SISKA's October 2021 Newsletter. Upcoming events, reports and articles

October 2021 SISKA Newsletter

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.
PS: Siska now has it's own Youtube Channel
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

For more details, go to the SISKA website

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.

Canada’s 1st National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – Sep 30, 2021

by Alan Campbell

The first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation was a day of reflection and learning for many.
To help continue the process of learning about First Nations in BC, particularly Coastal First Nations, the following information and links are provided regarding the First Peoples’ Map of BC, an interactive online map-based compendium of First Nations languages, arts, and heritage. The map was created and is maintained by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council.

Link to CBC News Article – Jun 15, 2021
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/first-peoples-cultural-council-interactive-indigenous-map-1.6067254

Link to First Peoples’ Map of BC
https://maps.fpcc.ca/#:~:text=Share-,https%3A//maps.fpcc.ca/%2356.03127743191121/-127.78394238136548/4.289285050547952,-Click%20To%20Copy

SISKA and Covid-19 Precautions as of September 28, 2021

by Alan Campbell

Although Covid cases have increased and restrictions remain, sea kayaking remains one of the very best choices you can make for your fitness and health!

As of Sep 28, 2021, 87.8% of eligible people in BC have been vaccinated once, and 80.6% have been vaccinated twice. The very great majority of new cases in BC are among those who have either not yet been vaccinated at all or have had just one dose so far.

If you have not done so already, we strongly encourage all SISKA members to become fully vaccinated as soon as possible to protect yourselves, fellow paddlers, friends, families, and communities.

BC Public Health now requires masks for public indoor spaces and proof of vaccination for designated services and events. Even if fully vaccinated for more than 2-3 weeks, some may wish to mask outdoors when 2m distance cannot be maintained. Certain regions of BC have been placed under tighter restrictions due to increased cases and hospitalizations, Vancouver Island cases remain high, but no additional public health restrictions have yet been imposed.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions

We had hoped that SISKA could return to in-person indoor meetings this Fall, but it now appears increasingly unlikely that the ongoing high Covid case numbers and resulting pressure on hospital care capacity will drop significantly in the near future.

SISKA paddles and on-water courses, including pool sessions, continue, and many of us enjoyed a terrific outdoor club member gear sale/information/paddling/picnic event a few weeks ago!
Limitations on the size of groups on SISKA-led paddles are set at the discretion of the responsible club leaders, taking into account paddle plans and paddler skill levels.

SISKA’s COVID-19 Guidelines for Paddling
As active sea kayakers we maintain our health and fitness partly through regular paddling. The following guidelines have been amended to follow the direction of our public health authorities at Step 3.

group numbers will be set by the paddle leader
Face masks may be used by individual paddlers if/as desired

At the discretion of individual paddlers, rides, carrying of kayaks and gear, entering, and exiting kayaks, food and/or beverages may be shared. The use of hand sanitizer for contagion control and maintenance of 2m distance from others may continue for those not fully vaccinated and/or those who wish to do so.

NOTE: Participants should still only attend paddles if they can answer NO to each of these questions:
In the past 14 days, have you:
1. experienced any symptoms related to COVID-19?
2. travelled outside Canada?
3. had contact with anyone travelling outside Canada, or with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or who has experienced symptoms related to COVID-19?

October Monthly Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

Note - A determination whether this presentation will be held in-person or by Zoom will be made closer to the meeting date.

Monthly Meeting presents Norm Hann -

Expedition paddleboarder Norm Hann will share his 6 day, 260km standup paddleboard adventure with his partner Jen Segger along the Salish Sea Marine Trail from West Vancouver to Mile 0 in Victoria. Spectacular sunsets, cozy campsites and the stunning beauty of the islands, inlets and inland sea of Coast Salish territory await you. This is a repeat of the show he did for SKABC which was very well received. Based in Squamish, Norm Hann's expedition company offers remote sup tours to world class destinations, paddle surf courses and sup instruction and training. Norm Hann Expeditions | Wilderness Adventure Tours & SUP Trips

After working as a high school teacher in Sudbury, Norm enrolled in a wilderness guide training program in Vancouver. He was fortunate to be hired as a guide in the Great Bear Rainforest. The rich traditional territory of the Gitga’at people became his home for many summers. In 2008 he discovered the sport of stand up paddleboarding. He knew that the paddleboard was going to be an incredible way to intimately experience our coastline. From there, Norm Hann Expeditions was born. Norm is currently a certified Paddle Canada Instructor. After sup trips to the Great Bear, the real threat of the Northern Gateway Project oil tankers traveling through this area began to take shape.

In May 2010 with the support of kayaker Brian Huntington of the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition, they paddled the proposed tanker route. The route was from the Haisla village of Kitimaat, the site of the proposed tanker port, 400km south to the Heiltsuk village of Bella Bella. The expedition was called Standup4Greatbear

In 2012 Norm worked with filmmaker Anthony Bonello to bring the message of the oil tanker threat to our coastline and its people to a larger audience. STAND is a multiple award-winning documentary which takes viewers core of the issue on a journey through the waters of British Columbia’s west coast. Stand - Norm Hann Expeditions

What’s in a Name?

by Vic Turkington

Baynes Channel

Most SISKA kayakers planning to cross Baynes Channel from Cadboro Point to the fabled islands of Chatam and Discovery, carefully check the conditions before launching. As tides squeeze through this narrow channel, currents can reach <6kn and confront kayakers with daunting tidal rips, turbulence, standing waves and a possible capsize! Kayakers, therefore, usually approach Baynes Channel with a certain degree of trepidation and concern. Some, however, relish the challenge and delight in playing in the death-defying currents and standing waves around Strongtide Is., especially when the wind is against current, during an ebb tide. (see video below). Baynes Channel is a secondary current station based on Race Passage in the Canadian Tides and Currents Tables (Vol 5) and can help kayakers to estimate the times and strength of max. currents (75% of those at Race Passage) and therefore plan a safe passage.

This infamous channel was named after Admiral Baynes (1796-1869) of the RN. He came to BC in his flagship HMS Ganges to preserve stability and rule of law during the 1858 gold rush. During the 1859 conflict over the ownership of the San Juan islands (Pig War), he assembled his warships but refused to engage in hostilities, as demanded by Governor James Douglas. This led to an armed standoff, the so called Pig War. (started by the shooting of a pig!) However, his tact and discretion prevailed and war was avoided, allowing a political resolution through the arbitration of Kaiser Wilheim1st. The San Juan islands subsequently became American, as a result.
Admiral Baynes also recommended the RN to move their Pacific HQ to Esquimalt, which they did in 1862.
So, as we paddle towards Baynes Channel with some trepidation and anxiety, we can be mindful of potential hazards that may lie ahead and the role of its namesake, Admiral Robert Lambert Baynes.

Paddling in Baynes Channel during a storm is only suitable for the very experienced as shown here! Nick Castro of Victoria shows us how it's done!

Tips from the trips

by Debbie Leach

Rubber Gasket Repair

Carry along clear Type A Fabric Patch Tape such as Tear-Aid to repair gaskets until you can replace them. See ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos from Seán Finucane.

Safety Gear Draw Prizes

by Debbie Leach

Safety prizes valued at $100 are given out at each SISKA meeting.

In September Lawrie Spooner won a deck compass and rescue stirrup shown above.

Next draw will be at the October 27th meeting.

Cheers,

Debbie

Siska Headwear Anyone?

by Debbie Leach

If at least 12 requests come in for SISKA branded hats, I will order them again.
RSVP Director3@siska.ca by October 8.

Ball caps approx $20 (polyester with reflector and velcro closer) in black or navy.
Knitted acrylic hats approx $10 (for cooler weather).

The proposed logo:

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier

Here’s an excellent link to successfully dehydrating vegetables for next year’s adventures.

Trip Reports

Broken Islands Lodge (formerly Sechart Lodge)

September 15-20,2021
by Jane & Gary Jacek

I want to give a shout out to Norm Smyth who organized our very successful glamping trip to Broken Islands Lodge.

Norm handled all the off water arrangements, water taxis, whale scheduling, and adapted plans when the trip was deferred, twice due to COVID.

We had every weather. Sunshine on day one, followed by torrential rain and wind, impressive swell and wind waves, and more sun.

While you were hunkered down during the monsoon here in Victoria, we were out paddling every day, with paddles for the adventurous as well as “contemplative” paddles between protected islands, for others.

And on the afternoon when wind and sea state kept us inside, Norm deftly recruited a few experts in our midst to present some interesting topics.

Most notably, David Anderson gave us a backgrounder on the creation of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and how his mother’s boots played an important role.
I have no doubt that but for David, and some chance events, including one press photograph, this park reserve and especially the Broken Islands would be riddled with holiday homes—a very different place as compared to the gem it has become.

Congratulations Norm for a trip that was well planned and well received.

Gary and Jane Jacek

A Poem for the Broken Islands

by Jordan Zinovich

The Broken Group 15–20/09/2021

Easing out on the flat calm
between Nettle and Prideaux
then through the Jaques Island lagoon

We see only wild, deserted islands,
but there are 5,000-year-old spirits
here. Women and children

Harvesting flashing herring from the shallow
lagoon fish traps and roe from hemlock boughs
and eel grass immersed in the deeper clear water.

From the corner of my eye, I catch them
darting through the climax forest giants
edging the Dodd Island village site.

A neap tide moon lights the channels
and passages where whalers launched
their hunts, leaving bioluminescent wakes.

Even a driving rain can’t dampen
the spirit world. And the fierce soul
bound to the bull kelp begs the question:
How do you sex a sea otter?

J Zinovich
27/09/2021

Jordan Zinovich at Benson Island.

Siska Picnic 2021 + Photos

by Jane Jacek / Fred Pishalski

September 11, 2021
Cadboro Bay/Gyro Park

Rain did not dampen the spirits of the many kayakers who attended the Siska Picnic, whether it was to buy and sell kayak gear, participate in the many off-water table discussions and demonstrations, or venture in the ocean for the on-water clinics and light paddle.
Thanks to Edgar Hulatt for organizing the off-water clinics, and to Jennie Sutton for organizing the on-water clinics. Thanks to the volunteers who ran each of these sessions, and to the paddle leader who led the light paddle. The picnic would have not be the success it was without you.

Jane Jacek
(Picnic Organizer)

Click HERE for the photos.
Enjoy!

Safety Tips

by Lynn Baier

I have likely posted a video of a heel hook rescue before, but I do consider it to be the most reliable way for those of us not-so-nimble paddlers to successfully perform a self rescue.

History of Discovery/Chatham Islands

by Sandy Senyk

I came across this paper one day while Googling for history of Ten Mile Point. It’s a master’s thesis paper by a UVic history student on the “human history” of Discovery and Chatham Islands, and delves quite deeply into the roots of Indigenous settlement of the islands and how that reflects their values. For an academic paper, it’s very readable although long, and I found it fascinating. Perhaps other SISKA paddlers would find it illuminating, too, particularly in light of reconciliation efforts.

Kayaking Klips

by Debbie Leach / Roger Botting

How to put on your Siska tatoo!

BC Marine Trails September Newsletter

HERE

MEC Deck Bag Review - Epic Fail

by Gary Jacek

As an admitted gear head, I have a garage full of outdoor equipment. Some of it must age before being put to use.
This is a review of MECs waterproof deck bag with screw on hatch.
I believe it is the MEC Aegir model or very similar, with the MEC logo embossed on the bow facing end.
The bag appears to have robust urethane fabric construction and a beefy waterproof screw in hatch. So waterproof that if there is moisture in the bag, I have seen it inflate and deflate as that water evaporates in the heat or cools in the evening.
The tie downs and top handle are chunky too. The opening is large enough to fit my GPS, spare VHF radio, spare camera and my field watch. There is also room for another hat and a snack.
I’ve had this bag for a couple of years, but this fall was my first time with it on the water. It performed well in five days of wet weather on the SISKA Broken Islands trip. And it survived two paddling days at Discovery Island.
Back at the takeout as we were unloading kayaks after our Discovery Island trip, my daughter Alexa alerted me to a serious defect.
As I carried the bag by the handle, the entire lower seam on one side opened up with its precious cargo spilling onto the gravel shore.

Epic fail.

I am thankful this hull breach did not take place as we crossed Baynes Channel.
The failed seam appears to be electro-welded and it simply let go without warning. I hope for others sake that this is a rare factory defect.
If you have one of these bags, examine it carefully before each use.
As for me, I am done with this product.

Paddle Canada Basic and Level 1 courses

by Jennie Sutton

SISKA has 17 Paddle Canada certified instructors who have volunteered to teach the above courses for club members. Over this past year when they have offered to teach either the Basic or Level 1 Paddle Canada courses there has been such low interest from club members that the courses have been cancelled. This has been difficult to understand when the club has increased to over 400 members, many whom are fairly new to sea kayaking.

In future, the instructors will only offer these courses if there is indication of demand. If you are interested in one of these courses in the next year, please contact me at instructordevelopment@siska.ca

Jennie Sutton
Instructor Liaison, SISKA

Why Should I Take Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Skills Courses?

by Alan Campbell

It’s no secret that Vancouver Island has some of the best sea kayaking on the planet!
But to enjoy this great sport, safely and for as long as possible you need to learn and practice.
Paddle Canada has standardized 5 skill levels for sea kayaking, and we are fortunate to have a number of qualified instructors in SISKA to teach you Basic and Level 1, and numerous professional instructors in our community can instruct at Levels 2, 3 and 4.
But what do these levels mean for someone interested in getting out there to enjoy our amazing paddling marine environment?
The waters around Victoria and Vancouver Island provide opportunities for sea kayaking at all levels. As you develop your paddling skills you will want to venture out in higher wind and current (with correspondingly greater sea states) for longer periods of time. To do so safely you will need to understand your equipment, route planning, weather, and sea state among other topics, as well as to master kayak re-entry and a range of specific paddling skills. These will all become familiar and refined as you practice and use them over time and in different conditions but taking an on-water Paddle Canada course with a qualified instructor will get you off to a great start!

Contact Jennie Sutton, SISKA’s Instructor Liaison, at instructordevelopment@siska.ca for information about SISKA’s Paddle Canada Basic and Level 1 courses.

Here are the course specifications for Paddle Canada Basic and Level 1 with new items highlighted.

BASIC
Non-challenging protected waters with limited wind effect, little or no current, easy landings, and ready access to land-based assistance. Wind and sea state is calm to rippled (<15km/h or 8 knots).

Skills and Knowledge

Re-entry Skills

Wet exit
Assisted re-entries

Paddling Skills

Lifting and carrying a kayak
Launching and landing
Emptying the kayak
Forward and reverse strokes
Stopping
Forward and reverse sweep strokes
Pivots
Draw stroke
Low brace
Edging

Knowledge

Kayak part names and outfitting
Paddling and safety equipment
Injury prevention
Sun sense
Transport Canada collision regulations
Navigation
Risk assessment and mitigation
Impact of kayakers on the environment

LEVEL 1
Non-challenging waters with mild wind effect (0-20 km/h or 0–11 knots), little or no current (0-1 km/h or 0–0.5 knots), uninterrupted easy landing options, and ready access to land-based assistance. Sea state is calm to light chop.

Re-entry Skills

Unassisted re-entry
Assisted re-entry
Towing

Paddling Skills

Launching and landing
Forward and reverse strokes
Stopping
Sweep stroke
Draw stroke
Low brace
Stern rudder
Edge control

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
Vehicle boat tie down
Kayaking community and resources

Recognizing Wind-Driven Sea States

by Alan Campbell

We can all recognize calm ocean waters with little or no wind, but what does the sea look like when the wind is 5 knots, 10 knots, 15 knots or more?
Sea states are categorized using the Beaufort Scale, by wind speed and by certain recognizable characteristics one can observe.
Look at the following photos curated for sailors and consider at which level you would no longer feel safe in your sea kayak.

Christmas Party Information

by Jennie Sutton

Save The Date: SISKA Christmas Party Saturday, December 11th, 2021

The good news is that we have December 11th booked at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club for our annual party. The not-so-good-news is that with the Covid numbers and hospitalizations still climbing, it is highly unlikely (I just polished up my Crystal Ball!!) that we will be able to hold the event as usual. The RVYC staff have advised me that at this point in time they may be able to
provide a buffet style lunch for 50 people, masks on until seated at a table and no mingling allowed. This does not sound like much fun! We are holding the reservation and will not know more until probably mid-November what could happen at RVYC.

In the meantime, do not despair! And keep December 11th clear in your calendar! Various elves have their thinking caps on and are working hard to develop some alternative Christmas festivities for club members!

Jennie Sutton
Chair/Chief Elf,
SISKA Christmas Party

SISKA Tent and Table

by Fred Pishalski

Tent Report

In our basement is a bunch of SISKA equipment including the big white open sided tent canopy and large table. Since there have been no SISKA physical gatherings for the last 1 1/2+ year because of Covid, this stuff has been out of site and out of mind. When opening it up for the just held picnic, we found that our old friends Mr Mold and Mr Mildew had decided to snuggle up with the tent and table. It was not a significant coupling but enough for Gail to proclaim: "Ehuuu". Following the picnic, we set both up in the backyard and hoped that the sun's UV rays (Mr Sunshine) would do its job but alas we ended up using a variety of cleaners and disinfectants on them along with a little scrubbing. They now look like Mr Clean paid them a visit. I just remembered we also have SISKA's large coffee pot and kitchen supplies in boxes that also have not seen light of day in a long time.......I better go take a look.

To Buy or Sell

For Sale

Current Designs Karla, lightly used, in excellent condition. This is the latest in Current Designs new Danish style of kayaks. It is a sporty, responsive boat for an intermediate or advanced paddler. Length 15 ft 3 ins, detailed specs can be found on the Current Designs website. Price $3,200. Text or phone Edgar at 250 882-2594.

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.

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 https://siska.ca/docs_public/SISKAsKayakSkillsCoursePartners2020.pdf

Our partners are: