Paddles & Scheduled Events

Login Required to see Member Events ….  Click Here

Past Events 2024

We are proposing an introductory overnight basic trip for those interested in multi-day kayaking. Join us for a moderate paddle to Prevost Island, where we’ll camp overnight and return the next day.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in packing and transporting camping gear, food, and water, and we’ll prepare dinner together as a group. This trip is designed to build confidence for a multi-day paddle next year.

To join, paddlers must be able to self-rescue and have their safety equipment. Please note that the trip is weather-dependent, taking wind and rain conditions into account.

Brian  and April  will be available to answer any questions and will send out information on what to bring/pack. Having recently completed our first multi-day trips (the Broken Islands), we felt an overnight introduction would be a valuable experience.

If you’re interested, email us

Beautiful day tomorrow, is anyone up for a Bader’s Beach, or Vesuvius to Maple Bay run for lunch?  On the water by 9 ish (meet at 8:45, have lunch and return by about 2:30 or 3:00pm.
As an alternative, we could take Southy Point to Wallace and go around the Southern tip of Wallace, then back up the East side and cross back to Southy.
Other ideas?
Please reply with phone number for morning contact.
thanks,

Monday August 26

Paddle to Crofton Marshes I (AKA Shoal Islands)

The ever-popular Crofton Marshes trip is back again!
Host: Susan
On the water: 1000.
Return: around 1700
Launch: Southey Point on Arbutus Road
Trip: We’ll cross the 2nm to Tent Island where we can take a short break then continue
to Willy Island for lunch in a protected bay. Once the tide has risen sufficiently we will
make our way through the marshes and up the creek to a swimming hole (if the water is
high enough), where we will partake if it is warm enough. NOTE this paddle is on a
Monday not a Friday to capitalize on tides required to get into the marshes. There are
2 open crossings and wind can pick up on this route. Trip is open for up to 10 people.
Bring: Lunch, water, snacks

Friday August 9

Isabella Point and Russell Island

An easy to moderate paddle, suitable for all levels of paddler, to explore the Isabella
Islets and Russell Island off the south end of Salt Spring.
Host: Larry
On the water: 1000 hours.
Return: around 1400-1500.
Launch: Hamilton Beach, Isabella Pt Rd.
Trip: We’ll launch into an ebbing 2.3m tide (7.7 ft), giving us a gentle push out and
along the western shore of Fulford Harbour, then round Isabella Pt to the Isabella Islets.
These Islets are a Special Preservation Area, and we cannot land there, but they are a
joy to explore from the water.
After noodling around the islets, we’ll head across the mouth of Fulford Harbour — after
the Skeena Queen sails by — and land on a beautiful sandy beach on Russell Island,
where we’ll have lunch. This island was owned by Hawaiian settlers in the late 19 th

century and a short loop trail exists that leads to the original home (since refurbished)
and remnants of the original orchard.
After lunch, we’ll paddle along the southern shore of Russell then head across to the
Tsawout Reserve then follow the eastern side of Fulford Harbour, for a bit, then cross
over to Hamilton Beach.

Distance: 7 Nmi. (13 km)
Bring: All safety gear, plus lunch, water, snacks
Tides: Fulford Harbour: 08:29 2.4m (7.9 ft), 14:13 1.6m (5.2 ft)

 

Host: Tilly 

On the water:  1000.  Return: around 1600

Launch:  Burgoyne Bay

Trip:  From Burgoyne Bay we’ll follow the Salt Spring coastline then cross to Arbutus Point on Vancouver Island.  We’ll stop for lunch at the The Lion Rampant Scottish Pub then explore Maple Bay, making our way to Octopus point then crossing back to Burgoyne Bay.  There are two small open water crossings

Bring:   $ for a delicious pub lunch,  and lots of water

Tides: Steady ebb mid morning to mid afternoon then a steady flood.

0410  6 ft

0909 8 ft

1457 4.4 ft

2208 11.1 ft

Contact:  Tilly

Host:  Tangachee

On the water:  !000.  Return: around 1700

Launch:  Hamilton Beach

Trip:  We’ll paddle across to Portland Island, circumnavigate the island and lunch at Shell Beach. 

Bring: Lunch, water, snacks

Host: Sheila

Sheila will host this paddle. Please connect with her

 

Solstice Paddle

Weather’s looking sunny and hot for Friday June 21. There’s still time to sign up for the Solstice Paddle.   The potluck supper is on Russell Island at 1700, but those wanting to generate an appetite will be on the water at Hamilton Beach at 1030 for a paddle to Portland Island and then return to Russell for the potluck.  A great way for newcomers to meet up with other club members!

 

Host:  Jude

 

On the water: 1030 for the Portland/Russell paddle.

 

Launch:   Hamilton Beach for the Portland/Russell paddle.   We’ll cross to Portland via Russell Island as a tight group through a ferry lane   Same plan on return.  We’ll leave Portland around 1615 to meet others at 1700 at Russell Island. Those only coming for the Russell potluck should paddle as a group and meet us there at 1700 hours.

 

Parking:  Can be limited at Hamilton Beach.  Please carpool, or be ready to park at Drummond Park and shuttle back up to Hamilton Beach or to launch at Drummond.  

 

Bring: lots of water, lunch,  and a contribution for the potluck on Russell.

 

If launching at Drummond Park:

The tide ebbs until 1106 hours then floods until 2002 hours.  For the Russell-only folk, there will be enough water for launching at Drummond Park from about 1530 hours and plenty for the return trip. Before 1530 the water will be quite low and might involve a long carry down the beach.

_______________

@024 Solstice Paddle, Russell Island

 

A lovely trip across to Wallace Island and perhaps to Retreat Cove on Galiano Island. Swimming a definite possibility!

Host: Sonja

On the water: Sonja will advise of time when you contact her

Launch: Hudson Beach.

Bring: lunch, water, snacks, swim gear

A paddle from Burgoyne Bay along the Salt Spring shore to the Musgrave Point campsite for picnic lunch with a short hike after lunch on the Provincial Recreation Site. Return will be on Vancouver Island side and up to Octopus Pt. before crossing back to the Burgoyne launch site.

Host: John G

On the water: 1000 hours. Expect to be back around 1630.

Launch: Burgoyne Bay.

Bring: lunch, water, snacks

Tides: 11.8 ft at 0430 and 0.3 ft at 1213 then 12.8 ft at 2049 (Maple Bay) so the currents are favourable in both directions. An approximate total of 11 nautical miles.

 

Paddle Club Sea Kayak Rescues
May 31st 2024 9-12 or 1-4
 
I will be offering two sea kayak rescue sessions for the SSI Paddle Club this spring. We will cover self and assisted rescues and time permitting we can look at towing, cowboy, self rescues and intermediate strokes. The cost is $20/person (cash please), you will need to bring your own kayak, paddle (plus spare) pfd, skirt, pump, paddle float, throw line and immersion gear. Max 6 participants per session, no prior experience required.

Great day on the water 

Paddle for Sunday May 19th 

anyone like to go to the Thetis pub??.. leaving from Southey Point??
Circumnavigation of the island – tide is fine for the passage through the cut..
OTW  10:45 ish – back late afternoon.
 
I’m okay to make this a shorter paddle too if that is peoples preference .. and just head to the Penelekut beach for a swim and them over to Tent Island and back. 
 
Thanks all
Sheila 
 
Salt Spring Paddlers

Hi Folks 

Heading for James Bay, Prevost Is.  for mid day tomorrow…..  5/10/2024
Leaving from Qubec road 10:30 am 
Mid day luch and explore 
Mid afternoon return to SSI
 
low turning tide, open crossing, potential current and marine traffic.
If you would like to join us please email 
 
P1040746.JPG
 

Hi

Thinking of getting on the water tomorrow (May 2/24), will likly be a sunny day, steady winds out of the North and a dropping tide all day.
Thinking of departing Burgoyne Bay (10:30 am) for Maple Bay Pub for lunch and return mid afternoon.
 

Sunday April 21/2024  ……   Short notice paddle

Sunday looks like a good day to be on the water.

Thinking of a trip to Portland Is.

  • Leave Hamilton Beach 10:00
  • Paddle to Portland, make a few stops and have launch on the beach , explore  …. there may be some wild flowers …back on the water by mid afternoon. 
  • Plan to be back to your Launch-site 3:30 ish

Will involve  two open water crossings and Marine Traffic  …..  approx 11 mn.

 

 

Geat day on the water and yes there were wild flowers

SALT SPRING PADDLERS MONTHLY MEETING

THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2024

LOCATION: SALT SPRING SAILING CLUB HOUSE

TIME: 6:15-9:00PM

ON TAP:

6:15-7:00  SNACKS, MEET/GREET

7:00-7:15  PIERRE – club updates

7:15-8:15   JUDE : Preparing for a multi-day paddling expedition

8:15-9:00  SHOW & TELL – bring (or tell about) your favourite/unique/most useful/useless etc. piece of kayaking equipment.

8:15-9:00 KAYAK GEAR- trade/swap/sell/buy. There will be tables set up to display your gear.

How many club members does it take to put up a tarp?

Thanks Graham for an entertaining and educational day.

Are you interested in learning how to tie some basic knots used while kayaking and kayak camping?  Thought that we could meet at 10:00AM on March 16th and practice tying knots before lunch.  During the afternoon we can use our new skills to set up various tarp configurations.  If time allows at the end of the tarp session we will setup a bear cache.  We should wrap up before 4:00PM.

To ensure that you have the chance to receive hands on direction it would be best to limit the group to eight.

Please let me know if you are interested by email

Please find below the agenda for the Feb 15th meeting. If you are able to bring a few home made treats, please let Michael or Colin know. Thanks

Thursday February 15th 2024 Salt Spring Paddlers Meeting

Salt Spring Sailing Club. 152 Douglas Road

–

       6.15pm -7.00 pm      Meet and Greet and refreshments

·      7.00pm -7.30pm       Club Updates

·      7.30pm -8.30pm       Photography from a Kayak: Pierre.

·      8.30pm -9.00pm       Wrap Up

 

·      As part of the presentation Pierre invites you to send in some of your best photography preferably shots on the water or, on a club outing. Send up to 5 photographs in jpg files under 2 MB each. Please send to    and please put  ‘Kayak phoos’ in the subject line. Photos need to be received on or  before 9 February to be included in the presentation

 

Hi Paddlers,

The annual Winter Solstice Social event will be held On Saturday Dec 16 starting at 12PM at Ruckle Park Group site #1. I have had a good response to my initial email. I have had many offers to do the main meal and Brian, Jaqueline and Tangachee have kindly offered to make soup for the event.
 
Tea and Mulled cider(thanks to Susan) will be provided. If you wish something stronger it will be up to you to bring it. Also, please bring your own mug, bowl, plate and utensils.
Small dessert items and appetizers will also be gratefully accepted.
 
For those preparing the main meal I will let you know the final numbers a week before the event. Also, I will wait until the Wednesday before the event to make a call on the weather. We usually go ahead in most weather but heavy rain or snow will force a cancellation.
 
If you have not already notified me of your participation, please do so at your earliest convenience so that those preparing the main meal have an idea of numbers.
 
Spouses/Partners are welcome to attend.
 
Hope to see you all there.
 
Gerry

Past Events 2023

Long Harbour and Walker’s hook. It is a wild part of the coast that is rarely visited but that I find quite beautiful with steep cliffs and impressive arbutus trees.

The weather is looking good.

I propose OTW at 10:00 from Quebec street, out with the last two hours of the outgoing tide. Paddle to Walker’s hook or beyond, possibility of lunch and/or swim on Walker’s hook, return with the incoming tide by 16:00 or thereabouts.

Thursday August 24

Crofton Marshes

Host: Susan 

On the water: 1000

Launch site: Southey Point at Arbutus Road

Return by:  1700

Launch at Southey Point off Arbutus Road and cross over to Tent island, possible stop depending on permission granted.  Then over to Willy Island island.  Lunch on Willy Island.  Paddle up the Chemainus River.  There are 2 longish crossings, one of them across a major boat travel lane.  We’ll paddle closely as a group.  Must be able to self rescue.  

Thursday August 17

Portland Island

Host: Malcolm 

On the water: 0900

Launch site:  Hamilton Beach 

Return by: 1530

Paddle from Hamilton Beach across to Portland Island.  Enjoy time on the beach,  and a picnic lunch, a paddle around the island before returning to Salt Spring mid-afternoon.

Thursday August 10, 2023

Thetis Pub Paddle 

Host: Colin 

On the water: 1130

Return by: 1700

Launch:  Southey Point

We’ll launch on a flooding tide from Southey Point .  Parking is tight, so double up if possible.  We’ll head to the southern point of Penelakut Island then up the west side of the island, pulling into Lamalchi Bay. It’s a nice spot to walk around and check out the old church or go for a dip in the shallow waters of the bay. There was a battle in the bay in 1863 between the British navy and the Lamalchi Band that you may want to look up. 

We’ll carry on up the coast to the Thetis Pub at the marina for lunch. Then we will take our time going through The Cut into Clam Bay and around Penelakut Spit, at the turn of the tide. We’ll paddle along Norway, Mowgli and then turn towards Southey Point.  

Thursday August 3, 2023

Wallace Island, and Retreat Cove on Galiano

Host: Sonja 

On the water: 1000 

Return by: 1630

Launch site:  Hudson Point

 Paddle across to Wallace Island and possibly transit to Retreat Cove on Galiano Island for lunch and swimming.  Paddle back to the Northern point of Wallace for a picnic, then head south on the west side of Wallace and into the marina for a picnic .  West side & into the marina before returning to Hudson Point.  Bring your lunch.

Friday July 28, 2023

Lamalchi Bay on Penelakut Island

Hosts: Bryan  & Sheila .

On the water at 1100.

Return by approx. 1630.

Launch site: Southey Point off Arbutus Road

.We’ll travel towards the southern tip of Penelakut Island with light tidal currents. Passing between Penelakut and Tent Islands we will make our way north along the west side of Penelakut. For those unfamiliar with the history, Bryan will provide a summary of what he knows about the sorry history of Lamalchi Bay. There, we can stop for lunch and a swim before continuing north, passing the carved sandstone shore, and cliffs covered with swallows nests. We will decide together on our most northerly point perhaps stopping at Tent Island if the Penelakut First Nation is permitting visits which might be subject to a fee. After a rest stop there possibly to swim we will cross the channel back to Southey Point. Confidence in basic kayaking and comfort on more open stretches of water with variable conditions. 

Bring your lunch!

Friday July 14, 2023

Grandma’s Beach and the South End coastline.

Host: Tangachee

On the water at 1000.  

Return by approx. 1600.

Launch site: Hamilton Beach.

An easy and relaxing paddle without any ferry crossings.  Around the picturesque coast to lovely Grandma’s Beach in Ruckle Park for picnic lunch before returning by 1600 hours.  Limited to 8 paddlers. Please carpool if possible to reduce parking challenges. 

Bring your lunch.

Wednesday July 5, 2023

Booth Bay and Idol Island

Host: Nora Layard

On the water at 1000. 

Launch site:  Nora will announce the exact put-in location when you sign up. 

This is an easy paddle from Booth Bay towards Idol Island, meandering along the coast and exploring the underwater shoreline as we go. It’s one of the lowest tides of the year about noon.  We’ll catch the ebb tide going out and the incoming tide will bring us home. 

Friday June 30, 2023

Circumnavigation of Prevost Island

Host: Sheila 

Please join Sheila on what could be a circumnavigation of Prevost island.   Always a popular trip.  Sheila says is COULD be a circumnavigation because there’s a strong rising tide all day.  We’ll head down Long harbour  and carry along the south end to the Light House beach. .  We’ll judge tides and and currents before deciding to head over towards James Bay on Prevost perhaps for a hike.  If the current is too strong we will go back the same way we came, using eddys to help us along the shore.  This will be a long- but but hopefully a slow and easy day. There’ll be regular breaks through the day

Launch:  Ontario Place off Quebec Drive.

Meet on the beach at 0830 and on the water (OTW) at 0900

Return to launch site before 1800 hours.

This will allow us to have most of the slack tide at the low end to get out of Long Harbour before the tide starts working against us.

Return to launch site around 1700 to o1800 hour with a flooding tide.  

Tides for June 30 out of Ganges

0920   1.8 feet

1748   10.2 feet

Thanks Jude for all your organizing!

Wednesday June 21, 2023

Solstice Potluck on Russell Island

Host: Jude Oliver

Enjoy the longest day of the year by getting on the water, and finishing the day with a potluck feast on Russell Island! Note this is a WEDNESDAY paddle!

There are two options for this paddle. 

Longer Option 1. On the water (OTW) at Hamilton Beach at 1000.  Paddle to Portland Island, circumnavigate the island, laze on the beach and hike the island.  Return to Russell Island by 1730 to join our second group for s potluck dinner.  Bring picnic lunch and your evening potluck contribution.  We’ll be back on Salt Spring at Hamilton Beach by 2030.  PLEASE carpool as parking is very tight.

Shorter Option 2.  Shorter paddle to Russell for a potluck dinner at 1730 hours.  OTW at 1615 at Drummond  Park and back on Salt Spring at Drummond Park around 2045.  Suggest parking at Drummond to avoid congestion at Hamilton launch site. Tide will be about 3.1 feet but rising steadily.  This group will self-lead over to Russell Island.  Again, car pooling strongly encouraged.  We’ll be back on Salt Spring at Hamilton Beach by 2030. 

In either case, bring a contribution to the potluck feast.  Also, bring your utensils, plate and mug and beverage of choice.  Looking forward to seeing newer members on this paddle too!

 Please specify Option 1 or 2.  

Tides for June 21 out of Fulford Harbour:

0540   9.7 feet

1340   1.4 feet

2206   10.9 feet

A great day on the water,  thanks Sheila for organizing

from Paddler’s Google Group

Hello folks ..

who would like to join me??
destination would be a group decision .. north or south based on the group. 
contact me by replying to this email – 
thanks all 
Sheila 
_________________
 
thanks for the response .. we will go with Monday – for anyone else that may be considering this.
I will  leave this to tomorrow for the final sign up.
 
Preferences on north end or south end??
We have a falling tide to 1 ish in the afternoon – and the low tides are LOW!!!
but coming in strong after that – up to 12 feet ..
Sounds like a good scenario for a south end launch – out on a falling tide .. in on a rise?
 
Let me know what your preferences are ..
 
thanks so much for your interest!!
______________________________
 

okay everyone .. this sounds amazing ..

and I believe we have our group. 
 
Thank you to anyone seeing this to let me know of your interest-  if we have anyone stepping away between now and Monday. It will be a waitlist. 
 
I will connect later to those that have responded with my ideas on where and when.
until then..
___________________________
 

Season Kick-off Event

Sunday May 7- 12-2 PM

Drummond Park

  • Pizza will be provided as well as other snacks and tea.
  • Bryan will demonstrate how to get your Kayak ready for the season
  • Day Paddles for the upcoming season will be discussed and you will have a chance to sign up to host a paddle.

  • Please let Gerry K. know if you will be attending so I can better estimate pizza requirements.

  • For those who are interested, there will be a short paddle around Fulford Harbour or to Russel Island after the meeting. May have to launch from Hamilton Beach if tides are too low.   
Training Update 
 
  • Level 1, Sat and Sunday, June 10th/11th  
  • Rescue Clinic, 8.30am to 12.00pm Friday June 9th
  •  Level 1, Sat and Sunday, June 24th/25th, 
  • HOST TRAINING, Saturday, May 27th 8.30am to 12.30pm, 
 
Hats
The hats have proven to be quite popular, so we will be placing a small top up order. There appeared to be interest in the pink colour. If you would like a pink one please contact Colin so it can be added to the order. 
Is anyone interested in getting on the water tomorrow? It’s supposed to be a beuitiful day.

Just a bit of an update.

The decision was made to paddle to Portland Is.

  • so we will launch from Hamilton Beach at 10:45 

  • paddle to and circumnavigate the island 

  • lunch and explore on Portland Is.

  • return mid to afternoon

We have booked the Salt Spring Island Sailing Club for meetings.

  •  6:45  Doors Open
  • 7:00  Meet & Greet (Tea / Coffee and Goodies)
  • Club Business
  • Presentation
  • Cleanup
Guest Speaker Jack R
If you thought an overnight paddle to Portland Island was fraught with challenges, come listen to Jack speak about a 2600 nautical mile expedition from Skagway Alaska to Nome, winding down the Yukon River into the Bering Sea. A trip like this is probably beyond the ambition of most of us, but we can learn from his experience planning and executing an epic expedition, when it comes to our own longer trips. Perhaps it will inspire us to push ourselves a bit further in the future. Please see his bio below.


Jack Rosen has led outdoor adventures in the BC wilderness and beyond for over 40 years.  Jack started his career running wilderness programs for Young Offenders taking them on 26 day or 12 weekend sessions in the mountains and waterways of Vancouver Island.  After 10 years he moved on to running the Challenge program for Social Services and SSI Community Services, taking ADD, ADHD and youth with social issues out into the wilderness using kayaking and mountaineering as a medium for healing.  Jack built the climbing gym and got funding for it to aid in this program.   The gym operated for the public, as well as the Challenge program, for 30 years before closing down over Covid in 2020.   

In 1990 Jack and his partner Candace created Island Escapades Adventures, a kayak company that also did climbing, hiking, mountaineering, camps for youth and Kayak Guides courses, Expeditions and Outdoor Education Program for schools. Midway through the life of Island Escapades they opened a storefront in Downtown Ganges that run Day Tours, sold Outdoor Gear, Clothing, kayaks and skateboard apparel and accessories.  After 28 years, in 2018 Island Escapades was sold including the storefront and Jack and Candace opened up Coastal Current Adventures to continue on with the Youth Camps, Outdoor Education programs, Guide Courses, Kayak Expedition and larger Expeditions to Alaska.  Jack has taught for Universities in Chile, colleges in B.C. and paddled over 18,000 Nautical Miles in a long outdoor career.  The slide show on April 20th will be about his last Alaska Expedition from Skagway Alaska to Nome winding over 2600 Nautical Miles down the Yukon River and into the Bering Sea.  

………………

  • Feature Speaker

    • Lisa, an incredible instructor who has worked with us for many seasons will be presenting a cold water paddling session
  • 6:45  Doors Open
  • 7:00  Meet & Greet (Tea / Coffee and Goodies)
  • Club Business
  • Presentation
  • Cleanup
  • Club Hats
    Available at the club meeting ……..  only $25!
logotrans.png
Scroll to Top