Siska September 2026 Newsletter

September 1, 2026

Introduction
Convenient Links
SISKA Partners- Join Mailing Lists
Upcoming SISKA Events
Siska September 23rd Monthly Meeting Agenda
Monthly Meeting Location
Our Ocean Filmfest
Welcome to Paddle for Health
Kayaking Vansittart Island
Nuchatlaht Territory Visitor & Stewardship Update
Wanted - Site Condition Reports
Trip Reports
Crystal Pool Status
Tips From The Trips
Camp Cookery
Safety Item - Perimeter Lines
BC Marine Trails News
SISKA's Kayak Lodge Partner Offerings
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

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

Siska September 23rd Monthly Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

Kayaking French Polynesia

12 SISKA members traveled to Tahiti lead by Norm Smyth

Twelve from Victoria met up in Tahiti to explore French Polynesia in January 2026. Eight participated in a ten-day small ship cruise through the exotic Society Islands, visiting Tahiti, Morea, Bora Bora and more, while two did it by road trip. Then, all twelve bounced their way across Tahiti’s high mountains and deep valleys in two 4X4 trucks. Nine then met up with Exhibition Engineering owner Matt Edwards who escorted them on eight days of kayaking and exploring the stunning and laid-back Marquesas Islands of Nuka Hive, Hiva Oa and Tahuata. Two ended the trip with a few days in the Tuamotus.

From the left: Vic, Byron, Pat, Lynn, BJ, Norm, Jonathan, Beth, Jim, Susan, Morley, Ian

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

Our Ocean Filmfest

by Jane Jacek

Sept. 19,2026
Victoria BC Viewing A proudly Canadian celebration of the sea.

Our Ocean Film Festival is a fresh, proudly Canadian festival created to celebrate the stories, people, and places that shape our connection to the ocean. Born from the momentum of Our Earth Film Festival and the incredible audiences who have embraced ocean-focused films, this new festival goes further: more films, more community, more support for local foundations, and a deeper commitment to the coastline we call home.

Welcome to Paddle for Health

by Jane Jacek / Fred Pishalski

The annual celebration of strength, community, and spirited paddling in support of Island Kids Cancer Association (IKCA)!

Saturday, September 12,2026
Location: Willows Beach Park
https://www.paddleforhealth.ca/events/our-event/

Kayaking Vansittart Island

by Fred Pishalski

Tlatlasikwala First Nation have restricted visiting or camping on Vansittart Island. The Tlatlasikwala homelands are on Northern Vancouver Island. The four corner posts of the Territory are Triangle (Scott) Island and Sea Otter Cove to the west and Pine Island and Balaclava Islands to the east. The Tlatlasikwala First Nation has also recently posted on their website that: “Bull harbour, Hope Island is closed to the public. Absolutely nobody is permitted to come ashore at this time”.

The BC Marine Trails Organization has received a report from a recent visitor to the area that a Hope Island Bell Harbour tour or guide company run by a first nation is using Vansittart Island as part of their operation. Previous communications from the band have stated that individuals interested in camping on Vansittart Island are requested to contact the band office http://www.tlatlasikwala.com and seek permission. It is unknown if permission has been granted.

Nuchatlaht Territory Visitor & Stewardship Update

by Jane Jacek

Kleko Kleko/Thank you for your support | Nuchatlaht Territory Visitor & Stewardship Update

Dear Friends and Visitors,

On behalf of the Nuchatlaht First Nation, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported our Nation and respected our territory. Your ongoing support plays a vital role in helping us exercise stewardship and protect these lands for generations to come.

We would like to share a few important updates regarding visitor access:

Where Your Access Fees Go

The $25/day access fee directly funds essential land stewardship initiatives and ongoing community-led improvements across our territory, including:

Trail maintenance and development
Safety infrastructure and emergency readiness
Site enhancements and visitor services
Protection of fragile cultural, historical, and archaeological sites

Territory Access & Recommended Camping Updates

To enhance your experience while visiting Nuchatlaht territory, we are pleased to share that Garden Point and Benson Point are open for visitor use for the remainder of the 2026 season and through the 2027 season.

Recommended Camping & Lodging Areas:

Camping Areas: Garden Point, Benson Point, Rosa Island, and Catala Island Marine Provincial Park.
Flynn’s Cove Lodge, Cabins & Camping:Owned and operated by the Nuchatlaht First Nation (reservations required).

Access Authorization & Payment

As a reminder, entry to Nuchatlaht Aboriginal Title lands requires authorization. You can easily arrange your access fee payment via:

Interac E-Transfer: Send directly to communications@nuchatlaht.com
Credit Card: Reply to this email to request a secure, digital credit card payment link.

If you have any questions regarding cultural protocols, land access, or booking a stay at a Nuchatlaht owned and operated business, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Kleko Kleko,

(“Thank you” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language)

NUCHATLAHT FIRST NATION

Email: communications@nuchatlaht.com

Phone: (250) 201-5944

Wanted - Site Condition Reports

by Fred Pishalski

We won't sugar coat it - Site Condition Report submissions are down 35% compared to this time last year. So, we need your help!

Trip Reports

Swartz Bay to Saltspring Island
by Alexandra Lapierre Fortin

On August 8th, 12 paddlers took part in a one-way ferry-assisted paddle to Fulford Harbour. We left Swartz Bay on a rising tide and made our way to Russell Island via a short stop at Arbutus Point. It was a glorious, calm, sunny day. We took a nice long lunch break on Russell Island, with some of us walking to the old Hawaiian homestead. One brave paddler even took the opportunity to have an ocean swim! The winds came up just enough to push us into Fulford Harbour with time to spare before our ferry. The team was very efficient at getting everyone off at the dock, and we had some time to explore shops and ice cream options before heading back to Swartz Bay. A really fun day!

Photos by Erik Deferme, Ashley Locke & Alexandra Lapierre Fortin

Great Bear Rainforest Trip, 30 July, 2026
by Paul Flynne

Click above image for youtube video!

Full Report

Crystal Pool Status

by Ginny Flood

It’s official, the last day of operations at Crystal Pool is Friday, September 25, end of day. The interim Recreation facility at 851 Broughton Street will open in early 2027 once repairs and upgrades are completed. Unfortunately, this means that SISKA will not be offering any pool sessions unless we are able to find an alternate facility.

To date, we have contacted a number of facilities; however, have been unable to secure space. If you are aware of a facility that would accommodate SISKA, please reach out to Ginny Flood @ onwater@siska.ca.

For additional information, I’ve attached the City’s Official Statement:

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will close permanently on Sept. 25, 2026, to allow for construction of the City's new health and wellness facility.

Recreation services will transition to the City's interim recreation facility at 851 Broughton St., which will be named Victoria Recreation Centre. Following a water leak incident earlier this summer, repairs and upgrades are underway, and the facility is expected to open in early 2027.

Victoria Recreation Centre will provide continued access to recreation services while the permanent replacement facility is being built. The interim facility will include expanded fitness areas, group fitness rooms, a gymnasium and squash courts, as well as a smaller pool that will support lessons, swim clubs and aquafit.

Additional information about the closure, transition plans and project status is available in the City's latest news update. We have also attached a document with key messages and an FAQ to help answer some of the questions you may have. Please feel free to redirect any questions about your specific contract to me.

Thank you for your continued interest in this project. We will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available.

Thanks,

Lauren Bouchard (she/her)

Aquatic Leader

Parks & Recreation

Tips From The Trips

by Debbie Leach

HANG IN THERE. Straps for your eyewear make sense whether you are on or in the water. Especially for prescription lenses.

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier

CHICKPEA COCONUT CURRY BOWL

If you have room in your kayak, this can be made easily in camp. If it’s a long trip, everything can be dehydrated, either as a meal or in ingredient form. Enjoy!

Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and pepper in the oil. Add in remaining ingredients and simmer until flavours are blended. Serve over rice.

Safety Item - Perimeter Lines

by Sybil Seitzinger

Photo credit: Image by Brian Justesen from Pixabay

Perimeter Lines — An Important Safety Feature of Your Kayak’s Deck Lines
By Sybil Seitzinger with input from Mike Teachman and Andrew Cusack

Perimeter lines are made of static (non-stretch) cord that runs along the outer edges of the bow and stern of a sea kayak. Unlike the stretchy bungee cord that secures gear to the kayak’s deck, perimeter lines are an essential safety feature used in re-entry and towing situations. Members should be aware that perimeter lines are required on all kayaks participating in SISKA paddle trips. The trip leader has the authority to deny participation if a participant’s kayak does not have satisfactory perimeter deck lines.

Why are perimeter lines so important?

Self-rescue: They give you something secure and easy to grab if you are in the water, helping you stay connected to your kayak in wind and waves.
Assisted rescue: They allow another paddler to quickly grab, maneuver and hold your kayak during an assisted re-entry.
Towing and assistance: They provide secure points for quickly attaching a tow line or contact-tow lines, typically with a carabiner clipped to the perimeter line.
Rafting-up and handling: They make it much easier to hold kayaks together or maneuver a kayak in the water.

What makes a good perimeter line?

Perimeter lines should be strong, static (non-stretch), securely attached and easy to grab. Marine-grade nylon or polyester cord, typically about 4–5 mm in diameter, is commonly used. Reflective line can make the kayak—and its grab lines—more visible in low-light conditions. The lines should be sufficiently raised from the deck that they can be grabbed easily, including with cold or gloved hands. Short sections of flexible tubing can be used to cover the line on either side of the cockpit to make it easier to grab and hold onto the kayak.

Check your kayak
Regularly check that your perimeter lines are:

secure and firmly attached – check fittings and knots
in good condition – aren’t frayed, brittle, or otherwise damaged
tight enough to remain useful but have enough slack to grab quickly with a glove on.

Bottom line: In a capsize or rescue, perimeter lines may be what allows you or another paddler to maintain control of the kayak. They are an integral part of your deck rigging and essential sea-kayak safety equipment.

BC Marine Trails News

August Newsletter

SISKA's Kayak Lodge Partner Offerings

by Jane Jacek

Want to explore the West coast of Vancouver Island by kayak and stay in top notch accommodation?

The following lodges are offering discounts to SISKA members. Members can view full details of the current offerings by logging in to our website clicking on Members, then Documents. Then go to Resource Info and click on SISKA Kayak Lodge Partner Offerings.

Sea Otter Lodge

Sea Otter Lodge is a secluded private island retreat in Kyuquot on the Wild West Coast of Vancouver Island perfect for groups ranging in size from 2-12 people. Come & discover British Columbia's most untouched wild coastal region.

Kagoagh Resort and Fishing Lodge

Welcome to Kagoagh Resort and Fishing Lodge, a unique coastal retreat just a 20 minute boat ride from Coal Harbour on the rugged northwest coast of Vancouver Island. It features eight spacious guest rooms. Come and discover this remarkable and remote part of the coast.