Siska Newsletters

Kayaking Victoria BC

Siska March 2026 Newsletter

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)

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

SISKA Partners- Join Mailing Lists

by Jane Jacek

To receive regular emails and newsletters from our kayak partners, in which you will read about courses/clinics they are offering and possible club member discounts, please follow this link.

Upcoming SISKA Events


Sunday, March 01st, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Whiffin Spit to Cabin Point Paddle
Sunday, March 01st, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Island View Beach to James Island Circumnavigation Paddle
Saturday, March 07th, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Comfort In Your Kayak
Saturday, March 07th, 2026 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Nooks and Crannies; A Progression Into Rock Gardening
Friday, March 13th, 2026 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - SKILS Tides and Currents for Paddlers
Saturday, March 14th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Telegraph Cove to Cadboro Gyro Park and Uplands Paddle
Saturday, March 14th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Fleming Beach to Equimalt Harbour/Cole Island/Portage Park Paddle
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Spirit Bay to NEW MEMBERS Movie Set Beach Paddle
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 - 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM - Intermediate Tidal Current Skills
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 - 4:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Open Pool Session
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Wet Exit and Assisted Rescue Clinic
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Monthly Meeting
Friday, March 20th, 2026 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - SKILS Navigation and Chart Works - Part 1
Saturday, March 21st, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Introduction to Ocean Paddling
Sunday, March 22nd, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Greenland paddle 1 - forward stroke
Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 - 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM - Baynes Fun
Friday, March 27th, 2026 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM - SKILS Navigation and Chart Works - Part 2
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Reading Water for Sea Kayakers
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Risk Management Clinic
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Amherst to Portland Island Paddle
Saturday, March 28th, 2026 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Edges, Angle, and Commitment - Boat Control in Moving Water
Sunday, March 29th, 2026 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Boat Design, Trim, and Hydrodynamics
Sunday, March 29th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Fleming Beach to Victoria Harbour Loop Paddle
Sunday, March 29th, 2026 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Designing Learning in Dynamic Water
Saturday, April 04th, 2026 - 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Kayak Surfing for Beginners
Saturday, April 04th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Spirit Bay to Movie Set Beach
Saturday, April 04th, 2026 - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Forward Strokes Session
Sunday, April 05th, 2026 - 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Current Clinic
Sunday, April 05th, 2026 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Introduction to Rescues
Tuesday, April 07th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Greenland strokes
Tuesday, April 07th, 2026 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Turning Strokes with Greenland paddle
Wednesday, April 08th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Edging & Bracing
Wednesday, April 08th, 2026 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Self and assisted rescues
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Telegraph Cove to Margaret Bay
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM - Manoeuvring and Turning Strokes
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Currents at Tillicum Bridge
Sunday, April 12th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Amherst to Portland Island Paddle
Sunday, April 12th, 2026 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Advanced Re-Entries
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Greenland strokes
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Turning Strokes with Greenland paddle
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM - Edging & Bracing
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Self and assisted rescues
Thursday, April 16th, 2026 - 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM - Intro to Tripping in Currents - Race Rocks
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Cooper Cove to Roche Cove/Anderson Cove Paddle
Saturday, April 18th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - SECOND Kayak Repair Clinic
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Willows Beach to Intertidal Exploration
Monday, April 20th, 2026 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - Forward Stroke
Monday, April 20th, 2026 - 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM - Fun at Trial
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 - 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM - Baynes Fun
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 - 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM - Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Underwater Composure
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM - Rescue Scenarios

Upcoming NON-Siska Events

Maritime Radio Course
by Edgar Hulatt / Jane Jacek

Canboat Oak Bay Squadron is teaching an in-person "Maritime Radio with DSC" class at the RVYC. This course qualifies you for the Marine Radio Operators License aka ROC(M) which is required to operate a marine radio. The course takes three consecutive Wednesday evenings, and is taught by a highly experienced instructor who teaches BC Ferries staff. The exam will be given on the last evening, and you will receive your license upon passing the exam.

Classes are at 7pm on April 9th, 16th, and 23rd at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Oak Bay. Cost is $150 and includes a textbook.

Register online

Book soon since the Feb/Mar session sold out quickly.

Cowichan Symposium
by Ginny Flood

The Cowichan Kayak Club would like to extend an invitation to members of SISKA to join us for fun-filled day of learning and gear swap at our Second Annual CKCC Spring Symposium.

When: Sunday March 15, 2026 9:00AM to 3:00PM

Where: Valley Senior Centre, 198 Government Street, Duncan BC

How to register: RSVP by contacting Rich Weir Rich.Weir@artemiswildlife.com or Bonnie St Julien Bonnie.stjulien1@gmail.com and they will advise you how to submit your attendance fee.

OVERVIEW: The day will consist of two 75 minute-workshops in the morning from 9:15 to 10:30am and from 11:00am to 12:15pm. Each workshop will be offered twice, giving participants the opportunity to attend both sessions while benefiting from a small-group learning experience.

The afternoon group session from 1:00pm to 2:30pm, led by several of our highly esteemed members will provide a series of "Show & Tell" presentations aimed to help participants better understand the different attributes of various kayak styles used in sea kayaking.

We will close the day with a short wrap-up.

Complementary coffee/tea and snacks will be provided during the morning and afternoon break. Please bring a ‘brown bag lunch” and your own cup with you.

A Gear Swap table will be set up at the event so bring along any kayaking gear you would like to sell / swap.

FEE: There is a $25 cost recovery fee to attend this daylong learning event.

TOPICS

Outfitting Your Kayak for a Perfect Fit – Learn how to outfit your kayak for a perfect fit, the materials needed, tools to use and more.

Presenters: Rich Weir, Helen Davis and Kersten Middelburg

Replace Your Kayak Static Perimeter Deck Lines – A hands on demonstration on how to inspect and replace your static deck lines, including how to add tubing for easier handling when performing rescues. Presenter: Brad Wipp

Note: If you would like to have Brad do the deck line replacement demo on your kayak, please contact Bonnie at the email address provided for more information.

Show & Tell - The Perfect Kayak or Not – Learn about the different attributes on various kayaks, such as hull shape, chines, first and secondary stability, compositions and more, to help you decide which kayak might be right for you. Kayaks on display will include expedition, surfing, rock gardening, rolling and day paddling kayak, some with rudders and others with skegs. The presenters will share the good and the not so good characteristics of their kayaks. Presenters: Rich Weir, Helen Davis, Brad Wipp, to name a few.

We look forward to seeing all of you there!

Siska March 18th Monthly Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

NOTE: This is a date change from March 25th to March 18th for March only!

Kayaking with Respect in First Nation Traditional Lands
by Norm Marcy

Norm will talk about the underpinnings of First Nations interests and rights on the BC Coast. He will discuss current developments in public discourse involving First Nations issues. This is especially important in understanding the potential for conflict with the increase in recreation on First Nations traditional territories including comprehending the shifting perspectives of this type of recreational usage. The listeners will also get a better understanding of approaches involving the care of the lands and waters we all share to ensure long term access.

Norm has been kayaking since the late 1970s and has been on ocean adventures in BC, Alaska, Central America and Russia. Since 1990, he has been actively involved in over 75 negotiations with First Nations. His background and experience helped him bring knowledge in developing the BC Marine Trails First Nation Engagement Strategy. Norm is a member of the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC's Indigenous Reconciliation Committee.

Monthly Meeting Location

by Jane Jacek

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

Map

Summary of February Monthly Meeting

by Fred Pishalski

At our February 25, 2026 SISKA monthly meeting we had two important presentations.

Heather Skippen, Harbour Official for Esquimalt and Nanoose Harbours, Transport Canada enforcement Officer and Casey Zaharoff, Master Warrant Officer, Department of National Defense provided safety information pertaining to the closing of ocean waters and beaches for demolition exercises in the DND’s Rocky Point area. Paddlers considering kayaking in that area need to Search for NAVWARNs before heading out.

EDITOR NOTE : The Navwarns "Rocky Point Demolition Blasting Notices" search link is always near the top of all newsletters under Convenient Links

EDITOR NOTE : See "Whirl Bay Access" next section below for a full map of the closed areas of Whirl Bay and Bentinck Island. Note that this closed area is much larger than what the government marine charts show. I asked this question at the meeting and they will work on it. Stay tuned for the next youtube video of this February meeting including the DND presentation.

Physical Oceanographer Dr. Richard Dewey spoke to us about Tibial Currents and Kayaking. He shared with us an introduction to the theory of tides and what causes the variations on time scales from hours to months. We learned about key aspects of local tides including tidal fronts, back-eddies, and wind-wave-tide interactions. Dr Dewey has published a new set of tide/current tables which can be found at https://www.dewey.ca/

Whirl Bay Access

by Jane Jacek / Ginny Flood

DND and TC (Transport Canada) have initiated meetings with local clubs to inform them that the Whirl Bay area is no longer accessible to the public. The DND Chart below indicates the Whirl Bay areas that are off limits. All the areas with the circles, as well as the area with the green border is DND property and beach access is not allowed, unless it is life/death situation.

Unauthorized access could result in a fine, up to a maximum fine of $5000 for individuals who are not in compliance with existing regulations that already govern access.

The rationale for the change is that there is concern for public safety given there may be undetonated explosives in the area (apparently one found at Rodd Hill recently) and, more importantly, DND is ramping up exercises in the area with very little notice to the public.

SISKA Spring Training Update

by Ginny Flood / Andrew Cusak / Konrad Sechley

Spring is just around the corner and the first workshops on March 7th are just a couple of weeks away! There are still some spaces left for these early workshops so don't hesitate to sign up if they sound like something you might be interested in.

Overall the signups have been coming fast and furious and a number of courses already have waiting lists. Some new sessions have been added so please check the calendar to see what's new - List of All Upcoming Paddles & Events By Type. The Spring Training workshops are now listed in a bright pink colour so they're easier to distinguish from other SISKA offerings.

For the workshops that have waiting lists, we're reaching out to the Instructors to see if we can add more sessions. Also, if there are any workshop topics that you'd like to see but aren't listed, please let us know and we'll reach out to the partners to see if we can include them this year or add it to next year's offerings.

We are lucky to have so many skilled paddling businesses eager to work with us and provide exclusive training opportunities. A huge thanks goes out to Go Kayak, Best Coast Outfitters, BlueDog, SKILS, Cross Currents Kayak, Dancing with the Sea, and Ocean River Sports for working with us to provide this great series of on-water workshops.

Happy Paddling!

Your Spring Training Coordinators

P.S. Please remember, when registering for a course please ensure that you send payments to treasurer.onwater@siska.ca and that you put your name and the course name in the e-transfer note.

Nuchatlitz Instructional Kayak Expedition

by Lee Phillips / Andrew Cusack

July 21-26, 2026

Looking for an amazing trip this summer where you can obtain or challenge your Paddle Canada Level 2 skills? Lisa Stafford and Lee Phillips (both Level 3 SKGABC guides and PC Level 2 instructors) will be running a 6-day Instructional tour in the Nuchatlitz/Nootka area this July 21-26. Space is limited to 6 participants so book early. All the trip details can be found at: https://bluedogkayaking.com/instructionalexpeditions

Rosa Island

Paddle In The Wild - Iceland 2026

by Lynn Baier

More Info

Website

News From Broken Islands Lodge

by Jane Jacek

Sea Kayaking Business For Sale on Vancouver Island

by Jan Kretz

Hello SISKA Community:

My name is Jan Kretz, owner of Adventuress Sea Kayaking in Nanoose Bay, BC. After 23 wonderful years, 2025 marked Adventuress’ final season as I move on to new adventures — including summer travels in my new-to-me trailer.

Adventuress has always been about more than tours. It has been a joy and an honour to share respect for the ocean, confidence on the water, and unforgettable experiences with so many incredible people. I will deeply miss the wilderness places, friendships, laughter, fun, and challenges that defined this journey.

Adventuress consistently delivered high-quality guided day tours, multi-day adventures, lessons, Paddle Canada courses, and rentals, earning top ratings on TripAdvisor and Google, along with a strong reputation for professionalism.

This turnkey, lifestyle-focused, owner-operated business is ideally suited to a certified guide or paddling professional interested in stepping into business ownership without starting from scratch. An extensive inventory of kayaks and equipment is included — everything is ready for the next season.

I am offering Adventuress through a private sale and hope to connect with a professional successor who values the lifestyle, guests, and care invested over the past 23 years.

I’d be happy to share further details, photos, and a confidential overview.

adventuress@shaw.ca
250-755-6702

All the best,
Jan the Adventuress
Jan Kretz, BTM
Owner, Certified Kayak Guide & Instructor

https://adventuress.ca

Help Us Help You

by DaveO

Occasionally a member might experience an issue on SISKA's web site that requires them to contact support@siska.ca.

If you find it necessary to contact us about an issue you are experiencing the more information you supply in your initial request will go a long way to helping us to quickly resolve the issue.

If you send an email simply saying, for example, that you can't register for a particular paddle or clinic we will need to contact you for more information asking:

Generally when an error occurs an error message is displayed. The information in this message goes along way to helping us pinpoint the issue and resolve it fairly quickly. Without this information we will need to contact you for more information and the exchanging of emails simply adds a delay into putting a resolution into place.

So, in order for us to help you when you do submit a request for assistance:

If you have any questions about this send an email to support@siska.ca

DaveO
SISKA Web Admin

Tips From The Trips

by Debbie Leach

ROLL YOUR BOAT (up the beach). Use pool noodles with PVC pipe inside and heat shrink outside. A pair held together with rope works well.

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier

Blueberry-Cashew Oat Bars

Oatmeal is back in the news, both as a filling and healthy start to the day and also for its cholesterol lowering benefits (guilty, I do like the finer tastes in life). Oatmeal also travels well in a kayak. Baking it has a slight nutritional edge over raw, but both are beneficial for sure. A basic search will give you lots of medical information and recipes, but here is a link to one of them.

https://www.eatingwell.com/blueberry-cashew-oat-bars-11799792

Safety Item - Bear Bangers

by Sybil Seitzinger with input from Rob Zacharias and Alan Campbell

Bear Bangers: A Tool for Paddling in Bear Country (with video)

When paddling and camping along our wild coastlines, you’re often traveling through bear habitat. Most of the time, good campsite habits, clean food storage, and situational awareness are all you need. Occasionally, though, wildlife may show a little too much curiosity. In those situations, a bear banger can provide an added layer of protection.

For those of you not familiar with bear bangers, they are small, handheld pyrotechnic devices that produce a loud, gunshot-like bang to deter wildlife. They are typically used with 15 mm pen-style launchers. While they can be effective, they are also classified as fireworks/explosives and must be handled responsibly.

After their recent Alaska–BC kayaking trip — during which they used a banger twice — Rob Zacharias and Alan Campbell created an excellent demonstration video on how to use one safely and effectively. Even if you caught it at the January 2026 SISKA monthly meeting, it’s well worth another look.

Bear Bangers vs. Bear Spray: When to Use Each

Bear bangers are one tool in your wildlife safety kit — and they should be carried in addition to bear spray, not instead of it. Each serves a different purpose.

Bear spray is your last line of defense. Use it if an animal is aggressive, charging, or already very close.

Bear bangers are an early deterrent. They’re intended to scare off wildlife — such as a bear or wolf — that is lingering near camp, approaching, or showing excessive curiosity, but not yet acting aggressively. The loud blast is meant to startle the animal and reinforce that humans are something to avoid.

Think of it this way: bangers can help prevent a situation from escalating; spray is for when it already has.

Additional Background

Safety Considerations

Regulations: Regulations vary by jurisdiction. Bear bangers are generally prohibited in Canada’s national parks. Always check local rules before your trip.

Where to buy: In Canada, bear bangers are available from numerous retailers such as MEC, Canadian Tire, Valhalla Pure, Sport Check, and others.

Disposal: Unused bear bangers shouldn’t go in the trash. They’re considered hazardous waste, so contact your local municipality for proper disposal options.

As with all wildlife encounters, prevention comes first: store food properly, keep a clean camp, give wildlife space, and stay aware of your surroundings.

BC Marine Trails News

February Newsletter

Kayak Accommodation Partner - Sea Otter Lodge

by Jane Jacek

Sea Otter Lodge welcomes all SISKA paddlers with a 10% discount on custom lodge rentals. Comfortably accommodating 10–12 guests.

Learn more and book your trip:

https://www.seaotterlodgebc.com

SISKA's Kayak Skills Course Partners

There are some fine discounts available from our kayak skills course partners for SISKA members who sign up for their skills training programs.

Our partners are: