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
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
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
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!
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
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.
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
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.
Seaweed tour for Siska. Wild-Crafted seaweed from the Pacific NW.
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:
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.
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
Inspect for visual damage on hull and deck
Hatch covers
Water test
Mechanical issues
Ensure that the skeg deploys smoothly
Deck rigging
Creature comfort in the cockpit…
And while you’re at it…
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.
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
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.
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:
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:
