taxi out to Benson where we walked across the island that used to have a hotel on it and a camping site (now disbanded). Paddled across to Clarke Island and viewed the campsite there (very nice) and then across to edge of Lovett before noodling along the shores of Trickett and Turrett Islands. Beautiful coastlines with lots of sandy beaches. Then crossed the Thiepval Channel in amongst Willis, Dodd and Turtle Islands before making our way into the Tiny Group for lunch on a lovely sandy shell beach. Then made our way home through the usual route around Jarvis and on to Prideaux and Canoe. Total of 11.5nm at a leisurely pace.
Day Four: Took the water taxi all the way out to Cooper and then paddled out into the open ocean going between Howell and Wouwer Islands. Travelled the coast of Howell and tucked inside Cree before heading for Austin Island where the craggy and impressive coast lines started and continued as we went along Effingham. Encountered lots of sea caves and the famous sea arch before stopping for lunch at the Indian Reserve beach on Effingham. After lunch we made the long crossing of Coaster Channel to Wiebe Island and then on to Onion and Mullins where there was a lovely lagoon just south east of Mullins. From there we made it all around the tip of Jarvis and headed home via the usual route. Exhausting 13.5nm paddle in ideal conditions.
Next trip
Nothing really that we haven’t done. So maybe go camping starting on Hand Island after coming in from Secret Beach and getting to Clarke campsite for a couple of days.
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Geocache - Can You Find It?
by Gary Weeks
Have you ever wanted to find a secret treasure not before found? Then this may be it!
Out on an Island approximately 2 hours paddle time from Sydney is a pint sized mason jar with a keyak, a paddle leash inside and a couple of bottles of water added to the sunflower grocery bag. The water will be needed as there is no water source on the Island. If you take something from this hidden stash please replace that item with something equally or more interesting!
Are you interested in finding this rare and unique treasure? Do you need a hint? Do you need a paddle leash? Do you need a Keyak? We all know that you will need a drink of water on this Island of historic contraband.
Location:
48° 39.785’
123° 16.615’
Aprox 75 feet in elevation.
Then walk 15 steps toward Turn Point and look for a pile of rocks that should not be there! Would that help? Try once and then get back to me if you are not successful. More clues will be released!
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A Paddle Poem
by Terrie Rolph
I am very new to sea kayaking, and even a relaxed paddle feels like a big adventure.. Today, I enjoyed the adventure of paddling with Allison, Jewel, Laurie and our leader, Jim Lamb from Brentwood Bay to MacKenzie Bight. The weather was, well, cold. And wet.
But the conversation was warm and the paddling soon brought blood to my feet. We noodled along the shore, limboed under gangways, lunched at the Bight and then headed for home.
I wrote this poem about my experience of the day.
I float
Flat grey sea encircles me,
Its face, rain dimpled,
Tiny circles marking the drops,
Diving to their demise
Rain, a soft scattering,
I lift my eyes to the clouded sky
where droplets are lifted up to
fall again,
Losing themselves in
the clouded sea.
Blue grey eyes, reflect
The sky
The sea reflects my self
Raindrop circles lift and sink,
And into the grey flat sea,
I lose myself.
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Socially distanced lunch at Gorge Waterways picnic table.
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To Buy or Sell
A Great Neck Warmer for cycling, running, hiking,
walking, paddling, etc. Also makes a wonderful gift!
All profits go to Victoria Grandmothers for Africa, part of the
Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
HERE
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I am selling these Mako saddles for a friend. 2 sets, $45 apiece. Both for $80.
I can be contacted at this email or 250 927 4533.
Thanks,
Gene
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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 https://siska.ca/docs_public/SISKAsKayakSkillsCoursePartners2020.pdf
Our partners are:
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