Siska August 2025 Newsletter

August 1, 2025

Introduction
Upcoming SISKA Events
Siska General Meeting Agenda
New Monthly Meeting Location
Paddle for Health 2025
Level 2 Courses Upcoming
Trip Report - St Kilda UK
Trip Report - Dream Trip to Haida Gwaii
Another Classic September Event at Cadboro Bay - Gear Swap and more
Wallace Island Conover Cove - Beware!
First Time Camper?
SISKA Virtual Gear Swap
Tips From The Trips
Camp Cookery
SISKA marks the passing of Tom Hukari
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

SISKA on Facebook

Siska's Youtube Channel

Siska's Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Website

List of all stewardship fees

Rocky Point Demolition Blasting Notices

Upcoming SISKA Events

Siska General Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

No meetings until September 24th! See you on the water!

New Monthly Meeting Location

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

Paddle for Health 2025

by Jane Jacek

Supporting the Island Kids Cancer Association

Registration now Open!

When: Saturday September 6th, 2025
Where: Willows Beach Park to Gyro Beach and back again!

Info and Registration

Level 2 Courses Upcoming

by Jane Jacek / Jamie Dawson

Dear SISKA Members,

I hope this message finds you well. We are excited to announce a special tiered discount opportunity for Paddle Canada Level 2 courses available exclusively to SISKA members!

Discount Structure:

The first 2 members to sign up will receive a 10% discount.
If 4 members enroll, the discount increases to 20%.
For 6 or more members, the discount will be 30%!

Course Dates:

August 21st - 24th, taught by Federico Canzani.
September 25th - 28th, taught by Joanne Nicholson who you all know.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your paddling skills and take you to the next level, while enjoying significant savings. We encourage you to take advantage of this offer and sign up early to secure your discount!

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

Ocean River Sports recognizes and acknowledges the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, on whose traditional territories we live, we learn, and we do our work.

Trip Report - St Kilda UK

by Konrad Sechley

In early July, five SISKA members - Elizabeth and Bob, Ginny, Jordan and Konrad - joined five Scottish paddlers for a kayak trip in St Kilda, a Cultural & Natural UNESCO Heritage site. The trip was headed-up by Gordon Brown and Mike McClure. We met in Miavaig, a small hamlet on the north-west coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, and boarded the MV Cuma, an 18.5 meter, converted scientific research vessel.

The Cuma was delayed by winds but we manged the crossing to St Kilda on the second day of our trip. We had three amazing days in St Kilda before the winds picked up again, forcing us to head to North Harris, on the Isle of Lewis. While in St Kilda, we paddled the shoreline of Hirta, under dramatic cliffs and exploring ominous caves. We also had the opportunity to spend one day hiking the hills and visiting the ruins of historic Village Bay on Hirta.

For the last two days of our trip we paddled along the somewhat wind-protected regions of the west coast of North Harris before heading back to Miavaig and saying good bye. We had a beautiful trip with a group of skilled paddlers, and now we have many fond memories from this remote place.

A short, 7 minute video of the trip has can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/ZiBNfrtQzHI

Trip Report - Dream Trip to Haida Gwaii

by Pat Hill

The allure of untouched wilderness, rugged coastline and historic First Nations’ villages draws people from all over the world to Gwaii Haanas in Haida Gwaii. Those reasons plus spectacular paddling enticed 8 SISKA members to travel to Haida Gwaii recently for an 8 day kayak camping experience. The tour began July 13 with a meeting between kayakers Cheryl, Barry and Dianne, Julie, Pat, Tammy and Mark, Heather and outfitters Butterfly Tours at their base in Sandspit. Starting early on the 14th under beautiful sunny skies the team boarded a Zodiac in Moresby Camp, an hour’s drive from Sandspit, and spent roughly 2 1/2 hours traveling at a speed of 26 knots to reach their first camp at Bag Harbour.

The next 8 days saw the group paddle in continuous sunshine from Bag Harbour to Harriet Harbour; Harriet Harbour to Carpenter Bay for a 2 day stop; Carpenter Bay to the Gordon Islands for another 2 day stop; and finally Ross Island. During the paddle in Hecate Strait between Harriet Harbour and Carpenter Bay the group experienced 2 1/2 meter swells. Although it was sunny, the wind in Hecate Strait reached 25 to 35 knots on the third day of the trip and as a result the group spent an extra day in Carpenter Bay exploring the intertidal zone.

Once into Houston-Stewart Channel between Moresby Island and Kunghit Island, the wind and waves of Hecate Strait subsided and the group encountered spouting humpback whales, playful sea lions and many, many eagles. One of the more interesting wildlife encounters, though, took place at the first campsite in Bag Harbour. The campers were awakened by the unmistakable call of the endangered Sandhill Crane and were able to view them later from the water.

Without doubt the highlight of the trip was a visit to the World Heritage Site of Sgang Gwaay. Even with its remote location a steady stream of visitors accessed the island by kayak, zodiac and other small craft. Only 12 visitors are allowed at the heritage site at any one time and must be accompanied by a Haida Watchman guide. Watchman guide Gavin, the grandson of famous Haida artist Robert Davidson, told the group that Sgang Gwaay was used as a winter home for the Haida who would leave the village to gather provisions during the summer and return for the winter. The community thrived until contact when a small pox epidemic in 1860 devastated the village. The decline continued until the village was abandoned in the early 1900’s. Some of the former residents are represented by mortuary poles which as Gavin pointed out depict spiritual ancestry animals and displays of family heraldry and wealth. He also pointed out the remains of a longhouse with its symmetrical footprint probably belonging to a prominent member of the community.

En route to Sgang Gwaay, the group passed Flatrock Island to view its colonies of Tufted Puffins, Cormorants, Marble Murrelets and Guillemots. The Gordon Islands, which are only 3 1/2 nm from Sgang Gwaay, are the perfect base from which to visit the Heritage Site. In order to be in a location for pickup and return to Moresby Camp, the last night was spent on Ross Island in Rose Inlet on the southern end of Moresby Island. The next day the trip back to Moresby Camp, which retraced the entire trip, was a 4 hour, high speed Zodiac ride covering 156 km.

Once back to “civilization” everyone reached for their devices to connect with the outside world. The abrupt contrast only emphasized the disparity between the new reality and the past 8 days spent in the more spiritual world of Gwaii Haanas. Each member of the team left with their own memories and experiences but it is safe to say that kayaking in Gwaii Haanas was a cherished time for all.

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

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, at a future date.

Light Paddle: Cadboro Bay Tour
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.”

Keep your eyes posted for the September newsletter for final updates.

Wallace Island Conover Cove - Beware!

by Jane Jacek

Beware! - Wallace Island Conover Cove South Shore Mud Flat

“Yesterday, on our Friday paddle to Wallace (Island)...I had an incident that I'm sharing with you so you can avoid what happened. We stopped at Conover Cove to stretch our legs and paddled to the south shore of the cove to a mud flat area. The tide was about mid-point, coming up. I stepped out of my kayak and immediately sank to my thigh and there was still no bottom. Other leg to my knees before I flung my upper body across my kayak and managed to, with great effort, pull my legs out. I managed to keep my shoes on, barely.

I've never been in quick sand before but I think it must be like this. The mud just sucked me down! All was well that ended well, but what if it had been a child with no flotation device nearby? Or any of you, unsuspecting paddlers? I've written to K2 park operators to ask for signage. And please consider this an alert - DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GET OUT OF YOUR KAYAKS IN THE MUD THERE.”

First Time Camper?

by Gary Jacek

Here is an excellent article on packing your kayak for overnight/mult-night trips.

SISKA Virtual Gear Swap

by Gary Jacek

Just a reminder that we have a closed Facebook group called the SISKA Virtual Gear Swap.

Membership is limited to SISKA members. Only group members can see what is posted for sale.

Postings are limited to items that members would normally use in conjunction with sea kayaking and/or sea kayak camping.

Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/groups/715456825938853

Tips From The Trips

by Debbie Leach

SAND TRAP. Use a plastic bag of water to clean sand off your feet after a beach walk.

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier

Homemade Oat Milk

Granola is a staple breakfast for us on long trips. We quite enjoy the powdered whole milk that is available at Bulk Barn, but it is expensive!! Many are lactose intolerant as well, so I thought I would try my hand at making oat milk. It is incredibly easy. I pulverized whole grain oats to a fine powder. Essentially, that’s it. Mix it vigorously with a pinch of salt and cold water at a one part oat powder to three parts water. It will separate, so if you make more than you are using for the moment, just shake it before each use. True confessions, I don’t love oat milk, but with a wee bit of sugar added to it, it’s quite tasty. Enjoy!

SISKA marks the passing of Tom Hukari

by Gary Jacek

A skilled trip leader from the formative years of SISKA has passed away.

From 2009-2014, Tom Hukari led many of our Energizer, Adventurous and Relaxed paddles.

His reassuring presence was felt by many aspiring paddlers.

You will be missed Tom.

Safety Item

by Sybil Seitzinger

(Photo from Pickpik)

Fogust – Be Seen and Heard

It’s August, or “Fogust”, with fog on both the east and west coasts of Vancouver Island often forming overnight as warm, moist air condenses over cooler ocean water. While fog is more common in the morning due to cooler temperatures, it can persist or even develop during the day. Dense fog makes it difficult to see and be seen by other vessels, large and small.

To improve safety, carry a handheld fog horn to alert others to your presence. Horns are widely available at marine hardware stores and, of course, online. There are mouth-horns powered by a blast of gas propelled from your mouth (e.g., Plastimo fog horn), and air horns powered by a small replaceable canister of compressed gas (eg., Shoreline mini, Emzone, Falcon, etc).

When testing or using in a fog, protect your ears—consider using ear-muff protectors or other hearing protection.

From Sybil Seitzinger
Standards and Safety Coordinator