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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October 23 - Siska General Meeting
by Fred Pishalski
Our speaker for October is Peter Freeman. His book Cape Horn Birthday documents the extraordinary non-stop round-the-world journey of a lone sailor and his thirty-two-foot sloop Laivina. GPS did not exist when Peter set sail from Victoria in 1984. Peter navigated the old-fashioned way, with a compass, a sextant, books of tables, and his wits. Along the way, he had to rebuild the self-steering rudder, repair torn sails, and fix broken gear.
Peter encountered severe storms, snow, and hailstorms as he sailed as close to the Antarctic ice as he dared. In the South Indian Ocean, Laiviņa almost rolled over in a violent storm. While the little sloop was inverted, Peter was under water, helplessly tied to the pushpit rails holding his breath as he waited for the sturdy little craft to right herself. He not only survived but upon arrival back in Victoria, Peter learned that he had broken the existing non-stop round-the-world world record. So please join us for an interesting evening with Peter Freeman on October 23rd.
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Upcoming SISKA Events
Monday, September 30th, 2019 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Whales in our Waters - VNHS
Saturday, October 05th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Mackenzie Bight Paddle
Sunday, October 06th, 2019 - 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking - City of Victoria
Tuesday, October 08th, 2019 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Early Naturalists - VNHS
Saturday, October 19th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Amherst to Tsehum Harbour Paddle
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Island View Beach to D'Arcy Island Paddle
Sunday, October 20th, 2019 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - SISKA - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking
Monday, October 21st, 2019 - 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM - ELECTI0N CANADA
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - SISKA Monthly Meeting-Peter Freeman
Monday, October 28th, 2019 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Deep-Sea Discoveries - VNHS
Saturday, November 02nd, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Oak Bay Marina - Parking Lot to Chatham and Discovery Islands Paddle
Sunday, November 03rd, 2019 - 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking - City of Victoria
Sunday, November 10th, 2019 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - SISKA - Crystal Pool Indoor Kayaking
Saturday, November 16th, 2019 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Cooper Cove to Sooke Basin Paddle
Tuesday, November 19th, 2019 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Inter-Tidal Marine Life by Mike Jackson
Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - SISKA Monthly Meeting-GordonBrown
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Community Events of Interest
Thursday, October 03rd, 2019 - 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM - All-Candidates' Meetings on the Environment - 100 Debates
If you are aware of an event that should be included in the next Newsletter, please email Alan Campbell at alanglencampbell@shaw.ca.
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Camp Cookery
Corned Beef Hash
by Lynn Baier
I needed to come up with a recipe for this month’s newsletter, so I thought I’d try this one that I’ve been thinking about doing for a while. I rooted around my dehydrated food cupboard and found that I already had half a head of cabbage and an onion. I just added one of those cartons of dried hash browns and a can of corned beef. The vegetables rehydrate within about 15 minutes. Add the beef and mix all together in a frying pan. Crisp it up on one side, the flip it over and crisp up the other side. Add pepper and you’re done. We enjoyed it but next time I plan to add mushrooms and red peppers (I didn’t feel it had enough colour). We had it for dinner, but it would also make a hearty breakfast on a layover, or late start, day.
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Safety Tip - Contact Tow
by Gordon Brown via Lynn Baier & Rob Zacharias
Here’s a simple method for keeping kayaks together when doing a contact tow. It comes courtesy of a Gordon Brown towing session. The pics explain the method. One loop should suffice for both sides as it’s easily moved, and always on deck ready to go. Make sure your bungy is heavy enough to keep things solid, and short enough that there isn’t too much play.
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Victoria Harbour Traffic Scheme
by Alan Campbell
Mariah McCooey, Transport Canada’s Victoria Harbour Master, gave a very informative presentation about paddling safety in harbour waters at our monthly meeting September 25th.
Victoria’s Harbour is a very busy place, with large numbers of traffic of all kinds, including kayakers, so she and her staff have their hands full keeping everyone organized and safe while they transit the harbour.
Mariah welcomes people to drop in to say hello at her Harbour Master’s Office, a low white building at 21 Erie Street, overlooking the main dock at Fisherman’s Wharf.
The new 2019 Victoria Harbour Traffic Scheme map and notes are well worth checking out at
https://www.tc.gc.ca/media/documents/pacific/2019_FINAL_PRINT_EDITION_ENG.pdf
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Upcoming Courses
by Alan Campbell
Fall is definitely here now, but we are still enjoying some great paddling weather in and around Victoria!
To help you take advantage of this plus gain more skills and experience at the same time, I have included links to courses offered through some of our kayak skills service partners that are still to come.
A few of them are running very soon, so check them out and make your contacts as soon as possible!
Blue Dog Kayaking
https://bluedogkayaking.com/paddle_canada/skills/level-2/ - Oct 23-27
Go Kayak
http://gokayak.ca/newsletter/index.html - Oct 19-20 and Oct 26-27
Ocean River Sports/Gordon Brown Sea Kayak Centre of Excellence
https://oceanriver.com/adventure/sea-kayaking-level-1-skills/ - Oct 5-6
SKILS
https://www.skils.ca/course/sea-kayaking-adventure-retreat-at-discovery-island-lodge/ - Oct 8-14
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Save The Date! - Dec. 7, 2019
by Jennie Sutton
The annual SISKA Christmas Party lunch will be held on Saturday, December 7th at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Registration will be announced and open in November once we have the pricing and menu details.
Socialize with friends, eat good food, drink fine wines, listen to kayaking stories, sing Christmas songs, win great prizes….
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Lifetime Membership Awarded
by Alan Campbell
At our September monthly meeting, John Levey, our long-serving former Club Treasurer, and capable paddle leader, was formally awarded Lifetime Membership in SISKA.
Rightly recognized for his many years of outstanding commitment and leadership in SISKA, John continues to lead and inspire us with his active, ethical and healthy lifestyle.
Congratulations, John! We look forward to many more years of trying to keep up with you on our kayak paddling outings!
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Trip Reports
August 24 Energizer Paddle to Russell Island
by Dave Chater
10 Paddlers in 9 boats ( one was a double) made the journey on Saturday August 24 from Moses Point ( Lands End Rd. in North Saanich) to our destination of Russell Island ( Gulf Islands National Park Reserve).
The weather forecast all week had looked very promising with sun and cloud predicted and light winds. Another pre-trip check of the weather on Thursday evening gave me the confidence that it was all systems go for the paddle on Saturday morning.
Another check on the weather on Friday evening showed that – alas- that the forecast had changed to drizzle and cool temperatures for Saturday morning and clearing skies. Drat!! Oh, well- the winds were still forecasted for light so off we go on the Saturday paddle.
Never fear though as paddler Norm S. was included in my group and if Norm comes on your paddle you are guaranteed good weather.
As I was leaving my house to make the trek to Moses Point all loaded for the paddle, it wasn’t drizzle coming down but flat out rain and low clouds. Not a promising sign!
The north end of the Saanich Peninsula and Gulf Islands lived up to their good weather standards though as I got closer to Sidney it got brighter and brighter. Yeah!
As we were all off loading our boats and preparing our gear at Moses Point the skies had almost fully cleared and right on que – Norm arrived. Mr. Sunshine himself!
Following our beach talk- off we went across Satellite Channel to follow the very interesting south shoreline of Salt Spring Island towards Russell Island just off the mouth of Fulford Harbour. Many of our paddle group had never been to Russell Island, our destination and lunch spot.
The island didn’t disappoint with its amazing beach of white shells and spectacular views of Mount Maxwell on Salt Spring Island. A few of our group enjoyed the short walk up to the historic Kanaka homestead in the middle of the island.
After lunch we did a circumnavigation of the island before heading back across Satellite Channel to follow the north shoreline of the Saanich Peninsula. I call this the “better homes and garden” tour as many of the homes, both existing and new are huge and quite stunning. David A. said that we should be scouting out one of these homes and properties for a future SISKA “outpost” ( insert smiley emoji here).
We had a lovely paddle back along the shoreline of the peninsula towards our launch point with light winds at our back and a flood tide and with glorious late afternoon sunshine and warm temperatures.
Our debrief was at The Roost on their lovely back and very sunny patio to talk about the joys of our 11.3nm paddle to a very enjoyable trip to one of the jewels in the Gulf Islands.
Dave Chater
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New Brunswick Kayaking (in progress)
by Willi and Janet Fast
Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick is one of Canada‘s Natural Wonders. Carved over millennia by the unrelenting 42 foot tides of the Bay of Fundy, the free standing sandstone “flower pots” are intriguing and a wonder to behold from perched observation decks at high tide or from the very sea floor on foot at low tide. While visiting here several years ago, we made a note to return some day with kayaks for an on-water exploration. We had a magical day yesterday in stunning conditions. Highly recommended if you find yourself on the Fundy shores of New Brunswick.
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Becher Bay paddle September 15
by Lynn Baier
The forecast was foreboding , and sure enough when we got to the launch the seas were huge and the wind was howling.
No wait a minute........ that’s my paddle leader nightmare.
In actual fact, things could not have been more perfect. We had light winds and only a sprinkling of rain. 13 of us met respectfully out of the way of the many fishermen launching at Spirit Bay. We traced the shoreline along the east side of the bay to Smyth Head, crossing over, with a slight detour by Fraser Island, and over to Craeke point. We got quite close in to the rocks and had a good look at the petroglyph at Aldridge point. There was some rock gardening done in only a gentle swell as we paddled down to the little bay before Cabin point. The slot was high and dry so we came in at the wider opening for lunch. After lunch there was enough water for some of us to make it back out through the slot. And some went back and forth a few times just for fun.
We were skunked seeing whales, but we did pick up a male stellar sea lion as an escort for much of the paddle. We saw groups of turkey vultures gathering before their migration south. Fishing was good, so there was an eager group of seals waiting at the fish cleaning station. They were not disappointed.
Timing was perfect for us all to fit in at the Sugar Shack for coffee afterwards.
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Telegraph Cove - Comorant Point - Sept 21
by Debbie Leach
Relaxed Paddle
Eleven of us met at Telegraph Cove and turned left to noodle the shore and explore caves an rocks while watching seals, seagulls and a few raptors. Thanks to Wendy and Dana for setting the pace. It took 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Cormorant Point for lunch where a few checked out the pool and we waited for freighter wake to subside before launching again. With mixed sun and cloud, ESE wind less than 10 knots and 15C we debriefed at Olive Olio's. This was the first time I used my first aid kit...relying on hockey tape to hold Wendy's neck gasket temporarily.
Paddle Leader Debbie Leach
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SISKA Policies and Procedures (P&P) – How Boring is That?!
by Alan Campbell
[http://siska.ca/docs_private/SISKA_Policies_Procedures_2019.pdf]
Club paddles are classified “Relaxed” or “Energizer” – but what exactly do these terms mean?
P&P Appendix 2, “SISKA Paddle Guidelines” explains the conditions for these paddle types.
[http://siska.ca/docs_private/SISKA_Paddle_Guidelines_2019.pdf]
The two types of paddles differ in the areas used, open water crossings required, landing opportunities, winds, sea state and currents likely to be encountered and the overall length of the trip. The table below summarizes the conditions to be expected on each.
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Relaxed paddles are designed for beginner paddlers, who have Paddle Canada Basic skills, although more experienced paddlers are also welcome to join. These paddles have a slower pace.
Energizer paddles are intended for novice paddlers, one step beyond beginner, who have Paddle Canada Level 1 skills, and are comfortable with the reasons the paddle is classified as Energizer. Energizer paddles are somewhat faster, and paddlers are expected to keep up with the pace-setting leaders.
Of course, on either type paddlers should come properly equipped for the trip and suitably prepared for the possibility of unexpected immersion.
Club paddle leaders explain the outing to the group in advance and ensure that everyone is good to go and enjoy being out on the water!
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Fall 2019 – Indoor Kayaking Pool Sessions
by Alan Campbell
Keen to practice your kayak paddling skills, but prefer warm water?
No problem…sign up for an indoor kayaking pool session at the Crystal Pool!
The Crystal offers indoor kayaking sessions for the paddling public on the first Sunday of the month.
The first session is Sunday October 6th, 6:30–8:00 pm - sign up with the Crystal Pool at (250) 361-0732
Other sessions this Fall are November 3rd and December 1st.
SISKA sponsors kayak pool sessions at the Crystal for members and the first one is Sunday October 22nd.
Other sessions this Fall are November 10th, December 8th and December 22nd.
To sign up for those email Michael Egilson at onwatercourses@siska.ca
All the indoor kayaking pool sessions, both the ones SISKA sponsors, and those offered by the Crystal Pool for the general public, are now noted on the online calendar on our website.
http://siska.ca/calendar-journal/new-calendar#year=2019&month=10&day=1&view=month
SISKA sessions feature a skills clinic for those interested, plus space for others to practice.
More detailed information about the SISKA sessions will be posted online soon.
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BC Marine Trail News
by Fred Pishalski
Many of you know about the BC Marine Trails Network Association and their mission to create a network of marine trails on our coast. The work to complete this vision, preserving public access to public sites for paddlers and small boats from Victoria to the Alaska border, includes 12 paddling clubs (including Siska Paddlers), First Nations, industry groups, and multiple levels of government.
The BCMT organization is now poised to move to a new level of activity in 2020. Volunteers with IT skills are now needed to help roll out new digital tools. If you have web skills (experience with Joomla! CMS would be great), you are needed sooner than later. If you have worked with Content Management Systems, but not Joomla!, we can train you.
If you want to volunteer with BC Marine Trails, whether you have IT skills or not, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator karen@bcmarinetrails.org. She will be glad to help you find a role that suits you.
- Allan Edwin (allan@bcmarinetrails.org)
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Allan Edwin
Director at Large
BC Marine Trails
FacebookTwitterInstagram (follow us!!)
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BC Marine Trail Report
by Fred Pishalski
As West coast kayakers, SISKA members are very appreciative of the information, especially the interactive map, and the work done for the benefit of all paddlers by BCMT. In November, BCMT is having their AGM, please consider supporting this organization by attending. The report in paragraph 3 outlines some of the very positive work that BCMT has recently accomplish, please have a look at it.
BC Marine Trail Report
- BC Marine Trail’s AGM will be on November 30, 2019 in Nanaimo. Please use the registration link. This year’s AGM will include an overview of BCMT’s 2020-2023 strategic plan and the just released, new stewardship short documentary. The speakers in the afternoon will be John Kimantas, Louise Thompson and Steve Best. The AGM is from 10:45am to 12:30pm and speakers roughly between 1 and 3 pm. A small but delicious lunch will be served.
- BCMT’s Site Condition Reporting system was very successful this year and the winners of this year’s contest will be announced at the AGM. The form is accessed by a link from most sites on the BCMT’s map
(Users will find a link to the Site Condition Report form on almost all site information boxes).
- BCMT has had a number of successes this year as outlined in the presentation made at the September 21 strategy meeting.
- BCMT has a new volunteer program and Program Coordinator. If you want to volunteer in some capacity for the BCMT, contact Karen (karen@bcmarinetrails.org) and she will send you a volunteer application.
- BCMT has a new IT/website team. The roles fall into three general categories: Projects (building new technologies), Help Desk (supporting existing technologies), and Web (our public web site and internal web site). BCMT has developed a database called ‘Trail Management’ to manage projects, work areas, tasks and notes. The database also updates sites and photos on their map. The sites on the database are interactively connected to projects, First Nations, tasks and so on.
- BCMT received a Real Estate Foundation grant to hire a part-time First Nations Liaison. BCMT has also hired an Environmental Consultant to create the new Environmental Care Program.
- If you have any question about BCMT please visit the website and/or contact SISKA’s BCMT representative Fred Pishalski at fred@bcmarinetrails.org
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Victoria Waterways Loop
by Vic Turkington
Hurray....the Victoria Waterways Loop ramp on the Gorge Waterway is finally completed, after navigating a minefield of official regulations (thanks to John Rogers)
The new ramp extends into the water to allows easier access to and from the waterway at lower tides. It is serviceable with Portage Inlet water levels down to 0 ft. (F&O: https://www.tides.gc.ca/eng/station?sid=7125 ).
Out of respect for the environment, prior to construction, 1400 Olympic oysters and clams were removed from the ramp site and relocated to a different area.
The photo shows kayakers preparing to launch from the new ramp. The concrete weave pattern provides a relatively non-slip surface for safe footing. The ramp now allows an easy connection between the Gorge and Portage Park beach in the Esquimalt harbour (1km - wheels required) and facilitates a great 8.4nm circular paddling opportunity inurban and coastal areas of Victoria - see web site: www.vicwaterloop.ca
A grand opening celebration occurred and cautionary signage at the Tillicum reversing rapids is being designed.
enjoy...
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Greenland Paddle Available For Siska Members
by Tony Playfair
Just a FYI, Siska Library has a Ravenwoods greenland paddle for use by members who are considering upgrading (oh my!) to this type of paddle. Your editor did years ago and has never looked back, haha! The technique is quite different to using a euro blade although this is difficult to see when paddling. Entry and exit points are different and the angle of blade. Do not expect to be able to just try it out and feel comfortable instantly. I took a morning class at PPS on how to use a greenland paddle a few years ago with James Manke and it made all the difference. As many others have said it also makes rolling easier if you have any inclination to learn rolling.
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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.
1 pair Yakima kayak saddles.
Comes with all tie downs.
$50
250 896 8366 text or kaimi@shaw.ca
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Seaward Compass SR140 Kayak, Yellow
This recreational touring kayak combines exceptional stability with expedition boat features, so when you’re ready for rougher water, so is your boat.
• Thermoformed, fully-recyclable Solar Kote ABS provides lightness and stiffness for better handling on or off the water, plus glossy good looks.
• Comfort-plus seating system makes even longer paddles a pleasure.
• Recessed deck fittings for reduced drag and hang-ups.
• Paddler-side deployment line lets you raise or lower the rudder without having to face the rear deck, increasing comfort and stability.
• Bow and stern waterproof hatches have hard outer covers and re-routable shockcords to hold improvised covers in place in the event of loss.
• Day hatch is accessible from the cockpit even with sprayskirt attached.
Tech specs
Hull material ABS
Length 4.3m (14ft.)
Beam 61cm (24in.)
Centre depth 30cm (12in.)
Internal cockpit dimensions 77 x 42cm (30½ x 16½in.)
Weight 22kg (49 lbs)
Asking $1,395.00 Please Contact Cindy 778-677-9072
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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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