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!
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
Siska now has it's own Youtube channel HERE. Most of our Zoom meetings have been posted there for your viewing anytime.
This Newsletter will now be published on the first of the month instead of the last day of the month. This allows all contributors to know that all submissions are taken until the last day of any month. Hopefully this simplifies things even better. |
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Upcoming SISKA Events
Sunday, March 07th, 2021 - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - Kayak Friendly Lodging
Thursday, March 11th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Light Paddle - 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 - Relaxed Paddle - 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 - Light Paddle - 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
Sunday, April 04th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Mackenzie Bight Paddle
Thursday, April 08th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Light Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Todd Inlet Paddle
Friday, April 09th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Paddle Strokes and Skills
Friday, April 09th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Turning Strokes and Skills
Saturday, April 10th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Wet Exits, Solo Re-Entries and Assisted Re-Entries
Saturday, April 10th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Balance Skills
Friday, April 16th, 2021 - 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM - Planning for and Paddling in Currents
Friday, April 16th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM - Re-Entry Skills
Saturday, April 17th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Rolling - Beginners
Saturday, April 17th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Rolling - Intermediate
Sunday, April 18th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Rescues Session
Monday, April 19th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Towing
Monday, April 19th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Forward Stroke Polishing
Tuesday, April 20th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Advanced Paddlers Workshop
Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Paddlers Workshop
Thursday, April 22nd, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Telegraph Cove to Gordon Head tour Paddle
Saturday, April 24th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Paddling Strokes
Saturday, April 24th, 2021 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Island View Beach to D'Arcy Island Paddle
Saturday, April 24th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Braces
Sunday, April 25th, 2021 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Strokes and Manoeuvres Refinement
Sunday, April 25th, 2021 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Turning Strokes and Edging
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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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Membership Renewal
by DaveO
Just a reminder that SISKA memberships expire on Dec 31. If you have already renewed Thank You.
SISKA has a great number of workshops, clinics and paddles planned for 2021 for our members.
SISKA gives a three month grace period for members to renew their membership. During that period we send out email notification to members that haven't renewed. As of the end of March emails will only go out to members that have renewed for 2021. So if you wish to be included in getting these emails you will need to renew.
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SPRING TRAINING 2021 IS ALMOST HERE!
by Alan Campbell
Spring Training workshops begin in 2 weeks, so make sure you have reserved your spot to prepare for paddling. Here is the list showing spaces available as of Feb 28 – register through the SISKA website calendar.
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Siska March General Zoom Meeting Info
by Fred Pishalski
March 24, 2021 - Save the Date!
Josh McInnes, Ecology of Transient (Biggs) Killer Whales
In the eastern North Pacific, three ecotypes of killer whale have been identified: resident, transient, and offshore.
Transient killer whales are apex predators that specialize in foraging for marine mammals. This specialization shapes all aspects of their ecology, from foraging and acoustics, to social structure and genetics!
Transient killer whales are distributed from Southern California to the Bering Sea, with many sub-populations being socially and geographically distinct. With changes in ocean ecosystems during recent years, there has been an increased interest in understanding how transient killer whales affect prey both directly and indirectly.
Josh McInnes is a marine ecologist and masters student at the University of British Columbia's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries Marine Mammal Research Unit.
Josh grew up on Vancouver Island, British Columbia Canada where he has been studying and working with transient (Bigg's) killer whales for over a decade. He is currently working with his supervisor world marine mammal expert Dr. Andrew Trites to understand the population and community dynamics of the west coast transient sub-population.
In addition to his work with transients, Josh has traveled to remote locations off British Columbia, Washington, Alaska, California, Australia, and Antarctica to study killer whale popualtions. He currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia and is a seasonal resident of the Monterey Bay region of California.
So Please join Josh, March 24, 2021, as he outlines the natural history and ecology of transient killer whales in the eastern North Pacific.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83639116985?pwd=SnNzZEhkdDJwOFZzRzhNR3NvTDhoQT09
Meeting ID: 836 3911 6985
Passcode: 844191
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Many Thanks To Deborah Etsten For Being So Welcoming!
by Alan Campbell
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Deborah Etsten, who has been SISKA’s Information and Welcome Coordinator since 2018, has decided to take a break from her several community volunteer roles and is retiring.
During Deborah’s tenure, she has surveyed new members for their interests, sent welcoming email letters to almost 200 and helped them get involved with our paddling community. Responding to info@siska.ca , Deborah has connected many with the information, events or people they need.
Thanks for all your work, Deborah – we hope to see you out paddling even more in future!
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THIS MAY BE THE SISKA VOLUNTEER ROLE FOR YOU!
SISKA is now looking for a volunteer to take Deborah’s place as our Information and Welcome Coordinator. If you enjoy meeting new SISKA members, making them feel welcome and providing them with information or linking them up to someone who can, then this may be the role for you! Deborah will provide training and orientation, and a backup person can be arranged. Please consider volunteering for SISKA in this important welcoming role. If you are interested, please contact Deborah (info@siska.ca ) or Alan (chairperson@siska.ca ) to learn more.
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Title of SIS?ENEM transferred to W_SÁNEC Leadership Council in historic agreement
by Alan Campbell
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The 9.67-acre island off the east coast of Sidney Island was recently purchased by The Land Conservancy of British Columbia for $1.55 million. On Friday, the two parties announced the partnership agreement and the title transfer, saying it’s an act of reconciliation. This is also the first transfer of its kind between a land trust and an Indigenous community in Canada. The two parties will work together to create a conservation covenant and co-management plan while protecting the island’s cultural and ecological significance. SIS?ENEM, also known as Halibut Island, is a place where W_SÁNEC peoples fished for cod, collected traditional medicines, and harvested camas. Roughly translated, SIS?ENEM means “sitting out for pleasure of the weather.” [W_SÁNEC Leadership Council]
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Public Feedback Sought On Oak Bay Marina Lease Proposals
by Alan Campbell
The area around Oak Bay Marina is frequently used by paddlers, rowers and other mariners exploring our beautiful coast and the nearby islands.
The District of Oak Bay is inviting public feedback on two proposals including community amenities now being considered for a new 30-year lease.
All are welcome to respond, so all SISKA members are strongly encouraged to review the proposals and complete the questionnaire by March 2.
https://www.oakbay.ca/municipal-hall/mayor-council/news/district-oak-bay-seeks-public-feedback-%C2%A0community-amenity
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Parking Fee Hikes Considered at CRD Parks
by Alan Campbell
This is an update on another local issue of interest to kayakers and hikers.
Here is a link to the latest local coverage (TC) I have seen on the CRD parking fee issue – the Parks Committee recommends against sending the proposal to the CRD Board.
https://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/committee-says-no-to-more-parking-fees-for-crd-parks-1.24286797
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Siska Is Run By Volunteers - You Can Be One Too!
by Alan Campbell
There are close to 100 members who play active roles to make SISKA work so well: leading paddles, instructing on- and off-water courses, organizing meetings and events, supporting our club communication, website, and internet presence, maintaining connections with our communities and beyond, and providing club leadership in many other ways…
We are truly fortunate to have so many active members, but we are always keen to engage more to ensure that our club continues to support safe sea kayaking as well as we possibly can.
In addition to the elected Board of SISKA (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and 3 Directors-at-Large), numerous coordinators and other club officers are appointed to support our many volunteer paddling and training leaders:
We would like to invite any members with an interest in becoming more involved in the operation of the club to consider teaming up with those mentioned above to learn and share the responsibilities of the role. The group of Off-Water Coordinators has successfully shared and advanced that important work over the past couple of years, and we would like to have more such teams in the future.
Please contact any of our SISKA leaders (see About SISKA/Contacts on the website homepage) to express your interest. Together we can make SISKA an even better paddling club!
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It's (Almost) Always A Good Time To Go Paddling, But Especially Now!
by Alan Campbell
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On South Vancouver Island, March usually brings better weather as daylight hours noticeably lengthen and the sun warms everything up more and more. It seemed that Fall and Winter dragged on somewhat this year, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic continued, but now we can happily look forward to more Spring-like weather and the return of flowers and blossoms. The Greater Victoria Flower Count, March 3-10 this year, reminds the rest of Canada just how pleased we are to be here!
As sea kayakers we can paddle our wonderful shores and islands year-round on all but the windiest of days, when there is no shelter to be found off any of our coastlines. But the return of Spring and the renewing rhythms of nature give us even more reason to go paddling.
Kayaking itself is beneficial as a physical exercise and being on the water never fails to lift one’s spirits! It is safest to paddle with friends and the social interaction that naturally ensues also improves our social wellbeing, connection, and mental health. It is well known that endorphins, naturally produced by the body during exercise, reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of improved well-being. Kayaking and other vigorous outside activities may produce so-called “outdoorphins”, open-air endorphins that may be more than just a play on words!
The attached infographic from kayakbase.com lists 10 health benefits of kayaking that ring true with many who paddle regularly and have enjoyed the sport and its benefits for some time.
So…go paddling! Safely of course, further improve your kayaking skills and continue to enjoy the many benefits of being on the water in this way!
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BC Marine Trails - Code Of Conduct
by Fred Pishalski
The Code Of Conduct has now pretty well been finalized. Here is the short form -
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HERE is a link to the long form - for instructional sessions and detailed references.
HERE is also an information page.
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What’s in a Name?
by Vic Turkington
CLOVER POINT
Clover Point is in the news these days due to the plans of Victoria City Council to remodel the area as a park and recreational area (much debate about parking spots etc.)
Clover Point was named by James Douglas, Chief Factor of the Hudson Bay Co. (HBC) in 1842 for a species of red clover that grew in abundance in the area. Like Camas, the clover rhizomes were a source of food for the Songhees First Nations.
This was reputedly the spot where future Governor Douglas stepped ashore from the HBC brigantine Cadboro to review the area and select the best site for a new HBC post. Fort Victoria was subsequently chosen and became the HBC headquarters on the West coast and the future capital of BC.
Clover Point is well known for its exposure to gales and rough seas.
In 1860, the barque Glimpse struck the rocks off Clover Point and quickly took on water – all hands to the pumps! Admiral Baynes ordered the HMS Satellite to the scene but it was unable to help due to the fierce storm. The ship was later unloaded, refloated, repaired and continued in the coastal trade for another 13 years.
So where is the red clover now? No native grasslands remain! Over the years various human activities and developments at Clover Point, including a rifle range, military barracks (WW1&11), a road loop and a sewage pumping station, have destroyed the clover, Nevertheless, the name remains. Launching is possible from the concrete ramp, although we seldom use it due to the accumulation of logs on the shore.
The Point is a favourite place for storm watching, kite-flying, birding and following the tactics of windsurfers, kite-boarders and para-gliders. We will have to wait and see what changes result from the City of Victoria's plans to remodel Clover Point!
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Off Water Clinic Committee
by Lisa Lasagna
For the past three months, SISKA has hosted a number of Zoom clinics and presentations for our membership. These have included:
InterTidal Marine Life
VHF Radio for Kayakers
Newcomers Meet and Greet
Injury Prevention in Sea Kayaking
What to Wear Kayaking
Marine Birds of Oak and Cadboro Bays
Choosing a VHF Radio
Kayak Trip Food Preparation
The Off Water Clinic Committee is interested in your feedback.
Are you finding these sessions helpful/enjoyable/informative?
Do you have any suggestions for improving Off Water Zoom sessions?
Do you have any other general comments on Zoom presentations?
Are there any topics or clinics you'd like to see us cover with Zoom sessions?
We are all hoping that by the fall, we may be able to gather in person once again. But at least for now, we are appreciative of being able to present topics of value to our members.
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Tips from the trips
by Debbie Leach
PROTECT YOUR HATCH COVERS. Spray them with 303 which acts like sunscreen.
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SISKA Safety Prize Winners
by Debbie Leach
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Camp Cookery
by Lynn Baier
Big thanks to Elizabeth for putting together this detailed recipe, complete with bonus ideas.
Also big thanks to Deb Leach who compiled this index of previous recipes in handy alphabetical order. I hope there are some useful ideas and recipes here for you.
The Purdon Kayak Breakfast
Bob and I are renowned for being slow in the morning and often late. We need to take a few shortcuts to get on the water in a decent amount of time. So, a quick breakfast is necessary. We are a bit boring and always eat the same thing – oatmeal with granola on top and then fresh or dried fruit. The fruit is the only thing that varies. One snack sized Ziplock of oatmeal and one of granola is enough for the two of us but check quantities yourself at home. Save your Ziplocks and use them for the next trip. We often take a thermos and fill it with boiling water when making dinner the night before and it is still warm enough in the morning for our breakfast. We take UHT preserved milk or use powdered milk. We even resort to instant coffee…
Instant Oatmeal
Start with a 1 kg bag of quick oats.
Whirl 4 cups in a blender until like a powder
In a big bowl combine the powdered oatmeal with the rest of the bag
Add 1-2 cups of milk powder
1-2 cups of vanilla protein powder
½-1 cup of brown sugar or to taste
½-1 tsp salt
1 cup hemp hearts
1 cup ground flax
Flavouring such as Chocolate milk powder or several tablespoons of cinnamon
CocoNut Granola
This is a granola recipe that has been around in my family since the hippy days with a few modifications over the years. I use coconut oil as I really like the taste, but you can use a vegetable oil if you prefer. All amounts are estimates, you can use more or less depending on your taste and what is in your cupboard. There are no rules when you make granola! This is a high fat and relatively high protein recipe so that it sticks with you all morning when kayaking. If I am making this for home, I use less nuts and less oil. But, I eat enough on kayak trips that I would now rather eat something else at home.
In a large bowl or pot mix together well:
8 cups oatmeal
1-2 cups coconut (I like the unsweetened flaked)
1 cup hemp hearts
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup sunflower seeds
1-2 cups flaked or slivered almonds
1 cup chopped pecans or hazelnuts
1-2 cups of anything else you might desire. I used to add sesame seeds and/or chia seeds but I do not like the way they stick in my teeth. I sometimes add ground flax or cornmeal.
In a 2-cup measuring cup place:
3/4 cup water,
3/4 cup coconut oil,
1/2-1 cup brown sugar or honey depending on how sweet you like it
1 tsp salt
1 tablespoon (at least) of vanilla
Heat in the microwave until the sugar and oil are dissolved.
Pour the liquids over the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread on 3 large sheet pans and bake for 60-70 minutes at 250 degrees F.
And I cannot forget:
Nutcruncher Coffee!
Just add a tablespoon of Nutella to your instant coffee with powdered milk on a rest day. Yum! (But the messy cup afterwards makes dishwasher Bob unhappy)
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Foods that Disappear!
by Deborah Etsten
Food is always a big part of trip planning with two competing interests - take up as little space as possible and be delicious and nutritious.
About a year ago I discovered a wonderful food item and as soon as I was hooked, it disappeared from the market.
Well, I found it again today, farther from home, and in a slightly different format but still as terrific.
It’s called Banana Brownies. Before you start salivating about chocolate, the only similarity to the brownies you know is that they are square. The package description notes they are a nutrient dense snack. The ingredient(s) in each “brownie” is 1 banana. Period! The calorie count is 66. Each pack contains 10 compressed squares.
When you’re craving fruit and you’re well into your trip, these little gems will satisfy.
I found my pack at Lifestyle Markets at 2950 Douglas St.
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Safety Tip
by Lynn Baier
Big thanks to Debbie Leach for taking screen shots of the risk management chart presented by our R2AK presenters at our last monthly Zoom. It’s a very useful tool indeed!
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