June 2024

Introduction
Upcoming SISKA Events
Siska May 2024 General Meeting Agenda
Raft Up With Comox Paddlers - Aug. 11-13
Plaudits for Dorothea Hoffman
Save the Date for Another Classic…Picnic
Trip Reports
New Rules For Boaters
Killer Whales Article
Plan your stay at Indigenous Campgrounds, Parks, Cabins
Tips From The Trips
Camp Cookery
Safety Item
Deep Bay Marine Field Station
BC Marine Trails News
SISKA’s Kayak Skills Course Partners

Introduction

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!

Jane Jacek (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)

Convenient Links

PS: SISKA on Facebook

PPS: Siska’s Youtube Channel

PPPS: Siska’s Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Backup

PPPPS: Rocky Point Demolition Blasting Notices

Upcoming SISKA Events

Siska May 2024 General Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

No SISKA Monthly Meetings for the summer of 2024, please check our calendar for monthly events, our first meeting of the fall occurs on September 25,2024.

Raft Up With Comox Paddlers - Aug. 11-13

by Debbie Leach

More Info

Plaudits for Dorothea Hoffman

by BJ Porter

Dorothea at Elk Lake in the sleek skin and frame Inuit style ‘qayaq’ that she built herself

“A group of otters is called a romp, being descriptive of their often playful nature.”

Those words have invited SISKA members to develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment for over ten years. The program was begun and sustained and led by Dorothea Hoffman. As she hands off the Elk Lake Romps, which continue to be free of charge and will now be led by various instructors, SISKA would like to shout out to Dorothea for her selfless service. Initially with VCKC (Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club), she has been with SISKA from its beginnings as an offshoot of that organization. She was SISKA secretary for a number of years. Dorothea’s paddling skills, and her ability and generosity in nurturing others (not just at the Romps) are an example and inspiration to us all.

Save the Date for Another Classic…Picnic

by Jane Jacek

Saturday September 21, 2024

Cadboro Bay/ Gyro Park 9am - 3pm (rain or shine)

9am-12pm

Gear Swap: Looking to buy or sell kayak gear and/or a kayak? This is the event for you!

Kayak Chat: visit with your peers, share your summer kayak stories, ask seasoned paddlers your kayak questions.

Coffee, tea and goodies will be supplied

12pm-1pm

Bring your own Lunch

1pm-3pm

Light Paddle Cadboro Bay Tour

Trip Reports

Raft Up With Nanaimo Paddlers - May 6-8
by Debbie Leach

SIX SISKA paddlers joined Nanaimo Paddlers for three days of paddling and a potluck hosted by Dave Peters (President) and Virginia Gibberd. Winds were strong, so paddles out of Blueback Community Park changed directions. We explored the Adas near the Winchelseas one day and landed at Beachcomber Park rather than Ballenas the next. Yeo Island had a splendid display of wildflowers and we removed styrofoam and beach debris to keep it pristine. Other paddles went to Hornby and around Nanaimo Harbour. This was a great opportunity to meet Nanaimo paddlers and be shown around their waters.

Cheers, Debbie

New Rules For Boaters

by BJ Porter

This month BC’s Chief Veterinarian introduced new rules for boaters to combat the spread of “whirling disease” and to continue efforts against the invasive zebra and quagga mussels. (Whirling disease is a microscopic parasite fatal to fish that mainly targets salmon and trout, and was confirmed in BC for the first time early this year.)

As neither species are found in salt water, the rules have few implications for SISKA members. However, we are not wholly exempt from educating ourselves about the issue.

A phone interview with an officer from the Conservation Office, Aquatic Invasive Species Program, yielded the following information:

Fresh water on Vancouver Island (and all waters west of the Coast Range) are high in calcium which makes them lower risk for mussels and whirling disease. However if you kayak in fresh water or in brackish waters such as estuaries you should observe the Clean, Drain and Dry protocols. Hatches should be emptied of water and kayaks rinsed. They will “blow dry” quickly in transit atop your vehicle.

You should not move your boat(s) between bodies of fresh water without taking these precautions unless an astonishing THIRTY DAYS have elapsed.

Indeed, there are other invasive species, both flora and fauna, that thrive in salt water so best practices should be observed.

You should be aware that there are now mandatory testing stations on the BC mainland. EVERY car on a vehicle must stop for inspection and the fine for not stopping is over $300.