SISKA's  July 2018 Newsletter. Upcoming events, reports and articles
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July 2018 SISKA Newsletter

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!

Michael Jackson (SISKA president) and Ben Fast (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

Table of Contents

 

Same Newsletter, Different Ben

After more than three years at the helm of this newsletter, Ben van Drimmelen is handing over the paddle and moving on to other projects. But don't fear, dear reader, because the name on the Editor's boat won't change! Ben Fast is taking over the account and looks forward to bringing you your monthly dose of sea water without too many splutters or capsizes.

 I, Ben (the new one) am a newer SISKA member, having joined in January 2018 after buying my first boat in June 2017. I grew up with sea kayaks in my family, but only fully jumped in with this purchase and am eager to learn more as I go along. In my day job I work with museums and heritage tourism organizations across BC, and when out of the office I play bass in The Carlines, am a second year curler, and listen to podcasts.

A big thanks to Ben van Drimmelen for his work on this newsletter and for helping make this transition a smooth one. I look forward to sharing in the knowledge and experience of this club's membership, and probably trying one too many kayak puns along the way!

Ben Fast

Upcoming SISKA Events

 

July 6 - 8 - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm,  (ENERGIZER)

July 8 - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm,  (RELAXED)

July 22 - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm,  (ENERGIZER)

July 28 - 9:30 am - 3:00 pm.   (RELAXED)

Elk Lake Romps - Every Tuesday until end of July (see below)

For more details, go to the SISKA website

Community Events of Interest

If you are aware of an event  that should be included in the next Newsletter, please email Alan Campbell at alanglencampbell@shaw.ca.
 

July 7 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, 

SISKA Picnic
SISKA members enjoyed a great day of kayak games, food, gear swaps, and community at the annual year-end picnic, June 2.  A big thank you to the event organizers: Jane Jacek, Jennie Sutton, and Alan Campbell!

The picnic included a frenzy of gear swaps and purchases in the morning, with games and on-water activities in the afternoon.  Over a dozen paddlers attempted the slalom course brought by Edmond (who also ran a dry-land crabbing clinic), tried new kayaks, and got their competitive juices flowing with games.  A particular highlight was was the no-paddle race and the ever-popular pool noodle stealing game.

What’s in a Name?  Russell Island

- Vic Turkington

Russell Island is a small island with an interesting history, located off Salt Spring Island at the entrance to Fulford Harbour. The origin of the name is uncertain but may commemorate Lord John Russell, a British MP (~1862). It was settled by Hawaiians in the late19 century, who came to work in the fur trade; a historic Hawaiian Kanaka house still remains among an old growth apple orchard. Hawaiian descendants from the region hold a family reunion there each year to share stories and celebrate their heritage.  Russell Island became part of the Gulf Island National Park Reserve in 1997 and has picnic tables, a pit-toilet and a boat dock.

It makes a great day paddle destination from the Sidney area or Moses Point to a perfect white shell beach at the southern end of the island. (imagine you were in Hawaii). A trail leads from the beach to the historic Kanaka house, where a descendant is sometimes available to give an historic tour – it's well worth a visit.