Siska September 2025 Newsletter

September 1, 2025

Introduction
Upcoming SISKA Events
Siska September 24th General Meeting Agenda
New Monthly Meeting Location Map
Another Classic September Event at Cadboro Bay - Gear Swap and more
When Big Boats Don’t See You
Kayaking (and Fishing) Kyuquot 2025
Kayak Accommodation Partner - Sea Otter Lodge
The Magic of Clayquot Sound
Tips From The Trips
Camp Cookery
Safety Item
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

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Siska's Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Website

List of all stewardship fees

Rocky Point Demolition Blasting Notices

Upcoming SISKA Events

Siska September 24th General Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

Expedition Engineering with Matt Edwards, Angela Bueckert

Starting at 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Unitarian Universalist Community Of Victoria Building 5575 West Saanich Road, Saanich BC

*Please note that this is a new location for our monthly meetings

On September 24th, Matt and Angela will present on a few of their most iconic trip offerings. Including the stunning Raja Ampat Islands, the Lofoten Islands in the arctic circle, East Greenland’s dramatic rock and ice paddling landscape and the hidden gem of the Marquesas Islands. These are some of the most remote and unique landscapes in the world, and each place is a paddler’s dream.

Finding out what’s around the next corner or at the top of the next mountain has taken Matt to some of the most remote places on the planet. He has been organizing and conducting custom adventures for guests from around the world, for over a decade. Matt has a genuine passion for adventure, a wicked sense of humour and a love of life. It is his energy, enthusiasm and the experiences that he provides that keeps guests returning time and again.

Angela thrives on the physical challenge of self-supported trips and sharing new places and experiences with her guests. Angela’s enthusiasm is ever-present. Her drive to explore enables all those with her to experience these places with curiosity, fun and a sense of accomplishment. Together they own and operate Expedition Engineering, where they design unique adventures to some of the most remote places on the planet.

So Where is the Unitarian Universalist Community Of Victoria Building, 5575 West Saanich Road, Saanich BC. Drive out West Saanich Road and just past the Red Barn Market, turn right after Matterhorn Drive into the church parking lot.

Our meetings start at 7:00pm however, folks that have gear they wish to sell/swap are invited to show up at 6:00pm to set up, doors open for everyone at 6:30pm.

In keeping with the latest BC public health guidance on Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses currently circulating in the community, face coverings are not required for indoor meetings and events like this.

Members are welcome to wear a mask if they wish to do so. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at the rear of the auditorium near the refreshment counter.

For those who are feeling unwell, uncomfortable with indoor meetings or otherwise unable to attend, the presentation will be posted to our YouTube channel following the evening.

New Monthly Meeting Location Map

by Jane Jacek

The executive is pleased to announce we have found a new location for our monthly meeting.

The location is the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, formerly known as First Unitarian Church of Victoria. Address: 5575 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC

Our first meeting, at this new location, will be Wednesday September 24th.

Map

Another Classic September Event at Cadboro Bay - Gear Swap and more

by Jane Jacek

Saturday September 27, 2025

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

9am-12pm

SISKA members past and present and guests

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.
Kayak: Installations and more...

Andrew Cusack will once again be doing any one or all of the following, depending on the boat/owner:

Installing: rescue handles, new deck/perimeter lines, new bungee lines, 'line caps' to prevent fraying
Other minor repairs/upgrades/etc.

Refreshments: Coffee, tea and goodies will be supplied

12pm-1pm : Bring your own Lunch

1pm-3pm : these SISKA member led activities will require registration.

Light Paddle: Cadboro Bay Tour : registration as per usual paddles.
Kayak Clinic(s) : Raj Persram of Rolling with it Kayaks will be offering a rolling clinic. (Due to the present beach advisory we are switching this to an off water clinic. This may be updated to on water if the water quality changes by this event.) “Take your Greenland rolling skills to the next level, without entering the water. This 2-hour on-land clinic from Roll with It Kayaking focuses on the mechanics, sequencing, and mental mapping of the forward stroke and the storm roll. We'll use paddle walkthroughs and detailed breakdowns to help you internalize the body positions and transitions behind each technique. Come with your questions for what needs work with your roll.”

Registration: Connect with Raj directly at info@RollWithItKayaking.com or 250-385-6088

Maximum 6 participant (must be a SISKA member to register)

When Big Boats Don’t See You

by Sam Cutcliffe / Dave Chater

When Big Boats Don’t See You: Paddling Safety Lessons from a Close Call in Sansum Narrows

This a very relevant article from the recent BC Marine Trails Newsletter. On a couple of paddles this summer in the Sidney area, we had close calls from several boaters passing very closely or cutting in front of our kayak group. There is a reason, as trip leaders, we insist on keeping our kayak group in a tight pack as we are crossing wide or restricted channels or near heavy use boating areas. Please have a read:

“If you’ve spent any time paddling in coastal waters, you know how peaceful, and sometimes how unpredictable, the ocean can be. For small boaters, especially kayakers, one of the biggest risks doesn’t come from the sea itself but from the other vessels that share it. The difference in speed, size, and power between a motorized vessel and a human-powered kayak can turn a calm day into a dangerous one in seconds.

This was the case for John Laurie and two friends, Norman Lee and Bill Redpath, paddling in Sansum Narrows, a narrow body of water between Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island in British Columbia. They were alert, experienced paddlers doing everything right, until they found themselves in the path of a commercial prawn boat barrelling toward them.

The rules of navigation are clear: human powered vessels have the right of way. But what can you do when a bigger boat doesn’t follow the rules? How can you maximize safety when sharing the water with faster, less nimble vessels?"

The close call

John and his friends were halfway across Sansum Narrows, paddling close together and keeping a careful eye on marine traffic. As responsible kayakers, they were watching a large commercial prawn boat approaching from a distance. At first, the boat seemed to be maintaining a straight course that would pass them by safely.

But then, without warning, it turned directly at them. “It was only about 75 yards away when it veered,” John recalled. “We thought, surely they see us. We’re grouped together and pretty visible. But it just kept coming.”

At 50 yards, panic kicked in. The kayakers started back-paddling hard, trying to get out of the boat’s path. Just when it seemed like impact was inevitable, the boat passed by, missing them by only a few feet.

No horn. No hail. No indication that the crew had ever seen them.

Knowing the rules, and when they don’t help

According to the Collision Regulations, the “burdened” vessel (the one with greater manoeuvrability, usually the powered boat) is supposed to yield to the “stand-on” vessel (like a kayak or canoe). But in the real world, not every boater is watching for small craft. Not everyone is following the rules. That’s where things can get dangerous.

You may know the right-of-way, but that doesn’t guarantee the other guy does, or that they’re paying attention. So, what can you do?

Safety tips for human powered boats around larger vessels

1. Stick together on crossings When you’re crossing a busy channel, don’t spread out. A group of kayakers traveling close together is easier to spot and navigate around than one lone paddler 100 feet from the rest. Travel like a pod of orcas!

2. Adjust your path toward their stern If a powered boat is heading toward you and doesn’t appear to be altering course, you may need to make quick decisions. One counter-intuitive but effective move: turn toward their stern, not their bow. This places you behind their direction of travel instead of crossing in front of them.

3. Raft up for visibility If you’re in doubt about being seen, raft up. Bring your kayaks side by side and hold onto each other’s boats. This makes it easier for other boats to see you, especially in low light or glare.

4. Wave your paddle Don’t just assume they’ve seen you. Stand your paddle up vertically or wave it side to side. This movement can catch a boater’s eye more quickly than a stationary paddler. Brightly coloured paddles or boats can make a big difference.

5. Keep watch, and read the signs Is the vessel keeping a steady heading? Has the angle relative to you changed? Are you hearing engine noise increase? Constant observation lets you catch early warning signs that something’s off. Don’t rely on assumptions, watch for course changes and signs of crew distraction.

6. Use your VHF, Channel 16 If you carry a marine VHF radio (and you should), don’t hesitate to use it. Channel 16 is the emergency and hailing channel. If a vessel is bearing down on you and you’re unsure they see you, hail them directly: “Vessel approaching Sansum Narrows, this is a group of kayakers off your port bow, holding position. Please confirm you see us.” It’s not being dramatic, it’s being smart.

7. If all else fails, paddle hard to safety Sometimes, you’ll do everything right and still need to get out of the way fast. Don’t freeze. Dig in and paddle hard at an angle toward their stern. Paddlers move slowly compared to motorboats, so every second counts.

Lessons from John’s story

John and his friends made it to safety that day, but it shook them up.

“There was this moment where we thought, they must see us, and then we realized, they don’t,” he said. “By the time we moved, it was nearly too late.” Sharing this experience is John’s way of helping others avoid the same fate. Sometimes, safety isn’t just about what you do, it’s about anticipating what others might fail to do.

Paddle smart, paddle safe

Kayaking brings us closer to nature, and to each other. It’s an activity that rewards patience, awareness, and preparation. But we also share the water with vessels that can’t stop on a dime or may not be looking for something as small and quiet as a kayak, canoe, or SUP.

So, stay alert. Stay visible. And never assume you’ve been seen.

That close call in Sansum Narrows could have ended very differently. Let it serve as a reminder to us all: when in doubt, take action. Your safety depends on it.

Post published in the BC Marine Trails August 2025 Newsletter

Kayaking (and Fishing) Kyuquot 2025

by Norm Smyth

Eleven Salish Salties and guest, Jane Jacek, (who helped us find this Lodge when our plans for the Broughtons did not materialize) arrived at Sea Otter Lodge on 2 August and departed on 7 August via Leo Jack’s efficient Voyager Water Taxi service from Fair Harbour. https://www.voyagerwatertaxi.com/

The Lodge has 4 double bedrooms and one large bedroom that can accommodate up to 5 twin beds, or a King plus a twin. It is on its own private island just east of Kyuquot – Kon Tiki island, marked in blue in the above picture. Read More...

Kayak Accommodation Partner - Sea Otter Lodge

by Jane Jacek

Discover Sea Otter Lodge – A Remote Paddler’s Paradise

Venture as far west as you can go to Sea Otter Lodge, a hand-crafted coastal retreat nestled on a private 7-acre island in the Kyuquot archipelago on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This unique adventure outpost offers unmatched access to pristine wilderness, where the crowds are few and nature reigns supreme.

Sea Otter Lodge welcomes all SISKA paddlers with a 10% discount on custom lodge rentals. Comfortably accommodating 10–12 guests, the lodge combines luxury with a deep respect for the wild, making it the perfect base for your next paddling adventure.

Bring your own kayak or choose from our fleet of rental kayaks, paddle boards, or fishing kayaks outfitted with Bixpy electric motors and Yak Attack accessories. Whether you're launching from our easy-access beach or using our moorage docks designed for kayak launching, we’ve made it convenient for every paddler. Guided fishing experiences are also available, along with optional catered meals, fish processing, and guided wilderness adventures.

Learn more or book your trip: https://www.seaotterlodgebc.com

Skip & Susan Plensky
https://www.seaotterlodgebc.com
Kyuquot, BC

Lodge: 250-332-5377

The Magic of Clayquot Sound

by Dan Dunaway

It’s all about the beaches, really. And the way the surf breaks along them and what the tide brings in and the solitude and the sunsets and... you’d think there’d be more paddlers in a majestic place like this, but no. We saw not one other kayak the whole ten days. Except for a German fellow and his son who paddled to Hot Springs Cove in Feathercrafts. This was also our destination: the fabled thermal waters on the tip of Openit Peninsula, 22 miles NW of Tofino—that’s if you go straight up the outside of Flores Island. We took the back route.

We found the pools overflowing with other nature-seekers at the end of a 1.8 kilometre long boardwalk. They had come by boat and floatplane. Being a Saturday, and another glorious June day, we were prepared for company. After four days on our own we didn’t mind. Also we were happy to soak off the sweat and salt accumulated en route.

So, refreshed and basking in the success of the first half of our trip, Jim Lamb, Greg Rooney and I paddled back around Sharpe Point, also known as the “Boat Eater” by local Ahous people. Seas were bouncy enough, but without strong wind blowing up Sydney Inlet we crossed safely to our campsite at Whaleview Beach on Flores Island.

We settled in for a second night in this lovely cove. In the morning we would have to make the critical decision to either carry on down the exposed west coast of Flores or retreat the way we’d come thru more sheltered inlets. I tuned in an offshore forecast on my VHF. Greg and Jim managed to get weather info on their cellphones (reception could be sketchy within these coastal mountains). Our hearts were set on completing a circumnavigation of Flores Island, feeling the power of those Pacific swells.

To back up a few sea miles, our trip began at Whitesand Cove on June 10, 2025. Tofino Water Taxi dropped us off there—a story in itself. Their 20’ aluminum boat grounded hard in the surf and swamped before we could unload our kayaks and gear. Four desperate men bailed and pushed for thirty minutes against a falling tide until we finally got the thing free. Skipper Sam buggered off back to town somewhat shaken while the three of us sorted our wet gear and set up camp.

It could have been worse. We broke out the beer to celebrate. I cooked spaghetti on a log. That night it took me quite awhile to get used to the pounding surf. But it became the soundtrack of our adventure and I feel waves of nostalgia as I write this. I guess it took me this long because I wanted to hold the experience inside me. Anyway, Greg, Jim and I felt overjoyed to begin the trip we had been planning for months. Our fourth paddler, Jordan, had to bow out due to a sudden health issue.

The next day was my birthday. What a gift! We walked a lovely forest trail to the “outskirts” of Ahousaht then back to our beach where, way down, we saw seven paddle-boarders land. Turns out they’d just come from Vargas Island on a five day camping trip. How the heck..? I felt humbled. My Solstice GT barely held everything I needed. But I digress.

Day Three called for a ten mile paddle up Millar Channel into Sulphur Pass to Obstruction Island where BC Marine Trails assured us of a campsite. NOT! It was basically a rocky knoll without a single flat spot to pitch a tent. We backtracked two miles to Atleo River on the mainland where we happily found a very good Parks campsite above a huge tidal flat covered with oysters, rocks and seagrass and a western exposure. We enjoyed the late sun with our dinner: Moroccan stew.

We carried on next day thru Hayden Pass and along Shelter Inlet to Riley Cove. There we filtered about 30 litres of water from a clear stream flowing onto a rocky beach. My kayak felt miserably sluggish, as I volunteered to carry most of it but not far away lay our next camp at Whaleview Beach: a delightful completely protected cove on the NW corner of Flores. Every new beach seemed to have its own personality. I looked forward to making our landings. Except they always occurred at low tide, as did our departures in the morning. Which meant schlepping our kayaks and gear several hundred metres up and down the shore.

It’s now the morning of Day Six, after our visit to the hotsprings. We get a final weather report. Good to go. We set off along the rugged west coast of Flores Island, knowing it’s a one-shot deal. With continual surf breaks, there’ll be no stopping until we reach Cow Bay over ten miles away. But all goes smoothly, even around notorious Raphael Point where we see whales spouting in the distance. We drift awhile, stretching and eating some lunch.

Rounding the corner we still have several miles to paddle before we can safely land on the far side of Cow Bay. Teeth floating, we finally hit sand and crawl out. This is a biiiiiiiiig beach. A mile and a half long. And as usual, the tide is out. We’ve come 10.3 miles and feel it. We decide to rig tarps and spend three nights here as the wind is shifting to SE. Rain is forecast. Besides, it’s too darned gorgeous to leave. We still have four days to make Tofino. Jim and I build a fire while Greg cooks lamb stew. We all slept well that night.

Exploring the beach next morning we found an old ship’s hull buried in the sand. The planks were fastened to its ribs with trunnels (treenails) which is how they were built centuries ago. Also, I noted some forged square nails. Where had it come from… a Spanish galleon? And what a desperate shore to be driven onto. We walked a good mile along the beach watching endless breakers march in, tall and powerful.

As forecast, it rained all the next day. We were safe and dry under our kitchen tarp. Two guys who had walked in from Ahousaht visited with us for awhile. They pitched their tents nearby. Jim poured us a wee dram of Scotch for a nightcap. We hit the sack early with rain keeping things nice and damp if they weren’t properly stored—like my wetsuit. This turned out to be a bad decision. My paddle buddies wisely brought their drysuits.

Day Nine. We leave our beach paradise for Vargas Island nine miles away, pushing into a light southerly. We make a lunch stop on Bartlett Island where I salvage a Japanese fishing float. On to a snug, pretty beach at Fingers where, again, we are the only campers (where is everybody?). The ocean is warm here. And there’s a composting toilet. We enjoy the evening and our last campfire. Tomorrow it’s back to the world we left behind. That’s going to feel… complicated.

We thread our way thru a mile or so of breakers and boomers getting around Ahous Point. This is what Greg refers to as “squeaky bum time.” A bit scary… there’s a nearly two metre swell running so it gets fairly crusty amongst these reefs. Once clear, we ride the swell eastward without further drama. We make a final stop on Wickaninnish Island for lunch. I’m all out of food except for some fruit leather I’ve been gnawing on for ten days. My buddies take pity and offer me some of their lunch.

A few miles from Tofino near Stubbs Island we run into a group of kayakers. They’re the first we’ve seen the whole trip. Even the campsites we enjoyed looked undisturbed. Go figure. But our Westcoast adventure is over. Nothing left but memories now. And beautiful photos to remind us how special this coast is. Aaah, those beaches...and the camaraderie. It has been better than I dared hope. We’ll be back.

Our Route

Paddleboarders arriving at Whitesand Cove

Sea monster in Cow Bay

Leaving Whitesand Cove

Evening in Cow Bay

Cow Bay

Collecting water from stream in Riley Cove

Jim passing a totem pole we spotted on the rocks

Mystery ship from centuries past

Atleo River in Millar Channel

Fingers campsite on Vargas Island

Rounding Sharpe Point. Hot Springs Cove on the end

Our “Squeeky Bum” paddle from Ahous Bay

Tips From The Trips

by Debbie Leach / Mike Jackson

Use your chin. Hang onto your paddle while putting your spray skirt on. Grab your paddle and go!

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier / Roger Botting

Camp Cooking in the Wild

This month’s submission is a review on a book kindly lent to me by Roger Botting. If you are new to cooking in the wild there are many useful tips and tricks in it to get you started and comfortable. Although it is mainly focused on canoe adventures (read more storage space), it also provides many helpful bits suitable for kayaking. I found the section on Dutch oven cooking and baking especially intriguing. There are also many great recipes as well. I will choose a few for future newsletters.

Safety Item

by Sybil Seitzinger

Whale-Safe Boating Course

Spotting whales, orcas and sea otters while kayaking is always a thrill! To keep these experiences safe for both paddlers and marine mammals, it’s important to know the best practices and laws.

Ben van Drimmelin and I have both taken this online course on marine mammal safety and thought it was definitely worth checking out. The course is free and can be completed in 90 minutes.

Let’s all do our part to stay safe, legal, and respectful out on the water!

https://mersociety.org/courses-events/whale-safe-boating-course/