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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Happy New Year!
by Tony Playfair (editor)
I had a great 2019 kayaking year and the New Year is looking just as good. It's been a pleasure helping to publish this newsletter every month. Thanks to all contributors, without you it wouldn't happen. It's great to be part of a dedicated team!
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Membership Renewal
by Dave O.
SISKA ended 2019 with 337 members.
With the new year it's time to renew your membership if you haven't already done so. We've had a terrific response to the email reminder that we sent out the beginning of December with over 100 memberships being renewed. To renew your membership click here . (If the link doesn't work paste this link into your browser http://siska.ca/membership/index.php?option=com_jumi&view=application&fileid=101&Itemid=394). Just enter your email address and you will be taken to the renewal form with most of your information filled in.
If you have any questions please send an email to membership@siska.ca.
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January 2020 General Meeting Agenda
by Fred Pishalski
Please join us on Wednesday, January 22nd at our first monthly meeting of 2020. Willi Fast and John Rogers will do separate presentations. Remember the meeting starts at 7:00 PM at the Salvation Army Citadel at 4030 Douglas St located just north of McKenzie Ave.
Memoirs of an Ultra-Marathon Cyclist: Or, How Far is it From Paris to Brest ?
Willi Fast, a retired Albertan now living on the Saanich Peninsula, dreamed for years of riding in the Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) Randonneur. The affair is an ultra-marathon cycling event that challenges participants to ride 1200 km in less than ninety hours. Many will question the allure of sleep deprivation, pain, physical exhaustion and mental stress. Others relish the prospect of meeting the challenge and the possibility of success requiring structured training, motivation, dedication, self-reliance, mental fortitude and perseverance (and perhaps a goodly measure of the aforementioned insanity).
Willi will describe the intriguing century-old history of the sport of Randonneuring. He will share the triumphs and pitfalls he experienced on the multi-year journey towards Paris. His story chronicles the irresistible draw into a sport that ultimately becames all consuming, and sheds light on what continues to propel a growing world-wide community of cyclists to seek success in Paris every four years.
Update on the Victoria Waterways Loop
https://vicwaterloop.ca
Prior to Willi's presentation, John Rogers of the Victoria Waterways Loop (VWL) will speak briefly about the latest develops pertaining to this project. The VWL is a 22 km circle route which allows a paddler to complete a one-way trip starting at any number of access points on the Gorge Waterway, Portage Inlet or Victoria Harbour. You can start the route by paddling in either direction, complete a short 1 km portage across Portage Park in View Royal and the Old Island Highway, then continue your journey back to the starting point.
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Upcoming SISKA Events
Sunday, January 05th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking - City of Victoria
Friday, January 10th, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Cadboro Bay to Oak Bay Marina Paddle
Saturday, January 11th, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Esquimalt Lagoon to Millstream Falls Paddle
Tuesday, January 14th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Injury Prevention in Sea Kayaking - Keeping You On The Water by Jennie Sutton
Sunday, January 19th, 2020 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM - SISKA - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking
Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Monthly Meeting - Will Fast Memoirs of an Ultra-Marathon Cyclist
Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Telegraph Cove to Ten Mile Point Paddle
Saturday, January 25th, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Albert Head to Wittys Lagoon Paddle
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
Thursday, February 20th, 2020 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Todd Inlet Willis Point Paddle
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.
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Tips from the trips
by Debbie Leach
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Talc’em. Dust drysuit gaskets inside and out with unscented talcum powder to maintain and protect the rubber.
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Camp Cookery
by Debbie Leach via Lynn Baier
Everyone loves Aussie Bites! Here’s a recipe that Deb Leach found that’s a pretty good facsimile. Plus, it’s vegan friendly.
https://ohmyveggies.com/vegan-aussie-bites/
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Safety Tip
by Lynn Baier
Recently, our Wednesday friends paddle planner wisely decided that Thetis Lake would be the best choice. Just to spice things up a bit, we practiced using our throw bags. We came to varying conclusions. Mine was that I hopefully never have to throw the thing to save my life :-) It was a reminder, though, to not only carry equipment, but to practice using it. In a tricky situation is not the time to find out that your carabiner has fused closed or that your line is a birds nest in a bag. Make a promise to yourself to regularly take time to drill on all your equipment and skills and have a happy and safe 2020 on the water.
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Trip Reports
Dec 08, 2019 Brentwood Bay Paddle
by Gary Weeks
13 brave souls were honoured with the presence of two past SISKA presidents, who then paddled altogether from Brentwood Bay to Spectacle Falls and Mackenzie Bight return. Somewhat ideal conditions prevailed with flat calm sea state, 12 degree Celsius temperatures, and 20 foot underwater visibility. An abundance of leather stars, ochre stars, moon jellies, pacific oysters were just some of the sea life noted and observed. Spectacle Falls was running hard and strong, beside the infamous Styrofoam float that Alan Campbell tied up about a month ago. As a group I have never seen a better behaved bunch of paddlers that stuck together so closely. Seven of the 15 paddlers showed a preference to the Greenland Style of paddle.
Rehydration had to be relocated from the Beauregard Coffee to the Brentwood Emporium because of the Beauregard is closed on Sundays.
All in all it was another beauty SISKA paddle day.
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Upcoming Clinics
by Barb McDougall
1. Injury Prevention in Sea Kayaking – Keeping You On The Water 2020
Skill Level: All SISKA members are encouraged to come and participate.
When: Tuesday, January 14th, 6:30 to 9:00 pm
Where: Salvation Army Citadel, 4030 Douglas Street
(McKenzie exit off of Blanchard Road) Multi-Purpose Room
The Plan: Interactive talk on how to prevent sea kayaking injuries. This will include stretches for flexibility, strengthening/fitness, as well as kayak fitness, posture and paddling technique.
Who: Jennie Sutton was a Registered Physiotherapist and is a regular kayaker. She has Level II Paddle Canada certification and is also a Paddle Canada Level 1 instructor. Jennie has had several musculo-skeletal challenges since her late 20's and is still out there paddling....and plans to continue for a long time! She is passionate about helping others continue doing what they love!
Special Note: Bring along your questions, as this will be an interactive presentation with opportunities for discussion and demonstrations.
You may also want to bring a yoga mat or large bath towel for floor techniques, and your paddle.
Cost: $15
Registration: r.barbara.mcdougall@gmail.com
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2. Introduction to Tides and Currents
Instructor: Anne Graves
When and Where:
Session ONE Part 1 Tuesday, January 28th 7 – 9 pm
Session ONE Part 2 Thursday, January 30th 7 – 9 pm
Session TWO Part 1 Tuesday, February 4th, 7 – 9 pm
Session TWO Part 2 Thursday, February 6th, 7 – 9 pm
All sessions will be held at the Salvation Army Citadel, 4030 Douglas Street, Victoria
(near McKenzie Intersection). Junior Room
The Plan:
A hands-on course which will teach the basics of predicting tides and currents. Topics to
be covered include:
- What are tides and currents? (the Reader’s Digest version)
- Why do paddlers care?
- How to use Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) Tables (a requirement for Paddle
Canada certifications) to predict tides and currents
- Rules of thumb for estimating slack period and current strength
- Hands on practice using the CHS Tables for trip planning
- If time: Other sources of information about tides and currents and their
advantages/disadvantages
Please bring:
- a copy of the 2020 Canadian Tides and Current Tables: Volume 5 (note – each
participant requires own copy),
- pencil/pen
- highlighter
- ruler or straight edge
- a chart of the Victoria area you already have
To register: please contact Barbara McDougall r.barbara.mcdougall@gmail.com .
A pre-workshop assignment will be sent to registrants for completion before the workshop.
Cost: $35/person Limited to 8 persons for each clinic.
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Christmas Party Prize Winners
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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.
Our partners are:
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