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, newsletter@siska.ca . 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 it’s own Youtube Channel HERE
PPPS: You can find the SISKA newsletter archive HERE
PPPPS: Rocky Point Demolition Blasting Notices
Saturday, January 07th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Albert Head to Wittys Lagoon and Sitting Lady Falls - FULL Paddle
Sunday, January 08th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Esquimalt Lagoon to Millstream Falls Paddle
Saturday, January 14th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Telegraph Cove to Cormorant Point Paddle
Saturday, January 21st, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Fleming Beach to Millstream Falls NEW MEMBER PADDLE Paddle
Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Monthly Meeting
Saturday, January 28th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Mackenzie Bight NEW MEMBER PADDLE Paddle
Sunday, January 29th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Spectacle Falls and Mackenzie Bight Paddle
Saturday, February 04th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Esquimalt Lagoon to Millstream Falls Paddle
Sunday, February 05th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Albert Head to Wittys Lagoon and Sitting Lady Falls Paddle
Sunday, February 05th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Spirit Bay to Cabin Point Paddle
Saturday, February 18th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Energizer Paddle - Oak Bay Marina to Discover Island NEW MEMBERS PADDLE
Sunday, February 19th, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Oak Bay Marina to Ten Mile Point NEW MEMBERS PADDLE Paddle
Thursday, March 02nd, 2023 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Light Paddle - Telegraph Cove to Gordon Point NEW MEMBERS PADDLE Paddle
For more details, go to the SISKA website
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
by Fred Pishalski
Join Pacific Wild’s Marine Specialist Sydney Dixon on a deep dive into the importance of marine protection in B.C. and what the next decade will bring for Canada’s oceans. This presentation will provide a short overview of the ABCs of marine protected areas (MPAs), explore some of B.C.’s existing MPAs, discuss the future of marine protection in B.C. and show you how you can help with hands-on action and citizen science.
British Columbia has one of the most amazing ocean regions on the planet – a place where ancient temperate rainforests meet a highly productive and rich, marine environment. Today, the richness of our oceans is under threat from the demands of industry and climate change. Marine protected areas provide a safeguard for the ecosystem and cultural services we all depend on, yet less than 14% of Canada’s waters are currently protected.
Sydney is a marine scientist, educator, photographer and captain born and raised on the coast of British Columbia. Her passion for the ocean began at a young age with a fascination for tide pools. Sydney studied marine science and geography at the University of Victoria and began her career in environmental monitoring. When she’s not at Pacific Wild, Sydney can be found in the Ocean Conservation Lab at the University of Victoria where she works as a research assistant or out on the water behind the wheel of a boat.
So please join us at 7:00pm at the Garth Homer Centre located at 813 Darwin Avenue, Victoria BC V8X 2X7.
by Jennie Sutton
These clinics are targeted at beginner/early intermediate paddlers who wish to learn how to “read the water” and start practicing maneuvering their kayaks in current. Note that each clinic has a different instructor. See website for details and to register and pay. If you have questions, contact Jennie Sutton at jlsutton50@gmail.com
Jennie Sutton Paddle Canada Instructor
by Alan Campbell
Paulo Ouellette at Dancing with the Sea has been a friend and supporter of SISKA for many years…Read More
by Alan Campbell
Pacifica Paddle Sports is a well-established professional sea kayaking business in Brentwood Bay, and, more recently, Swartz Bay as well…Read More
Relaxed Paddle from Brentwood Bay to McKenzie Bight - December 3rd
by Edgar Hulatt / Jane Jacek (Photos)
Saturday December 3rd started off as a cool, dry, but dull morning with the promise of some sunshine later in the day. The wind forecast from Windy was for 5 to 6 knots from the NE and this seemed on forecast as 10 intrepid paddlers headed around Brentwood Bay to Willis Point. Approaching Willis Point the wind had freshened and backed slightly to the north. It looked calmer around the point and we elected to carry on to McKenzie Bight.
Approaching the Bight one paddler got too close to the shore and capsized on a submerged rock just in front of a small promontory. As this was a lee shore an assisted rescue in the water would have required the rescue to be done while being blown on to the rocks. The paddler in the water was instructed to climb onshore, to get himself out of the water as quickly as possible, and to walk to the leeward side of the promontory where his paddle and boat had been taken to. We were able to empty the boat at the beach and put the paddler back in his boat on the small beach. The paddler was able to carry on though he did change into warmer, dry clothes at the Bight as his clothes had got damp during the capsize.
Further down towards the Bight the wind had produced a following swell. A rudder failure, on a kayak which had just previously been repaired, caused the paddler difficulty keeping the boat on course and, together with some stability concerns, a tow was set up with another paddler rafted up until we got into the protected waters of the Bight.
Lunch was on the beach at the Bight which provided some shelter though not as much as one would have expected.
The paddle back was in a wind strength above the requirements for a relaxed paddle. Paddling into the wind was a stable paddle direction though it did require a consistent paddle stroke to make progress. The group did well and we made steady progress back to Willis Point. Another tow was set up from Willis Point to alleviate any further injury to a paddler who had developed a sore back from a previous injury.
As we headed back across Brentwood Bay the sun came out and everyone finished in good spirits. Coffee and a de-brief was held at the Emporium Cafe.
This paddle was at the edge of the comfort zone for some of the paddlers but all agreed it was a good learning experience. The conditions also emphasized the need for everyone to take a change of clothing in their boat and have good immersion gear, especially at this time of year. Also it’s very important to let the paddle leader know as soon as possible if one is getting cold, feels unwell or is developing a potential injury during the paddle.
Thanks to Delcie McLellan for leading this paddle and to all the participants for being attentive and supportive to each other.
by Debbie Leach
Canister Refills
CONSOLIDATE GAS (Cansolidate?) Use a gas canister shifter/refill adapter to transfer gas from one canister to fill up another. Happy camping in 2023! Thanks to Lynn B for the tip. Click image for typical Amazon unit (Editor).
by Lynn Baier
EPI Pens
Do you need an epi pen? If you do, where do you keep it when you’re kayaking? Can you get it easily if you are on the water? Have you told someone else where to reach it if you are unable? Will they know how to use it? These can be life-saving questions to ask yourself. Stay safe out there!
by Lynn Baier
Campsite Christmas Cookies
I got this one from paddling.com. Happy Holidays! Lynn.
Start of Article -
In my family’s tradition, no Christmas is complete without a Christmas tree, decorations and Christmas cookies. If you decide to go camping for the holidays…Read More
For Sale:
Wanted To Buy:
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 HERE
Our partners are:
