SISKA's May 2019 Newsletter. Upcoming events, reports and articles

May 2019 SISKA Newsletter

Introduction

Dear <<First Name>>,

Thanks to those members who contributed photos and materials. After enjoying a SISKA event or paddle, please consider sending a short (100-150 words) summary article; for more information, contact one of us. If you would like to start a regular column, please let us know!

Michael Jackson (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)

PS: You can find SISKA on Facebook at this link.

PPS: SISKA has a Meetup site for "impromptu" and other paddles organized by club members. For more details, go to https://www.meetup.com/SISKA-Meetup/. To join this, you have to be a club member.

PPPS: You can find the SISKA newsletter archive here: http://goo.gl/VUkafR

Upcoming SISKA Events
Community Events of Interest
What’s in a Name?
Tips from the trips
Camp Cookery
Coastal Fog Zone Update
Spring Training Update
Spring Forum Summary
SISKA Annual General Meeting Wednesday April 24, 2019 – Information Highlights
Two lifetime members honored at our AGM
Trip Reports -
Siska Picnic ( On-Off Water Clinics and Gear Swap)
Paddle Canada Level 2 and above...
Siska Meet-up Group
Safety Tip
Summer Kayaking - Trip Advisers
To Buy or Sell
SISKA’s Kayak Skills Course Partners

Upcoming SISKA Events

For more details, go to the SISKA website

SOUTH ISLAND SEA KAYAKING ASSOCIATION
Monthly Meeting - May 22, 2019
7:00pm 9:00pm
The Salvation Army Citadel, 4030 Douglas St, Victoria BC

Rowing and Sailing the Inside Passage in a Small Open Boat
by Alex Zimmerman

Join Alex Zimmerman as he recounts how he designed and built his open sail and oar boat and, over the course of two summers, journeyed the length of BC?s Inside Passage with it. Meet some of the engaging people he encountered and hear some of the stories of the weather, the wildlife, the challenges and the screw-ups. Above all, share with him some of the exhaustion, wonder, joy, fear and awe he experienced along the way.

Alex, until retiring recently, owned a consulting practice focused on operationalizing sustainability in the buildings industry, at both the project and organizational level. He provided strategic planning advice, training and commissioning authority services to clients in both the public and private sector in Canada, the US, Italy and India. Alex was the Founding President of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC). He started his professional engineering career as a maritime engineering officer in the Canadian Navy. That is also where he got a basic grounding in seamanship, navigation and sailing, which he continued by teaching in the Canadian Power Squadron after he left. He has continued to sail, kayak and build boats ever since.

Community Events of Interest

If you are aware of an event that should be included in the next Newsletter, please email Alan Campbell at alanglencampbell@shaw.ca.

List of Upcoming NonSISKA Events
Monday, April 29th, 2019 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM - How Storms Impact the Coasts - VNHS

What’s in a Name?

by Vic Turkington

WHIFFIN SPIT

The narrow promontory of land which almost landlocks Sooke harbour and basin was called Whiffin Spit in honour of the clerk, John George Whiffin, who served aboard HMS Herald under Capt. Kellett, when the Royal Navy surveyed Sooke inlet in 1846. He later sailed with Kellett to the Artic in search of the ill fated Franklin expedition.
Years earlier, in 1790, the entrance to the harbour was named Puerto de Revilla Gigedo, by Spanish Sub-Lieut. Manuel Quimper, when he entered the harbour aboard the sloop Princesa Real. This ship was originally the British fur trading vessel Princess Royal, which had been captured by Martinez of Spain (1789) and renamed the Princess Real.
These countries were rivals and competed for the trade in sea otter skins and the search for the Northwest Passage. Just behind our launch sites on Whiffin Spit lies Quimper Park,which houses a bust of Quimper to commerate his landing and claims of Vancouver Island for Spain (1790), during his exploration of the Pacific Northwest.
Today, walkers enjoy a stroll along the kilometer long Spit, which is considered one of Sooke’s major attractions.
Also, SISKA kayakers enjoy launching from the beaches on either side of the spit en route to paddles north to Cabin Point and south to Otter Point. A green top port navigation buoy with a quick-flashing white light and fog horn stands at the end of the spit.

Manuel Quimper

Whiffin Spit

Tips from the trips

by Debbie Leach/Tony P

All kayakers need Ikea bags. Great for packing gear to/from the car during day paddles or longer trips. $1 at Ikea. $4 for a zippered bag! There is also a medium size bag which carries 2 bear barrels very well ($0.75). There is also a yellow bag that they do sell which is slightly different than the in store shopping bag. The mesh bag may be good for letting dishes dry in the wind during trips!
Check out Ikea bags here

Camp Cookery

Camping Glory Bowls

Serves 6-8

by Debbie Leach via Lynn Baier

At home or camp: make dressing (keeps about a week)

In jar combine and shake well:

½ cup vegetable oil

1 tbsp and 2 tsp tamari

1 tbsp and 2 tsp soy sauce

1 tbsp and 2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp and 2 tsp water

2 tsp tahini

1 small clove garlic, grated

3 rounded tbsp nutritional yeast flakes

At camp:

Prepare 8 cups hot rice (4 c dehydrated or 2⅔ cups uncooked).

Toast 2 cups slivered almonds (or toast at home)

Grate 2 cups carrots (4 medium)

Grate 2 cups beets (2-3 medium)

Set out 2 cups packed baby spinach

Cube 2 cups extra firm tofu (~2 shelf-stable boxes) and fry until crispy in 2 tbsp vegetable oil.

To serve, divide rice among bowls; drizzle each with 1 tbsp of the dressing.

Top each with tofu, carrots, beets, spinach and almonds.

Drizzle each with 3 tbsp of the dressing.

Coastal Fog Zone Update

by Fred Pishalski

The Coastal Fog Zone pertaining to allowing campfires is being eliminated for this year. Fire regulations will now fall under Federal/Provincial/Regional and/or Municipal rules this summer.

Spring Training Update

by Alan Campbell

There is still time to sign up for some great Spring Training workshops and courses!

The following courses still have spots available as noted.

Please contact Delcie McLellan at secretary@siska.ca to sign up:

May 4 AM Paddling Strokes - Go Kayak: 1 spot
May 4 PM Rescues - Go Kayak: 1 spot
May 5 All-Day PC Basic - Jennie Sutton, SISKA - 3 spots
May 5,11 All-Day PC Level 1 - Michael Egilson, SISKA - 2 spots
May 25 AM Wet Exits, Rescues - Pacifica Paddlesports: 1 spot
May 27 PM Towing - SKILS: 4 spots
May 30 All-Day Paddling in Currents - SKILS: 1 spot
June 8 All-Day PC Basic - SISKA Instructors - 5 spots

Remember, these are

paddling skill workshops and courses for club members
offered at very affordable prices, on various days and times
all held at Gyro Beach, Cadboro Bay in Victoria
led by our kayak skills partners and SISKA's volunteer instructors
you will need to bring your own kayak and required safety equipment
not a paid-up SISKA member? sign up online at http://siska.ca/membership/joining-siska
questions? contact Alan at chairperson@siska.ca or Delcie at secretary@siska.ca

The full list of courses is below with links to details and to our online PayPal pages to register and pay.
You will be contacted with more details when registration closes.

But do act quickly to reserve your spot in the workshop or course with spots still available!
We have now filled almost 90 spots, some courses are full and others are nearing their limit!

HAPPY SPRING AND SUMMER PADDLING!

Day	Date	Length	Time	Ratio	#	Title (link to details)	Cost	Sign Up Now!!	Operator	Lead

Fri	May 3	2 hours	10am-12pm	1:6	6	Advanced Paddling Strokes	$20	SPW03	Go Kayak	Yves Aquin
Fri	May 3	2 Hours	1pm-3pm	1:6	6	Towing	$20	SPW04	Go Kayak	Yves Aquin
Sat	May 4	2 hours	10am-12pm	1:6	6	Paddling Strokes	$20	SPW05	Go Kayak	Yves Aquin
Sa	May 4	2 hours	1pm-3pm	1:6	6	Rescues	$20	SPW06	Go Kayak	Yves Aquin
Sun	May 5	6 hours	10am-4pm	1:4	8	Paddle Canada Basic	$30	SPW07	SISKA	Jennie Sutton
Sun	May 5 (1 of 2)	6 hours	10am-4pm	1:4	8	Paddle Canada Level 1	$60	SPW08	SISKA	Michael Egilson
Sat	May 11 (2 of 2)	6 hours	10am-4pm	1:4	8	Paddle Canada Level 1			SISKA	Michael Egilson

Sat	May 25	3 hours	9am-12pm	1:6	6	Wet Exits and Rescues	$65	SPW11	Pacifica	EJ
Mon	May 27	3 hours	9am-12pm	1:6	6	Forward Stroke Polishing	$50	SPW12	SKILS	Gordon Brown
Mon	May 27	3 hours	1pm-4pm	1:6	6	Towing	$50	SPW13	SKILS	Gordon Brown
Thu	May 30	6 hours	9am-4pm	1:6	6	Paddling in Currents	$100	SPW14	SKILS	Duncan Mack
Sat	June 8	6 hours	10am-4pm	1:4	8	Paddle Canada Basic	$30	SPW15	SISKA	Edgar Hulatt
Sat	June 8 (1 of 2)	6 hours	10am-4pm	1:4	8	Paddle Canada Level 1	$60	SPW16	SISKA	Jo Nicholson
Sun	June 9 (2 of 2)	6 hours	10am-4pm	1:4	8	Paddle Canada Level 1			SISKA	Jo Nicholson

Go Kayak

Workshops for intermediate paddlers

Advanced paddling strokes – Friday May 3, 10 am - 12 noon
This workshop will focus on blending and using a variety of advanced paddling strokes in preparation for paddling in more active and challenging waters. It will also help you to save energy when conditions get tough.

Towing – Friday May 3, 1 pm – 3 pm
Learn about different sea kayak towing techniques and how to safely tow an injured or fatigued paddler back to safety.

Workshops for beginners

Paddling Strokes – Saturday May 4, 10 am – 12 noon
Learn the benefits that paddling has to offer, including paddling more efficiently, building strength and fitness.

Rescues – Saturday May 4, 1 pm – 3 pm
Learn how to deal with a possible capsize by performing rescue skills such as wet exit, self and assisted rescues; essential skills to master if you are planning to get into sea kayaking.

SISKA - Basic Sea Kayak Skills

Saturday May 5, Sunday May 11, Saturday June 8, Sunday June 9 – 10 am – 4 pm

This is the primary starting point of the Paddle Canada Sea Kayak skills progression. With a focus on foundation skills and knowledge, Basic Kayak Skills inspires students to go out on short paddling excursions in calm and sheltered waters.
Prerequisites
None
Course Length: 1 day
Overview
Re-entry Skills

Wet Exit
Assisted Re-entries

Paddling Skills

Lifting and Carrying a Kayak
Launching and Landing
Emptying the Kayak
Forward Stroke
Stopping
Reverse Stroke
Forward & Reverse Sweep Strokes
Pivots
Draw Stroke
Low Brace
Edging

General Knowledge

Kayak Part Names and Outfitting
Paddling and Safety Equipment
Injury Prevention
Sunsense
Collision Regulations
Navigation
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Impact of Kayakers on the Environment

SISKA - Sea Kayak Level 1 Skills

May 5 and 11, June 8 and 9; 10 am – 4 pm each day

Building on the information covered in Basic Skills, Level-1 is a two-day course that moves participants beyond flatwater kayaking and into the sport of sea kayaking. The course is conducted in slightly rougher water than Basic Kayak, aiming to develop the paddler’s comfort in class-1 waters. There is a strong focus on re-entry techniques as well as the skills required to safely plan and execute a day trip with friends (for example, navigation & route planning, weather interpretation, proper clothing/gear.)
Prerequisites
Certification: Paddle Canada Basic Kayak skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge at the discretion of the course director.
Paddling experience: Five kayaking excursions (2 or 3 hours) in class-0; Can execute a controlled wet exit in class-0 conditions; Can perform a simple assisted re-entry in class-0 conditions.
Course Length: 2 days
Overview
Re-entry Skills

Unassisted Re-entry
Assisted Re-entry
Towing

Paddling Skills

Launching and Landing
Forward Stroke
Stopping
Reverse Stroke
Sweep Strokes
Draw Stroke
Low Brace
Stern Rudder
Edge Control

General Knowledge

Equipment and Equipment Care
Communication
Route Planning and Basic Navigation Techniques
Half-day Kayak Journey
Weather
Sea State
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Cold Issues and Sun Safety
Impact of Kayakers on the Environment
History and Heritage
Kayaking Community and Resources
Vehicle Boat Tie Down

Pacifica Paddlesports
Wet Exits and Rescues - Saturday May 25 – 9 am – 12 noon

Learn how to exit and reenter a kayak after capsizing. Practicing these techniques will increase your confidence during any paddling trip.

Our approach is simple and effective:

Lessons are delivered in a manner that allows for step by step progression so the learning of new skills isn’t overwhelming.
Our experienced instructors break down the lessons into skill sets that are easy to understand, remember and apply.

We ensure that you gain a practical sense of each skill, which will allow you to understand when and how to best use your new skills to improve your paddling experience.

SKILS

Forward Stroke Polishing – Monday May 27, 9 am – 12 noon
All levels welcome
Description: This is the most important stroke and the most neglected one.

Towing – Monday May 27, 1 pm – 4 pm
All levels welcome
Description: Test out a variety of towing-gear and towing techniques for towing, and rescues that involve towing.

Paddling in the Currents – Thursday May 30, 9 am – 4 pm
All levels welcome
Description: Maneuvering and boat control in moving water. We will also use specific navigation techniques like vectors and ranges while navigating currents.

Spring Forum Summary

by Fred Pishalski

A very successful and enjoyable celebration of ocean kayaking was held on April 13, 2019 at the Salvation Army Citadel in Victoria. The Spring Forum was a co-production of South Island Sea Kayaking Association (SISKA) and BC Marine Trails. Around 125 people with 14 volunteers or presenters were present. The key note address was done by Justine Curgenven, award winning adventure filmmaker and expedition sea kayaker, and Jean-Francois Marleau, Level 4 Instructor and Level 3 Instructor Trainer with Paddle Canada and own...ER, SKILS, Pacific Rim Informative Adventures Ltd.
We also heard from Mike Jackson President of SISKA and Paul Gray President of BCMT along with Gene Gapsis Director BCMT. The afternoon panel consisted of Justine Curgenven, Jean-Francois Marleau, John Kimantas, Brian Henry, Mike Jackson, Paul Grey and moderated by David Maxwell.
Many thanks to the volunteers who helped put this on: Gail Miller, Lynn Bair, Heather Jones, Tony Playfair, Morley Eldridge and Beth Haysom. Thank you to everyone who came out and made today a memorable event.

SISKA Annual General Meeting Wednesday April 24, 2019 – Information Highlights

by Alan Campbell

SISKA’s Annual General Meeting was held Wednesday, April 24^th with 48 members in attendance. Here are some information highlights from the meeting if you were unable to be there in person:

Membership continues to increase year-over-year and currently stands at 286
Finances are very healthy with the club carrying a surplus forward
Monthly meetings, off-water courses and club paddles over the past year have been very successful and well-attended
Volunteers – SISKA has over 50 active volunteers, and more are always welcome!
Lifetime Honorary Members elected: Dave Ostapovich, John Levey
Executive confirmed:
- President – Alan Campbell (elected)
- Vice-President – Lynn Beak (elected)
- Secretary – Delcie McLellan (continuing)
- Treasurer – Roger Botting (continuing)
- Directors-at-Large:
  - Tony Copping (elected)
  - Jane Jacek (elected)
  - Willi Fast (elected)
Mike Jackson, Past-President, was presented with the book, “Northern Light”, by the Executive
Peter Johnson presented a fascinating slideshow based on his book, “A Not-so-Savage Land”

Two lifetime members honored at our AGM

by Mike Jackson, Past President, on behalf of the SISKA executive

At our 2019 GM on April 24^th we honored two long-serving members of our club with lifetime honorary membership.
Dave Ostapovitch has been our membership coordinator and main webmaster for as long as anyone can remember! Dave has masterminded and streamlined our membership processes for many years and has always been willing to make modifications to the system to better serve the club. Similarly, he has managed the website, designing pages and layout, adding new pages when asked, upgrading the system periodically and generally making sure that the site runs smoothly. We are very grateful to Dave for all the time and effort he has devoted to our website.
John Levey has been our treasurer for many years and even agreed to stay on for a year past his term limit. During this time, John applied his mastery of accounting to our books and made sure that we, the executive, had a good picture of the club’s finances. In addition, John was one of our founding members and continues to paddle regularly with the club. His gentle, positive manner has welcomed many new paddlers to the club. We are very grateful to John for the time and effort he has devoted to the club and its finances.

Dave Ostapovich receives Lifetime Member Honor.
John Levey was not present at this AGM but will be presented to next month.

Outgoing President Mike Jackson receiving "Northern Light" book for all his years of contributions to Siska. Thanks Mike!

Trip Reports -

Oak Bay Marina to Trial Island Energizer Paddle
April 7, 2019

by Alan Campbell/Jennie Sutton (photos)

Though only 5nm, this paddle is an Energizer due to exposure and crossings in current which can be challenging around Trial Island, as the 14 of us were reminded on a sunny, warm Spring day with light winds....
We noodled along the Oak Bay shoreline and around Gonzales Point before crossing Enterprise Channel to the Trial Islands, exploring all the nooks and crannies on our way to the small beach near the Light Station where Meredith Dickman, Senior Light Keeper, awaited our arrival.
Meredith described her role and that of her Assistant living and working on Trial Island, just a mile offshore from Oak Bay, but very isolated and exposed to the wind and weather of the Haro and Juan de Fuca Straits. She told stories about the island’s history and gave tours of the Light itself as well as pointing out some of the rare plants that are protected on this unique Ecological Reserve.

Lulled by seemingly idyllic conditions, everyone opted to round Staines Point past the Light and paddle down the west side of Trial Island before crossing Enterprise Channel back to Gonzales Point with the now-flooding current. On the west side of Trial Island, a standing wave typically sets up about 50m offshore, and to avoid this one must stay close to the shore and then paddle hard into the flood that is split by the island about half-way down. Several strong paddlers went out to play in the turbulence but a few others, intending to avoid it, were surprised by the strength of the current and got pulled out into the rough.
Two of these soon capsized and were rescued by those playing in the waves behind them. Since that group had drifted back to Staines Point by this time, they paddled back the way they had come to meet the rest of the paddle group on the east side of Trial Is before we set off together to cross Enterprise Channel back to the shoreline by the golf course. One of the paddlers who had capsized earlier did so again on this crossing but was quickly rescued and then towed clear of the current turbulence to Gonzales Point. Once around the Point, it was calm and pleasant paddling back to Oak Bay Marina where we ensured those who had been in the water were warm and dry, even if exhausted by their exertions.
Many thanks to the rescuers: Scott France, Morley Eldridge, Tony Playfair and Heather Jones!
After this short but energetic paddle, all of us were motivated to do more current and rescue practice!
Thanks to Jennie Sutton for the photos included in this article.
Here is a link to a little video track and a few photos I took: https://www.relive.cc/view/2274708765

SISKA: VOLUNTEERS R US –
THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO FOR OUR CLUB!

by Alan Campbell

As a non-profit society, with no paid staff, what would SISKA be able to do without volunteers? Well, not much, that’s for sure!
Happily, our club is very fortunate to have many active members who regularly volunteer, often in several ways, to keep everything going strong!
The club does try to recognize volunteers at our Annual General Meeting each Spring and at other large club gatherings, but it’s also worth noting here, in some detail, to whom we owe so many thanks! These are the names of members who have volunteered during the course of the 2018-2019 season.
[and with so many involved, it is inevitable that some may have been overlooked – if you’re one of those, please let Alan Campbell know at alanglencampbell@gmail.com ]

BC Marine Trails Representative – Fred Pishalski
Communications – Jo Nicolson
Gorge Waterway Initiative Representative – Morley Eldridge
Library – Heather Jones
Membership – Dave Ostapovich
Monthly Meetings – Fred Pishalski, Tony Playfair, Roger Botting
Newsletter – Tony Playfair
Nutrition – Denise Taylor
Off-Water Clinics – Barbara McDougall, Edgar Hulatt
On-Water Clinics – Michael Egilson
Paddle Coordinator – Gary Jacek
Photographers – Fred Pishalski, Gary Jacek
Standards and Safety – Lynn Baier
Victoria Waterways Loop Representative – Vic Turkington
Videographer – Tony Playfair
Website – Dave Ostapovich/Mike Jackson
On-Water Instructors

Mark Byrne
Michael Egilson
Willi Fast
Dorothea Hoffman
Edgar Hulatt
Mike Jackson
Mike Miles
Jo Nicolson
Sean Nixon
Al Quan
Elizabeth Purdon
Jennie Sutton

Off-Water Presenters

John Abercrombie
Lynn Baier
Robin Byrne
Alan Campbell
Edmond Duggan
Michael Egilson
Anne Graves
Edgar Hulatt
Mike Jackson
Heather Jones
Debbie Leach
David Maxwell
Gail Miller
John Minkley
Fred Pishalski
Tony Playfair
Bob Purdon
Elizabeth Purdon
Karen Stefanek
Jennie Sutton
Don Tunstall
Vic Turkington
Rob Zacharias

Paddle Leaders

Lynn Baier
Mark Bitz
Robyn Byrne
Alan Campbell
Dave Chater
Barry Copeland
Michael Egilson
Morley Eldridge
Reale Emond
Willi Fast
Scott France
Edgar Hulatt
Gary Jacek
Jane Jacek
Mike Jackson
Debbie Leach
John Levey
Catherine May
Delcie McLellan
Jo Nicolson
Joanna Runnells
Norm Smyth
Jennie Sutton
Vic Turkington
Gary Weeks

Social Event Organizers

Alan Campbell
Deborah Etsten
Willi Fast
Jane Jacek
Debbie Leach
David Maxwell
Delcie McLellan
Jennie Sutton
Mary Sutton

Executive

Lynn Beak
Roger Botting
Alan Campbell
Tony Copping
Willi Fast
Jane Jacek
Delcie McLellan
Mike Jackson

Siska Picnic ( On-Off Water Clinics and Gear Swap)

Saturday June 15th
Cadboro Bay Beach Gyro Park

by Jane Jacek

Bring your own lunch
Coffee, tea and goodies will be supplied

Registration: Cost $5
Required before event at PayPal link: https://bit.ly/2KIPU7c

Gear Swap 9am-12pm
Looking to buy or sell kayak gear and/or a kayak, then this is the event for you.
Selling: Please label items with your name and price.

Clinics: Morning 10am-12pm
Clinics requiring sign up morning of June 15th at Cadboro Bay, limited group size: 1, 2

1. Kayak Fitting: Dorothea Hoffman
Are you connected to your kayak? If you paddle in rough water, want to
learn to roll, improve your edging and bracing. or kayak comfortably
while touring, kayak fitting may help you. The instructor will help
you adjust your kayak and insert foam to help you fit your kayak better.

2. Navigation Exercise with Chart & Compass: Edgar Hulatt

After a brief review of latitude & longtitude, true & magnetic north, and plotting lines of position and fixes we shall go onto the water and perform a navigation exercise in the bay. Please bring chart 3440 Race Rocks to D’Arcy Island, and a compass.

Open to all: no sign up required: 3, 4, 5, 6

3. Crabbing with Mike Jackson former Siska president:
Learn what gear is required using your kayak. Find out how to identify the crabs you can keep.

4. Kayak Camping:
What does one need to take for a 4 week kayak trip? How does it all fit? Club member John Minkley will bring his kayak and gear/food he is planning to take on a 4-week trip from Coal Harbour back to Victoria this July.

5. "Meet Up” Summer Kayak Trip:
Wanting to do a multi-day kayak trip or over night camp out and looking for other like minded paddlers? Siska member David Maxwell will host a ‘Meet Up' for people looking for others to kayak trip with this summer. In the morning look for the Meet Up poster.

6. TRAK Kayak demo: 11am
Meet TRAK Pilot Al Quan as he demonstrates the TRAK Kayak. The TRAK Kayak is also extremely portable, and easily can fit into the trunk of a supermini-sized car. Test paddle opportunities will be available, along with a special offer exclusively for SISKA.

Clinics: Afternoon 1pm-3pm
Clinics requiring sign up morning of June 15th at Cadboro Bay, limited group size: 7, 8, 9, 10

7. Towing : Mike Jackson
This is a skill that many of us do not practice often enough but is an
important safety skill. In this clinic we will look at some of the equipment
that can be used for towing, some of the techniques that can be used and then get a chance to practice those skills on the water.

8. Forward Stroke: Greenland paddle or Euro blade: Dorothea Hoffman
Want to improve your , then this session is for you. It will begin with demonstration and coaching on the beach. Once on the water, the instructor will stand on the edge and observe each paddler’s stroke and offer individual tips.

9. On Land Weather Clinic: Edgar Hulatt
We shall determine the weather forecast for the next 3 days using the Environment Canada VHF weather forecast, the Sailflow app and synoptic charts. Please bring a notebook and pencil, as well as your VHF radio if you have one. You are encouraged to load the free Sailflow app onto your smart phone prior to the clinic.

10. GPS: Karen Stefanyk
If you took the Siska intro GPS course then this session is for you. Participants are required to bring their own GPS. The focus will be on navigating to a waypoint and track logs.

Open to all - no sign up required: 11

11. Relaxed Paddle
Join paddle coordinator Gary Jacek in a relaxed paddle exploring the nooks and crannies of Cadboro Bay. Usual guidelines for Siska paddles apply. i.e. dress for immersion.

Paddle Canada Level 2 and above...

by Jane Jacek

Looking to improve your kayaking skills,

already have your Paddle Canada Level 1.

Wondering why Siska does not offer

Paddle Canada Level 2 and above.

This is because these courses are offered through:

Blue Dog Kayaking
Go Kayak
Ocean River Sports
Pacifica Paddlesports
SKILS

See the end of this newsletter for links to the above providers.

Siska Meet-up Group

by Jane Jacek

Are you wanting to paddle with like minded paddlers, outside of the monthly Siska club paddles? Then connect with others here:

https://www.meetup.com/SISKA-Meetup /

What we're about:

This Meetup website is for our current members only. Meetup will enable our members to easily communicate with each other and help to coordinate non-club paddles.

The text below should be part of every paddle notice

**This is not a SISKA paddle. SISKA meetup paddles are not covered by SISKA insurance. All participants are fully responsible for their own safety both on and off the water. Appropriate cold water clothing and Canadian Coast Guard requirements for their boats are deemed essential. **

Safety Tip

by Lynn Baier

Choose an appropriate paddling location for your skill level. The ideal kayaking environment has protection from wind and waves, a good access point for launching and landing, lots of places to go ashore and minimal motorized boat traffic. Look for calm bays or quiet lakes and river ways without noticeable current.

As a general rule, if you venture into water that is not protected from wind and waves and/or if you travel further from shore than you can comfortably swim, you are entering a new world - a world in which you need to protect yourself and the people you are paddling with by taking a sea kayaking course which among other things teaches you invaluable exposed water rescue skills.

Summer Kayaking - Trip Advisers

by Vic Turkington

The summer tripping season is fast approaching. If you were thinking of planning a kayak/camping adventure but wern't quite sure where to go and what it would be like – no problem. Below is a link to a list of seasoned SISKA members who have very generously offered to share their experience, advice and guidance about a wide variety of paddling areas in BC and beyond. Just select your area of interest; contact them and they will be happy to advise and answer your questions.
Happy Tripping...
Click HERE
This list is also available on the SISKA website: Members\Documents\SISKA Resource Directory

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

Paddle Wanted
I am looking for a 230 - 240 cm touring paddle for my son. My 220 is too short for him. Lynn Beak Lynnbeak@gmail.com

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: