Siska May 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
Sunday, May 04th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Mackenzie Bight Paddle
Sunday, May 04th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Spirit Bay to Whirl Bay Paddle
Sunday, May 04th, 2025 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Re-Entry Pool Clinic
Sunday, May 04th, 2025 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Open Pool Session
Monday, May 05th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Light Paddle - Telegraph Cove to Glencoe Cove Paddle
Saturday, May 10th, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Paddle Canada Level 1 Course - Part - Part 1
Saturday, May 10th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Cadboro Bay to Uplands and Cadboro Bay Exploration Paddle
Saturday, May 17th, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Paddle Canada Level 1 Course - Part 2
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Maple Bay Rowing Club to Burgoyne Bay Paddle
Saturday, June 07th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Energizer Paddle - Fleming Beach to Millstream
Saturday, June 07th, 2025 - 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM - SISKA KayakFest 2025
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Oak Bay Marina - Parking Lot to Intertidal Exploration Paddle
Thursday, June 19th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Light Paddle - Telegraph Cove to Glencoe Cove Paddle
Saturday, June 21st, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Energizer Paddle - Oak Bay Marina to Telegraph Cove
Monday, June 23rd, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Port Browning on Pender Island Multi-day Camping Paddle
Saturday, June 28th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Amherst to Intertidal Exploration
Siska May 28th General Meeting Agenda
by Fred Pishalski
The Last Dance + Kayaking Surge Narrows at Discovery Lodge Video
A Two for One Production…
Paul Grey, former President of BCMTs, will present the new remarkable online interactive map and highlight its many outstanding features plus
Kayaking Surge Narrows at Discovery Lodge Video.
Looking to learn how to make the most of the new BC Marine Trails’ map?
Paul Grey, past President of BCMTs, will present the new remarkable online interactive map and highlight its many outstanding features
Paul has been a kayaker for over twenty years and has paddled a number of locations around Vancouver Island, Thailand and Hawaii. He has his Paddle Canada I and II and level 1 kayak guide training and certification. He has worked for the BC Marine Trails as a volunteer for many years in a number of capacities including being the president of the association, retiring from the position in 2024. He is also the co-author of Easykayaker: A guide to laid-back paddling and Kayaking Vancouver Island. Paul is a fourth generation islander with his roots in the Nanaimo-Extension area. He also enjoys hiking, traveling and reading. He has received awards in 1993 and 1996 from the Prime Minister of Canada for his work in education; Paul is a recipient of a Royal Bank of Canada fellowship to Queen’s University.
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. We meet at the Garth Homer Centre, 831 Darwin Avenue, off Saanich Road, near Saanich Municipal Hall.
PLEASE NOTE:
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.
So Where is the Garth Homer Centre? 831 Darwin Avenue, off Saanich Road, near Saanich Municipal Hall. Parking is available beside the building once you pull into the entrance off Darwin Avenue. It is very close to the Lochside Trail which crosses Darwin Avenue close to nearby Saanich City Hall. The nearest bus stop is at Saanich City Hall on Blanshard Street.
Map location: https://bit.ly/35JtONn
Where to park: https://photos.app.goo.gl/97ksKWVnuruKao7d6
Kayakfest 2025 - June 7th - Save the Date!
by Rod Stiebel
KayakFest 2025 is happening Saturday June 7, at Cadboro Gyro park.
We hope you can join us, and tell all your non SISKA friends and family, it is free for all to join in.
Bring a lunch, bring some questions, have some fun!
More Info
Siska Trip Reports
Relaxed RAFTUP Paddle from Brentwood Bay to Mackenzie Bight - Apr. 5
by Edgar Hulatt
6 paddlers left from Brentwood Bay on April 5 heading to Mackenzie Bight. We were Edgar (paddle leader), Delcie, Lilliana, Barton, Mark and Barbara. Barb was our token paddler from the Comox Valley paddle club. After leaving the Bay, the group swung left, paddling through the anchored boats that were of various shapes and sizes. We took a short detour to explore Butchart Cove. From there the paddle took us past Willis Point and down the shoreline to MacKenzie Bight. With the lower tide we were able to scramble up the rocky area to have lunch on the grassy knoll and take in the view of Saanich Inlet and the hills beyond. The paddlers from the Energizer group who had been to Spectacle Falls met up with us at the lunch spot. We paddled back, retracing our steps, except this time we ducked in to explore Todd Inlet as some of the group hadn’t been there. The day was sunny and cloudy, with light wind and a pleasant temperature resulting in a delightful day on the water.
Raft Up 2025
by Debbie Leach
For our 3rd version we invited paddlers from Cowichan, Nanaimo and Comox to paddle with us April 4 and 5. Eleven kayakers from up island joined 33 SISKA members on paddles from Brentwood Bay, Telegraph Bay and Amherst. Saturday weather was fabulous and Sunday was drizzly. We did not advertise billets and there was no potluck event. Despite the November “heads-up” other clubs had activities on the same weekend. Thanks so much to paddle leaders Johanna De Leeuw, Edgar Hulatt, Alan Campbell and Mike Jackson for shepherding the groups and socializing to make fine Raft Up memories.
Cheers,
Debbie
Respectful Visitation
by Debbie Leach
Looking for guidance on respectful visitation? Check out this video produced by the Na̲nwak̲olas Council.
Click image to view video.
Every part of the Na̲nwak̲olas member First Nations’ Territories holds deep cultural and historical significance — from ancient village sites to the lands and waters that sustain their communities today. Mamalilikulla, Tlowitsis, Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala, Wei Wai Kum, We Wai Kai, and K’ómoks Nations steward these Territories, across North Vancouver Island and the mainland coast from Parksville to the Broughtons. Show maya’xala — respect — when visiting these incredible places.
Many Thanks to BJ Porter and Lynn Beak for Their Leadership!
by Alan Campbell
At last month’s SISKA AGM, BJ Porter and Lynn Beak retired from their roles as Board members. BJ and Lynn had each served elected terms as Board Directors and subsequently as Vice-President, enriching our club’s operation with their considerable expertise, energy and enthusiasm.
Lynn led the streamlining of SISKA’s Constitution and Bylaws, bringing them into line with the Societies Act of BC, and included new provisions for online meetings and voting necessitated by the Covid pandemic. Her legal background made her the best person to navigate these complicated issues on our behalf.
Lynn and BJ together completed a detailed review of our Policies and Procedures to simplify and organize the club’s rules of operation. They also promoted environmental stewardship values in SISKA, including beach cleanup activities in our paddling areas.
Using her graphics design and writing background, BJ developed an org chart for the club website with lots of useful online links, as well as creating a number of articles, posters and even table displays for paddler education, community outreach and volunteer engagement.
Lynn and BJ are very busy with family responsibilities and many other interests, but we look forward to continuing to see them on the water and at other club activities in the future!
BJ Porter
Lynn Beak
Off Water Update: Clinics, Courses and Tours
by Rod Stiebel
DAKINI TIDAL WILDS SEAWEED TOUR, Back by Popular Demand
While out paddling, do you ever wonder about all the different seaweeds that are below? Here is your opportunity to learn more!
Amanda Swinimer, BSc Marine Biology, and author of The Science and Spirit of Seaweed, and The Science and Superpowers of Seaweed, a Guide for Kids, will show you the way.
A 90 minute tour of a beach near Ogden Point in James Bay will be your classroom. You will learn all about the amazing seaweeds that grow in the Salish Sea, being able to identify them, their edibility, including nutritional and health properties. Culinary tips as well as spa use will be explored. Ecology and sustainability will also be part of the discussion. Included will be a tasting of a variety of local, wild harvested seaweeds.
Amanda has agreed to offer this tour on Sunday June 15, at 10:30AM until noon, the best time for low tide exploration at this location. The cost is $70.00 per person. A minimum of 4 members are needed for this event to proceed.
This is a “Rain or Shine” event.
Register for this course
Seaweed tour for Siska. Wild-Crafted seaweed from the Pacific NW.
Dakini Tidal Wilds
PROHIBITED ACTIVITY ORDER: Cabbage Island Campground and day-use
by Gary Jacek / Fred Pishalski / Jo Nicolson
Cabbage Island closed for Camping and Day Use - Effective April 15 2025
Cabbage Island is an important stopover for paddlers who intend to round East Point on Saturna Island.
Transiting this area during high current periods is perilous. As a result, paddling tours of the Southern Gulf Islands have become more difficult to plan and execute.
If you have concerns about the elimination of this safe option without the provision of any reasonably nearby alternative, please forward your concerns to:
gulfinfo@pc.gc.ca
Attention: Christina Sharun, Superintendant, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada
The Parks Canada notification may be read here
Other Closed Sites on or near Vancouver Island as of May 2025
Little Espinosa Inlet east - Espinosa Coordinates 49.9577499, -126.8676315
Cabbage Island - Gulf Islands Coordinates: 48.79730, -123.08637
Sansum Point West - Gulf Islands Coordinates: 48.78023, -123.56140
Tent Island - Gulf Islands Coordinates: 48.92925, -123.63227
Willis Island - Barkley Sound Coordinates: 48.91711, -125.34262 Info
Openit East Cove - Clayoquot Sound Coordinates: 49.36155, -126.25630
Flower Island - Broughton Tribune Coordinates: 50.60033, -126.70562
Burdwood Group North & Central (2 sites) - Broughton Tribune Coordinates: 50.79740, -126.46759
Vansittart Island - Goletas Channel Coordinates: 50.91679, -127.80648
Beaumont on Pender Island Info
Editor NOTE: BC Marine Trails April Newsletter has 2 articles that should be read regarding permits and guidelines -
4. Territory Travel Requirement Highlights
8. New First Nations Respectful Visitation Pages
See also Debbie Leach’s article above regarding Respectful Visitation.
Kayak Maintenance Checklist
by Dave Chater
Gabriela out enjoying her passion being out on the water in her beloved NDK Explorer LV kayak.
It is that time of year to get our kayak ready for the upcoming paddle and expedition season. Detailed below are some tips from Gabriela Brunschwiler of Wave Dancer Kayak and Canoe Repairs in Comox to prepare you for your spring, summer or fall adventures.
Clean
- If you haven’t done so recently or before the boat was put away last fall wash your boat thoroughly inside and out with warm water and dish soap.
- Funky smell? Use diluted bleach.
- Hard to get to salt crusts? Using diluted vinegar helps.
- Polish with a rubbing compound and protect with a marine wax as needed.
Inspect for visual damage on hull and deck
- Thin spots, deep gouges, cracks and punctures that would allow water penetrating into the fiberglass need to be fixed to avoid further damage.
- At any of the above spots: Are there visual signs such as a different colour or shade than surrounding areas of the boat’s composite or a visual crack in the hull, boat interior or deck that need to be fixed or reinforced?
- Any visual signs that the bulk heads are detached or have cracks in them?
- Inside the cockpit: Does the area at the footrest / pedals feel rough? The fiberglass might be wearing through and needs additional protection.
- If you have customized your cockpit with fittings for lashings and thigh pads etc. Are they still firmly attached?
- Do you see any gaps / cracks between cockpit / hatch rims and deck? Is the seam between hull and deck intact? Is the skeg box and all its fittings firmly attached?
Hatch covers
- Pay special attention to the hatch rim and cover, worn neoprene covers or failing rubber seal profiles on one piece hatch covers.
- Rubber hatch covers need to be treated with 303 Aerospace Protectant regularly to prevent premature breakdown. If there are cracks in them they need to be replaced.
- Tether your hatch covers.
Water test
- Put a couple of gallons of soapy water in the back hatch and have the water sitting on vulnerable spots and check for water seeping through (bulkhead seam, hull / deck seam, skeg box or rudder pin attachments).
- Repeat the above for each hatch and the cockpit.
Mechanical issues
- Rusty, frayed and/or kinked cables need to be replaced. While you have them out measure the length for the cable you keep in your repair kit.
- Is the deployment line in good shape?
- Rusty cracks in that white plastic block that attaches the rudder to the boat? Replace it now instead of on-trip. The same is valid for the rudder pin block.
- Use a water hose with good pressure to get that sand etc. out of those tight spaces between wheel and cage etc., depending on how sticky it is, it might be time to take the assembly apart for cleaning.
- Clean the foot tracks and ensure that the pedals slide freely and without any grinding noise. Fixed foot pegs or gas pedal style? Make sure that they can be adjusted and that moving parts move freely and solid parts don’t show extensive wear and tear.
Ensure that the skeg deploys smoothly
- Pull the skeg blade out by catching it with needle nose pliers, drill a small hole into the blade and attach a pull string. Remove any pebbles etc. from the skeg box. If you have tape in there to prevent the rattling noise from the blade when deployed, replace or reglue as needed.
- Pull the cable out and rinse the cable housing with water. Measure cable length for replacement.
- Replace a kinked cable. In systems that have a slider rod that the cable feeds into and that don’t have a stopper, you might get away with bending the kink back and turning it so that the kink is in the rod.
- Is your skeg system field repairable? Include the slider knob in that assessment. (Some skeg systems don’t come [easily] field repairable from the manufacturer - modify the system if possible or adjust your paddling accordingly.)
Deck rigging
- Tighten all loose bolts and replace deck eyes, toggles and other hardware etc. as needed.
- Replace worn perimeter lines. Your boat doesn’t have any? Install them for your safety and consider adding tubing as handrails for rescues.
- Check shock cord and replace it if they don’t have any elasticity anymore.
- Does your boat have rescue and/or hatch straps? Check the integrity of the straps and the hardware. UV exposure will weaken those materials over time.
- Toggle cords need attention too.
- Tether your hatches so that you don’t lose them overboard while out on the water.
Creature comfort in the cockpit…
- Does that seat still work well for your body? Does the seat padding hold up for the season?
- Are the thigh braces in the right spot?
- Do you need an underdeck shelf for easy access on the water if you don’t have a day hatch?
- Adding some new gear? Test it in a safe environment before the season starts.
And while you’re at it…
- Check your paddle, make sure that your two-piece paddles come apart easily but also fits together properly and solidly. Keep that ferrule clean. Are the blades cracked or broken?
- Is your spray skirt in good shape? Your spray skirt can be sprayed with a silicone spray to increase its “waterproofness.”
- Treat the gaskets on your paddle drytop or drysuit with 303 Aerospace Protectant and/or replace as needed.
- Inspect / fix / replace your dry bags.
While this list may look onerous, it pales in comparison if you have a major failure of one of the boat’s “systems” or in its hull/deck integrity while out on a paddle or major trip. Invest your time now while in the comfort of your own garage to do many of these basic maintenance checks or repairs. Major repairs on a remote beach is no fun. Invest your time now in making sure your boat is ready to go for the upcoming season.
If you are not comfortable in doing some of the more complex jobs yourself such as repairing cracks in the hull you may also look to hiring an expert such as Gabriela (info@kayakcanoerepairs.ca) or Blackline Marine in Sidney at https://www.blacklinemarine.com.
Tips From The Trips
by Debbie Leach
NO RIP-OFFS! If you don’t tear the top of a packet, there is less garbage to deal with.
Cheers,
Debbie
Camp Cookery
by Lynn Baier
Special Strawberries
As if Jane didn’t do enough for SISKA, she kindly sourced this item out for me to share with you all. I always appreciate it when members send me food ideas and would be delighted to have someone take over this segment of the newsletter. I’ll bet there are some fabulous chefs with fabulous recipes to share within the club.
Safety Item
by Sybil Seitzinger
Dry Suit Maintenance – Mind the Gaskets
When was the last time you carefully checked your dry suit gaskets? The condition of your suit’s neck and wrist gaskets is critical to your safety. It can also ruin your trip if they fail when you unexpectedly enter the cold waters around BC—or even intentionally, while practicing your roll.
On a recent day paddle after a few months off the water, I discovered the importance of this firsthand. While removing my suit, one of my wrist gaskets tore: luckily this was at the end of the paddle and not the beginning of a 5-day trip a few weeks later. A closer look revealed that both the neck and wrist gaskets had deteriorated over the winter.
What to do when it’s time for a replacement?
You’ve got a few solid options:
- Dive shops and kayak stores often offer gasket replacement or can recommend someone who does.
- You can also send your dry suit back to the manufacturer for professional repair.
- Feeling handy? If you’re up for a DIY challenge, you can replace the gaskets yourself with the help of detailed guides and photos. Here are a couple of helpful resources:
- Wrist gasket replacement: DIY Repair Wrist Gasket
- Neck gasket replacement: DIY Latex Neck Gasket Replacement
BC Marine Trails News
April Newsletter
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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