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
PPPS: Siska’s Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Website
PPPPS: Rocky Point Demolition Blasting Notices
Saturday, March 08th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Spectacle Falls Paddle
Sunday, March 09th, 2025 - 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Island View Beach to James Island Counterclockwise Paddle
Sunday, March 16th, 2025 - 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM - Re-Entry
Sunday, March 16th, 2025 - 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Pool Session
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Amherst to Rum Island Paddle
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Spirit Bay to Cabin Point Paddle
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Monthly Meeting
Saturday, March 29th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to Coles Bay Paddle
Saturday, April 05th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to RAFTUP Mackenzie Bight via Willis Point Paddle
Saturday, April 05th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Brentwood Bay Ferry Wharf to RAFTUP Spectacle Falls via Bamberton Paddle
Sunday, April 06th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Energizer Paddle - Amherst to RAFTUP Portland Island
Sunday, April 06th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM - Relaxed Paddle - Telegraph Cove to RAFTUP Margaret Bay
Sunday, April 20th, 2025 - 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM - Energizer Paddle - Oak Bay Marina to Gonzales Bay Paddle
by Fred Pishalski
Carnivores of Coastal BC Presentation
by Helen Davis and Richard Weir
Join professional biologists and seasoned kayakers Richard Weir and Helen Davis as they share insights on coastal carnivores, drawing from over 35 years of experience at Artemis Wildlife Consultants. In this engaging talk, they’ll share intriguing insights about the wildlife kayakers are likely to encounter along BC’s shores, offer tips on distinguishing between species, and explain why these animals are drawn to the beaches. Is it a mink, a river otter, or a sea otter? How can you tell? And how close is too close when encountering terrestrial wildlife while paddling? Learn about their ecology, behaviours, and the risks their populations face in a changing environment. For more information, please have a look at their consulting firm found at: https://www.artemiswildlife.com/
Have you ever paddled along BC’s coastline and spotted small, mysterious creatures darting across the intertidal zone, leaving you wondering, “What was that?” Or perhaps you’ve seen larger, more familiar animals—like bears—scouring the shorelines for food and wondered where they live and what they do when they’re not foraging? Many of these shoreline dwellers are carnivores, a diverse group that includes not only bears but also dogs, cats, and weasels. These animals lead fascinating lives in the coastal forests and waters of British Columbia.
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 are pleased to meet in-person in the Garth Homer Centre’s spacious auditorium, 813 Darwin Ave, Saanich.
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 event.
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
by Ali Morham
Jo Nicholson and Ali Morham are offering a Level 2 Paddle Canada Sea Kayak course for Members from Apr 17-21st. If you are interested in the course please contact Jo at freya1333@hotmail.com or Ali Alimorham@gmail.com by by March 15th.
Cheers
Ali Morham
by Rod Stiebel
Save the date! Saturday June 7, 2025 is our first KayakFest at Cadboro Gyro park. It is just as it sounds, a kayak based festival. It is FREE and open to the public. We will have a few clinics, a few demos, and other displays and more, all on kayaking. This is a beach based event. We also hope to have a few partner vendors, plus BCMTN and KFL, (Kayak Friendly Lodging). More details are still being worked out…Stay tuned! P.S. If you have any ideas or just want to volunteer that day, please contact Off Water Clinics, Rod Stiebel at rodnak@telus.net We cannot make this event a success unless you want it to!
by Gary Jacek
After a long hiatus, the West Coast Paddler Spring Campout will return on the last weekend of April 2025.
While this is not a SISKA event, it does offer a chance for experienced SISKA paddle/campers to:
Where: Arbutus Point campsite, Portland Island
When: April 25-27 2025 (you are welcome to come early and/or stay late)
Why: Build the broader community in our wonderful paddling area
The people of West Coast Paddler hope to see you there.
by Morley Eldridge
by Rod Stiebel
Off Water Clinic coordinators have been asked a few times in the last while about VHF radio courses.The Victoria Power and Sail Squadron now offers this course on-line at your own pace, to take any time. It is the government certification you need to operate a VHF radio. We do also offer over the winter a non-certified “Refresher Course” that anyone can take. The last one was in November, but we plan to do more next winter. We do not offer a certification course. The Victoria Power Squadron exam is given via zoom. For all the details, go to the link provided below. Note it is an On-Line course, and the cost is $125. Looking at other places, In-Person courses were considerably more money. The course is easy enough to do on-line. If there is a group, you may be able to contact the power sqaudron and enquire about in person training.
https://www.victoriasquadron.ca/courses/elective-courses/maritime-radio.html
by Debbie Leach
SPRAY your Skirt (and cockpit cover) with silicone water repellent. This helps keep splashes and rain from getting through.
by Lynn Baier
Dehydrating Tomatoes
For those of you wanting to get into dehydrating, Chef Glen offers some great tips to get you started.
https://www.backpackingchef.com/dehydrating-tomatoes.html
by Heather Jones
I am sorting out which library books aren’t being borrowed or are out of date. Keep an eye out for the “Free” Table beside the library where you can help yourself to a book or two! There will be a Free sign on the free books table.
I would also appreciate it if you could return any books which are due at the next meeting! You can borrow books for up to 2 months. Please remember to sign the books back in.
See you at the next meeting!
Hello cross club!
We are excited to announce a virtual information session and Q&A on the new BC Marine Trails map on March 4th at 7pm.
Sign up here: https://www.bcmarinetrails.org/new-map-information-session/
Sam Cutcliffe
Communications & Stewardship Coordinator
BC Marine Trails
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:
