Siska July 2025 Newsletter
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Table Of Contents
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 Website
PPPPS: Rocky Point Demolition Blasting Notices
Upcoming SISKA Events
Saturday, July 05th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Agate Lane to Margaret Bay Paddle
Saturday, July 05th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Spirit Bay to Whirl Bay Paddle
Monday, July 07th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Port Browning on Pender Island Multi-day Camping Paddle
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Light Paddle - Cadboro Bay to Telegraph Cove
Saturday, July 26th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Pedder Bay to Whirl Bay Paddle
Sunday, July 27th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Spirit Bay to Becher Bay tour Paddle
Saturday, August 02nd, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Energizer Paddle - Oak Bay Marina to Discovery Island
Thursday, August 14th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Light Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Todd Inlet
Sunday, August 17th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Mackenzie Bight Paddle
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Cooper Cove to Sooke Harbour tour Paddle
Siska July/August General Meeting Agenda
by Fred Pishalski
No meetings until September 24th! See you on the water!
IMPORTANT - Please note our new meeting location: Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, 5575 West Saanich Rd.
Google Map
Nootka Cabins 2025 Discount
by Jane Jacek
Looking for a place to stay on Nootka Island to go kayaking. There are a few dates available for July and August 2025, and we are being offered a 20% discount on bookings. In exchange they would like feedback on the viability of their resort as a kayak destination in the future.
Nootka Cabins Marvinas Bay: https://www.nootkacabins.com/
All locations have private docks, so water access is easy. Kayaks can be stored on the docks or on land.
Typically we have about 90% return guests and thus are usually fairly booked.
This season however we have had a few cancellations. We are about full at the smaller locations, but at our bigger place - Marvinas Bay lodge, we have the following dates available (which is rare for us) :
June 27 - 30 - 3 nights
July 6 - 10 - 4 nights
July 16 - 20 - 4 nights
Aug 5 - 8 - 4 nights
Aug 17 - 21 - 4 nights
Also, I see there are some partner companies on the SISKA website. If it helps, I’d be willing to provide a 20% discount to any SISKA members who wanted to book in the 2025 season.
Water taxi: The First Nations in Gold River run a water taxi that is 30-40 feet, it would pack all the guests and gear in one shot I think. It’s about an hour run from there. There is another guy with a landing craft, but that would be much more exposed.
Let me know if you want any more information.
Regards,
Ash
Ash Mangles, MBA
Little Big Dig Excavating Co.
Nootka Cabins
https://www.nootkacabins.com
Burn Dry Wood Inc.
t - 778-427-1110
c- 250-207-3365
Wild Root Journeys Discount
by Jane Jacek
Broken Group Trip Discount
We have 4 spots on our next 5 say Broken Group Islands and we are EXTENDING 30% OFF for you to join!! July 4-8! Pass it on and use promo code BGI30 on our website or reach out to us.
Register Here
Included in this epic trip:
- Guides with all their heart and experience
- All camping and kayak gear from camp chairs to tents, paddle jackets and back pillows in your kayak.
- Colourful and tasty meals
- Kayak tips, local knowledge and history, and fun facts about everything around.
This trip is suitable for all experience levels. We will share all the basic skills needed. Come enjoy the cool ocean breeze with us this week or this Summer.
Highlights Include:
- Seeing and feeling the raw beauty of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
- Kayaking in sheltered waters with stunning intertidal life, or paddling out in open swell to feel the endless ocean.
- Wildlife opportunities include Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Sea Otters, Orcas, Humpback Whales, Black Bears, Black-tailed Deer, and endless sea stars.
- Meeting the First Nation beach keepers and listening to their incredible stories firsthand.
- Enjoying an evening of stars, a campfire, and a night time bioluminescence paddle or swim.
- A relaxed lunch to stroll a new beach and go for a swim or a forest walk.
- Spending quality time outdoors, with wonderful folks, as well as time for yourself to fall into deep thought.
- Let us know what you think and please share this event! Find out more in our link!
Manke Kayak Courses and SISKA Discount
by Jane Jacek
SISKA members will receive 20% off all Rolling and Greenland Strokes workshops. This discount won’t apply to special events. See newsletter below for course offerings. Check your email regarding Manke Kayak Courses for the discount code.
June 2025 Manke newsletter
https://www.mankekayak.com
Save the Date for Another Classic September Event
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.
More details will be shared in the August newsletter.
Esquimalt Harbour Reminder
by Lisa Lasagna
When entering Esquimalt Harbour, please make sure to radio the Harbour Master on Channel 10 to let them know of your presence and how many kayaks are in your group. We were approached the other day by officials in a zodiac who advised that they want to know every time anyone enters the harbour.
Editor Note - Here is the difference between 10 and 11 -
Port of Esquimalt King’s Harbour Master Operations at 250-363-2160 or VHF channel 10.
Marine Communications and Traffic Services Victoria on VHF channel 11.
Nuchatlitz Protected Area
by Jane Jacek
Declared Title Area
As result of the July 2024 British Columbia Supreme Court decision and Title Declaration parts of the Nuchatlitz Protected Area are now Aboriginal title lands held by the Nuchatlaht and the Park Act no longer applies to these areas. Visitors to the area are encouraged to ensure they are not trespassing on the title lands and to contact the Nuchatlaht Nation for more information about permissible uses on the declared title area.
Park Info
Blackline at Canoe Cove UPDATE
by Edgar Hulatt
I recently ran into Matt Schinbein from Blackline at Canoe Cove and he advised that Andrea will be back at work for the full range of kayak repairs as of Labour Day, 1st September. She is returning from maternity leave. In the meantime they are doing some small fibreglass repairs on request.
Kayakfest 2025 Report
by Rod Stiebel
As many of you were aware, KayakFest 2025, by SISKA at Cadboro Gyro park on June 7, was a pretty darn good success for the first time out. I want to personally thank all the members and public that came out to see what kayaking is all about, and learn a bit, chat a lot, make new friends and connect with old ones. Your support is so important to the club, and all the events.
We had BCMTN, KFL, and a myriad of demos and exhibits, a total of 8. We had a circle of canopies and tables where folks just wandered from one to the other absorbing all that is kayaking and SISKA! We also had a handful of SISKA Ambassadors, who had “Ask Me” buttons, and they were kept fairly busy, my thanks again goes out to a great crew of helpers.
We hope to repeat this event again, and add more if we can. We missed advertising a Swap Meet, although a few intrepid members brought out their boats for sale. We will get this in for next year.
So remember to look forward to KayakFest 2026, bigger and better!
The full view early on in AM, before the crowds
Kayak Freindly Lodging kept busy talking all about how to “Glamp” when Kayaking
Fred Pishalski running the BCMTN booth, also quite busy as the day progressed
Raj Persham showing how to fit out your kayak for rolling
Alan Campbell showing off his standard gear for a multi day trip. Wow, that is a lot of stuff!
Konrad Sechley chatting with Greg Rooney about Greenland paddle making
Trip Reports
GOING COASTAL
by Debbie Leach
A group of 9 SISKA paddlers explored Cadboro Bay at low tide on June 14. Thanks to Roger Botting for sharing his knowledge of the underwater, supplemented by John Pringle (marine botanist) and loaner Salish Sea Invertebrate and Seaweed cards. Although we only paddled 1 NM, folks liked the opportunity to go slow and enjoy the journey; share findings and enjoy a lovely spring morning on the water. Photos by Karen Link.
The Basics of Tarpology
by Philip Torrens / Jane Jacek
“If you’re sea kayak touring in British Columbia, and out for any length of time, it’s not a matter of if it will rain, but when it will rain. They don’t call it “The Wet Coast” for nothing. In such Noahscape situations, being able to rig a secure kitchen-dining shelter is essential to ward off both cold and cabin fever.”
Website
SISKA Partners- Join Mailing Lists
by Jane Jacek
Moving forward, if you wish to receive regular emails and newsletters from our kayak partners please follow the steps laid out by each company below:
BEST COAST OUTFITTERS
Dear SISKA members,
At BestCoast Outfitters, we’re proud of our partnership with SISKA and the strong paddling community we’ve built together over the past three years. To keep you updated on everything we’re offering, like exclusive gear deals, guest speaker events, and training discounts, please sign up for our newsletter! We only send two email newsletters per month, so you’ll stay informed without the inbox overload.
Sign up here to start receiving your SISKA perks: https://mailchi.mp/bestcoastoutfitters/siska
Warm regards,
Ali Torabidavan
Marketing Manager
+1 250-590-4625
commassist@bestcoastoutfitters.com
BLUE DOG KAYAKING
To register to receive our emails go to our website and it will be on the main screen
https://bluedogkayaking.com/
Otherwise members can email us requesting to join our mailing list. paddle@bluedogkayaking.com
Warm regards,
Amber Champion
Paddle Canada Level 4 Skills/ Level 4 Instructor/ Level 3 Instructor Trainer
Paddle Canada SUP Advanced Flatwater Instructor Trainer/ Multi-day instructor/Surf Instructor
Owner, Blue Dog Kayaking
705 888 1051
https://championadventure.squarespace.com/gear-shed
Youtube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUejHBVojYhTYKgULyp-15g
Big thanks to my sponsors:
Hornby Organics/ Nanaimo Toyota/Reef Canada/ Nigel Denis Kayaks/Kōkatat/ Lendal North America Paddles/Gearlab Paddles/Blackfish Paddles/ ONEsup North America
Unleash The Dragon
Passionate about Paddling, making learning fun for all
CROSSCURRENTS KAYAK
SISKA members can join our mailing list at https://crosscurrentskayak.ca/contact/mailing-list/
And they can find information about our club member discounts at https://crosscurrentskayak.ca/courses-clinics/paddling-club-program/
Crosscurrents Kayak is a sea kayak instruction and coaching company owned and operated by Caroline Ross, a certified Paddle Canada instructor based in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Caroline specializes in helping new and intermediate kayakers learn and refine skills on and off the water.
Best,
Caroline
DANCING WITH THE SEA
More ease. Less effort. That’s the difference.
More and more SISKA paddlers are discovering that when you use the Greenland paddle the way it was meant to be used:
You can paddle farther — with less fatigue
You stay more stable in rough water (so you’re less likely to capsize)
Shoulder pain often fades away
If you’re in your 60s, 70s — or beyond — this isn’t just about comfort.
It’s what keeps you safe, strong, and paddling for years to come.
Join the SISKA Members List
https://www.dancingwiththesea.com/op/siska/?blog=sisk
You’ll get early access to courses, free tips, and SISKA-only discounts.
GO KAYAK
The membership can join our email list by filling out the Go Kayak Google form at the following address
or by going on our website at: https://www.gokayak.ca/email_list.html
Thank you
Yves Aquin
Go Kayak, Your first steps to kayaking!
Tel: (250) 477-9881
Web: www.gokayak.ca
Email: info@gokayak.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gokayakca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gokayak.ca/
Come and play with us!
OCEAN RIVER SPORTS
SISKA members please register for our newsletter on our website. Subscribe at the bottom of the page.
Also, our instagram page is most active. Followed by Facebook.
Website
https://shop.oceanriver.com/
PACIFICA PADDLING SPORTS
Join our mailing list, where we discuss paddling stories, new information regarding kayaking, and lots in between. The page is linked here for those interested.
https://www.pacificapaddle.com/mailing-list
Note, we also offer repairs.
If you have a kayak, canoe or rigid SUP in need of a fix, Aaron works on a variety of repairs from skeg wires to fiberglass fixes.
If you have any repair inquiries, be sure to send a repair request to Aaron via repairs@pacificapaddle.com with details about the type of boat you have, and the repairs needed.
All the best,
Pacifica Paddle Sports
789 Saunders Lane, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1C5
2200 Canoe Cove Road, North Saanich, BC V8L 3X9
phone 250.665.7411
SKILS
SISKA members are welcome to subscribe to our newsletter for news, updates, and exclusive offers. We typically send 6 editions per year, ensuring our communications remain relevant and respectful of your inbox—no spam, just meaningful content. We don’t use people’s personal email for other commercial activities. There is nothing more annoying than receiving an unsolicited commercial email every week.
To subscribe, simply visit https://skils.ca and scroll to the bottom of the page to register. You can unsubscribe at any time with a single click.
We look forward to staying connected!
Have a great paddling season.
JF
Home Made Stirrup
by Konrad Sechley
When taking a rescue course with Gordon Brown several years ago the use of stirrups was also
reviewed and he demonstrated …Read More
Tips From The Trips
by Debbie Leach
DON’T BLOW A GASKET!
Before going on a trip, check the condition of the latex. If it is no longer shiny and you see cracks, tears or degradation expect a big rip soon. Replace before you go to avoid “field repairs”. Taking along extra gaskets, aquaseal, sandpaper, etc is a good idea.
Camp Cookery
by Lynn Baier
JackFruit
Here is a really good find from a recent trip (thanks Helen and Rich). This is a ‘serves two’ vegetarian meat alternative that has authentic texture and taste. The one they brought was a President’s Choice item, at half the price, that I can’t find a listing for, so I’m hoping it isn’t discontinued. A bit of coleslaw on a bun, and this becomes a complete meal. Enjoy!
Safety Item
by Sybil Seitzinger
Why VHF Radio?
On the wish list from our SISKA trip leaders is more participants with VHF credentials and hardware.
Quite often we have a participant who gets caught in the moment and paddles away from the group. Equipped with a VHF radio, they are easily recalled. Or a trip leader may send a radio-equipped paddler to chase the wayward paddler down.
VHF is also your lifeline to Coast Guard when things turn bad.
Communication is the key to safer SISKA trips.
The radio course is not difficult. A good, uncomplicated radio likely cost less than your favourite paddle.
If you want to join Team VHF, ask about the VHF Radio course.
BC Marine Trails News
The Ideal Trip Companion: New Member Map
The newly launched BC Marine Trails member map is your ultimate trip planning companion — now with a sleek interface and powerful new features designed just for members. From advanced trip planning to site conditions, multiple photos, and more, this map goes far beyond what’s available to the public. If you’ve used our map before, you’ll love what’s been added. If you haven’t, there’s never been a better time to join.
Map Info
June 2025 Newsletter
Found bag!
by Fred Pishalski / Gina Gotch
Hi Fred & Gail
Do you know if SISKA had any trips out at Rum Island Sunday or Monday?
We arrived Monday afternoon and found a dry bag floating near the launch.
I will check with the ranger but thought I would start with your club.
Thanks
Gina Gotch
Director, Communications Committee Chair
BCMT
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:
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