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
Editor Note - I have started a backup of Siska Newsletters at https://www.siskanewsletters.com. This site has no cost associated with it. Even though mailchimp is currently free for Siska and keeps an archive of the newsletters, just in case they change their policy in the future I have this backup and it can be used to view all newsletters any time. All 4 years of newsletters are not there yet. New newsletters will be posted there on the 1st of every month. So you have 2 options for viewing, the current email or this new site. |
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Upcoming SISKA Events
All events cancelled.
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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.
Friday, May 15th - Dec 31, 2020 - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Orcas: Our Shared Future - RBCM
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Many thanks to Barbara McDougall
by Alan Campbell
Many thanks to Barbara McDougall for Organizing SISKA’s Off-Water Courses, 2016-2020!
SISKA has always had plenty of skilled kayakers, generous with their time and expertise and willing to share their knowledge with fellow members. But, until Barbara McDougall became lead Coordinator for Off-Water Courses in 2016, the potential for turning that reservoir of talent into a whole series of off-water club courses had not been fully realized. She has taken Off-Water Courses to a whole new level. She has accomplished this with a team including Edgar Hulatt from the outset, and Barry Copeland as of last Fall, who will continue this work, but she often provided the spark.
Barbara’s enthusiasm, organizational and interpersonal skills, have been a potent force for the past four years, during which many members have benefitted from learning important kayak and expedition skills. Some of those who were approached by Barbara to lead courses may have been a bit surprised to realize that, by the time she finished asking, they were more than ready to do whatever she suggested! Her ability to correctly identify the knowledge base that some members could share, combined with an engaging personal approach that was both earnest and sharply focused, was simply overwhelming! Barbara’s organizational skills and attention to detail subsequently made certain that presenters and course participants had everything they needed to ensure a successful learning experience. It is unfortunate that this Spring’s courses were interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and could not be completed, but the program will continue when public health authorities permit.
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So, after four years in the role, Barbara has decided to “retire” to pursue other interests.
And what may that entail you ask?
Well, kayaking certainly, but over the past few months her heart has been captured by her beautiful little puppy, Mia!
Many thanks, Barbara, for all your efforts on our behalf over the years!
We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you and Mia whenever our paths cross!
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Covid-19
DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, ALL CLUB EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
As we are all now aware, the number of people affected by the Covid-19 virus continues to rise dramatically in our communities and in most parts of the world.
In this context, we have cancelled all sponsored events until further notice:
Off-Water workshops, Spring Training 2020 workshops, On-Water courses, club paddles and other club-sponsored events and activities are now cancelled.
Full refunds will be processed for payments made to SISKA.
It is still true that kayaking and other healthy outdoor activities are personally valuable but must not pose a risk to others or the wider community.
Public health authorities recommend that those participating in such activities do so only in small groups, always respecting the need for contagion control and social/physical distancing.
We are discussing how SISKA can support you as sea kayakers in this challenging time, and we will keep you informed through emails, our Newsletter and our website online.
Meanwhile, let’s all practise good personal hygiene to avoid infection and contagion, “keep our distance” from others, and do what we can to help those more vulnerable and less fortunate in our midst.
Stay healthy and safe!
A set of suggested guidelines for sea kayaking during the pandemic is evolving amongst informal groups that paddle regularly.]
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14RBeEkpSEeqXer9cLIKsnPurqkgH5UUx/view?usp=sharing
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Tips from the trips
by Debbie Leach
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Be Prepared. Order the repair kit from your kayak maker and toss in extra bits such as the cotter pins for your wheels.
Also...
Maintaining Your Tent Article For Kayaking
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Camp Cookery
by Lynn Baier
Sometimes we’re away when someone has a birthday, and it’s always nice to celebrate with a cake. I did a little experimenting and came up with this:
Grease a round cake pan that fits snuggly on the top of your pot. Fill the pot about half way and put on to boil. Cover the bottom of the cake pan with rehydrated blueberries (or apples, or pre-baked crumble, or dried apricots, or whatever you like). Take half a cake mix- I used a box of no name from Superstore. Add an egg, 2tbsp. vegetable oil, and a cup of water. Mix them all up and pour over the blueberries. Place the pan over the boiling water and cover. It will take a good half hour to set. Let cool, invert, and voilà.
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First Aid
by Lynn Baier
Thanks to John Abercrombie for this info. While it is geared towards backpacking, kayaking shares many of the same wilderness first aid challenges. Going to this guide’s website provides further information.
Click HERE for article
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Kayaking Q&A - Sharing your Knowledge and Expertise
by Lynn Beak
Question - What is the best app for tides and currents for an Android phone?
Answers -
Tony's Fav - Tide Prediction
Mike Jackson's Fav -
I use tide apps on my Android phone all the time. For me a key feature is that they are off line (do not need the internet to get their data)
In my opinion, the best apps for tides on Android are:
Tides Charts Free: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.SeventhGear.tides – for some reason this is my go to…
And Tides and Currents: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tidesandcurrents.app I like the look and feel of this one
I use Tide prediction occasionally: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.muchoviento.android.tide
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Games and Puzzles
Another crossword puzzle thanks to Rob and Lisa -
Puzzle
Clues
Answers
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It's Windy out there.
(Sometimes)
by Fred Pishalski & Tony
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The Mustard Seed
by Jane Jacek
Phone before delivering, to check if clothing still being accepted!
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Canadian Coast Guard Urges BC Boaters to Stay Home
by Alan Campbell
What does this mean for sea kayakers?
The Canadian Coast Guard has asked recreational mariners to stay off the water and away from small harbours during the coronavirus crisis. In a letter sent to yacht clubs in B.C., Roger Girouard, assistant commissioner of the Western Region of the Canadian Coast Guard, said small communities and jetties could be closed, and every rescue brings additional risk for crews.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j_rj-Bw9_TaGydpaAQ_GKzOkBOMKyK9C/view?usp=sharing
“The coast guard has responded to a greater number of search-and-rescue calls in British Columbia as compared to the same time last year,” Girouard wrote. “With each response, our search and rescue specialists put themselves at risk of exposure to COVID-19 and use precious supplies of personal protective equipment that is also much needed by critical-care workers.” The letter also warned that most small coastal communities in B.C. have banned or restricted visitors. “Your presence in an area could have a serious impact on vulnerable community members, and if you were to get sick, strain the limited health-care resources of that community,” Girouard wrote. “If you choose to travel or self-isolate, you may not have access to fuel, supplies and other services in those communities.”
https://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/boaters-told-to-stay-away-from-small-communities-1.24125368
So…what does this mean for sea kayakers?
The Canadian Coast Guard has agreed to provide SISKA with a summary of search and rescue calls for 2019 and 2020 to date so we can better understand to what extent sea kayakers access SAR services. Since the focus is on mariners avoiding small coastal communities and accessing SAR services, it is recommended that SISKA members do not embark on kayaking trips to small communities until this advisory is lifted. Those who go out on day paddles in our local area are advised to review and follow the guidelines suggested in Safety Tips in the April SISKA Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/c69695881f9c/siska-march-2020-newsletter-2561509?e=6eb3974f53 |
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Lockdown
by Gary Jacek
SISKA club paddles have been in lockdown for a few weeks now. And we cannot start them up just yet. So I think you can identify with our friend John Kirk-Anderson who has been under strict lockdown in New Zealand for many weeks. No paddling at all.
Enjoy the video.
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/949bdb5aa316b1a189043f07284693bc20200428031043/3b743e9639387494adee8790164ef4e820200428031114/a11913
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Online VHF radio course
by Jane Jacek
May 5, 16, 30
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Paddling Photography - II
by Edmond Duggan
Now that we've started on some of the basics of any photographic adventure, I'd like to narrow my column down to paddling specific considerations. There are many fine books, courses, videos on the basics photography both in the real world and online. Find a source you like and take it on during this unprecedented time. Once conditions allow, I may consider covering some of the basics for those who are looking for that level of understanding.
For paddling, let's start with a fundamental rule. Paddle first, photograph second. Making images on the water is a secondary task, the primary one is keeping safe (mainly upright!) While the club paddles are well regulated for safety, it's still your responsibility to keep yourself out of harm's way.
If you are part of a group, let the leaders know you're out to make images as well as paddle. That way they will be aware that you might want to get behind or in front of the group from time to time. Ask before going away from the group first, the leader may be aware of other considerations that might require you to stay with the group at that time/location. This advice is for both the on-water and off-water parts of the trip; no one likes looking for missing group members at any time.
If paddling alone, realize that the water doesn't stop doing what it was doing when you pull out your camera. It sounds obvious, but you will drift as the waves, tides and winds continue. In tough water images can be more dramatic, but your paddling skills need to be able to handle the conditions with a margin for taking a picture.
In the next column I'll talk about keeping one's photographic gear safe. If you find this article useful, or want to know specifics please let me know as it will help me continue to develop this series.
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Clean Drain Dry
by Edmond Duggan
"May is BC Invasive Species Action Month. How will you take action?" appears on a banner image of the Invasive Species Council of BC's website at https://bcinvasives.ca
Two years ago I worked on source material for ISC's project to tailor the Clean Drain Dry program to paddlers, as the original material was designed for the power boating community.
Last year I developed a webinar for paddlers which is available online to watch HERE
This year I'm asking myself what more can I learn so that I can help out. I'd like to each and every one of you to do the same.
You can find several interesting and informative items HERE.
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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.
I am looking for a good spray skirt to fit my Delta 16.
Dan Dunaway. dunaway@shaw.ca
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One 18’ CLC design Cape Charles. $500.
One 18’ CLC design Chesapeake. $600.
Both boats stitch and glue mahogany. Solid and well-built. West Coast experienced. Older Siska members will remember them. Spray decks and paddles included.
These boats were both built to fit me (6’, 200 lbs.) They are big boats and can carry a load!
Also 1 Palm back-entry gore-tex dry suit. Men’s Large. $250.
ICOM Marine band hand-held radio. $100.
Canon G9 camera and underwater (diving) case.(you will never drown it) $200.
Miscellaneous other stuff (call and ask, 727-0216, email Doug
Doug Linton).
PS; I have a few books I could donate to the club library if they want them.
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For Sale - Two paddle floats, pump and also two sets of flippers. Free or best offer.
I also have kayak racks with two sets of saddles. The racks fit a pathfinder also come some accessories parts to fit a Subaru. 50.00 dollars. All in good shape
Jacqueline Monrufet
250-893-9990 cell
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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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