Hi Paddlers,

Gerry  ….

Meet at Hudson Point at 0930 to be on the water at 1000. The tide will be very
dropping still and the beach is long and shallow. Parking is limited so please carpool!
We’ll paddle down to Beach for a stretch break before crossing to explore Ballingall, Wise and Charles Islands off the coast of Montague harbour. We’ll continue on to the beach at Montague for a picnic lunch. The flood tide will ease our return via Walker Hook Beach where we’ll take a break and swim. We plan to be back at Hudson by 1700. Distance approx 14.5 NM. There’s an open crossing on Trincomali Channel and always a potential for wind.

Not suitable for novice paddlers.

Paddle to be lead by Sonja

-Click Here (Video)

We will launch from Southey Point on the north end of Salt Spring Island. Please be aware that parking is limited and there is a bit of an awkward drop to the launch area.

We will be on the water for 1030 launching on the tail end of a flooding tide. We will head over to Josling Pt at the southern end of Penelakut Island then turning up the west side of Penelakut. We will pull into Lamalchi Bay to stretch our legs and a bit of a walk about. It’s a beautiful shallow bay famous in 1863 for the only tactical defeat inflicted by local first nations people on the Royal Navy, with terrible consequences later for the village and members of the band. It also has an old abandoned church that sometimes we are allowed in, if the band member with a key is around.

From there we head to Telegraph Harbour and the Thetis Pub for lunch, the main objective for many past participants! After lunch we will paddle through The Cut and then head to the west side of Norway, Mowgli and a portion of the Secretaries, then head back to Southey Point, all on a very small ebbing tide. We should be back around 4pm.

This is approximately a 10 NM round trip with open water so not recommended for a novice paddler. As always, the wind and weather on the day is a factor and that will be reviewed closer to the date.

5.38 am PDT Low Tide 4.55 feet
12.26 pm PDT High Tide 8.78 feet
4.45 pm PDT Low Tide 8.01 feet

Friday July 22

Dinner Cruise to Russell Island

A leisurely paddle out to Russell Island for dinner.

Host: Susan

Launch site: Hamilton Beach

Plan:  On the water at 1615 hours.  We’ll paddle out to Russell Island and circumnavigate the Island.  After dinner on the beach (bring your own!) we’ll explore the island on foot.   Return time to Hamilton Beach will be be around 2000 to 2030.

Friday July 15

Paddle to Moresby Island

An all day paddle to Moresby Island returning to Salt Spring in the late afternoon.

Host: Michael

Launch site: Fraser Road (alternate launch Seabright Road off Menhinick Drive).

Plan:  We will meet at 0900 on the beach in the cove off Fraser Rd to make a decision about the launch site. If it is determined that the site is too muddy we will drive to the beach off Menhinick Drive where parking is a bit of a nuisance. So if you arrive late to Fraser and there are no cars there, you know where we have gone (and why). OTW is 1015.  The paddle passes the east end of Russell, across Satellite Channel to the channel between Chad and Portland Islands.  This section of the route crosses the ferry lane for about 1.1 nautical miles and the group will stay together.  There will be a short break on the east beach of Portland. We will continue on crossing Moresby Passage and the second ferry lane for about 1.2 nm. (where the group will also stay together). This section of the paddle has a brisk following/port current of approx. 3kn. on the ebbing tide so we will take a heading for Reynard Pt. which should bring us in at the westerly facing beach on Moresby for lunch. The trip out should take about 3 hours. The return trip takes a similar route this time with a 3kn. following/port current on the flooding tide across Moresby Passage. Return is expected approximately 5-6pm.

• Bring your lunch, snacks and water
• This trip is  12 +/- nautical miles
• Return time to Fraser Rd. beach is approx. 5-6pm

Ferry Schedule information: Ferries depart Vancouver and Swartz Bay on the hour. Outward bound we may need to contend with ferries departing 10:00 and/or 11:00 from both directions. In bound we may need to contend with ferries departing at 2:00 and/or 3:00.

Skill level: Moderate +

Group size limited to 8 and a wait list will be maintained.

POST PADDLE REVIEW:

Tangachee, Rod, Johanna and Michael paddled to Moresby on a double and 2 singles. We postponed departure date to Saturday July 16/2022 due to the unsettled weather forecast. And a good decision it was because the conditions on the Saturday were perfect. There was a concern about returning to Fraser Road beach on the low tide due to deep mud in the bay. We checked out Seabright beach off Menhinick as an alternative landing site and found that the new narrow gateway is apparently designed to stop boats from being transported to and from the beach. We checked out Fraser beach on the day prior to our departure and found that even on a 0.0 m. tide it was possible to avoid most of the mud by skirting the rocks on the east side of the bay. At our departure time of 9:30 the tide was still fairly high and launching was easy. We headed for Arbutus point on Portland pausing at Satellite Channel to assess ferry traffic. Rod introduced us to ‘Marine Traffic’ app which proved invaluable to knowing where ferries were before we could see them. The tricky part is figuring out which side of Portland the ferries are running. There appears to be no rhyme or reason to it. But the app helped us see which way the ferries were likely to go. We rested on the beach just before Arbutus Point. The paddle across Moresby Passage was somewhat challenging with churning waters about half way over. But this lasted only about 10 minutes. There was also a 3kt ebbing current at play so we headed for the tip of Raynard Pt. somewhat north of our destination. The Moresby Passage crossing was about an hour. And there was no waiting for ferries. When we arrived offshore at Moresby we explored the coast from Raynard Pt. to Seymour Pt. Then turned around and landed on the beach north of Seymour Pt. for lunch. The return followed the same route without stopping on Portland. This time we did have to wait for a Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay ferry to pass. When we arrived at Fraser Beach about 3pm the tide was about .4 m. We could paddle most of the way to the beach and then drag kayaks over soft mud the rest of the way without difficulty. That small fresh water outlet and stream was useful for washing off our feet. Rod and Johanna used wheels to get their double up the hill to the parking area. We were in our vehicles shortly before 4pm. Satisfying that perennial mystery: ‘I wonder what it’s like to paddle to Moresby?’ A very excellent day on the water with great folks. And hey, what could be better!

Friday July 8th

Paddle to Portland Island for Dinner

An afternoon and dinner paddle to Portland Island returning to Salt Spring in the early evening.

Host: Bryan 

Launch site: Hamilton Beach.

Plan:
We’ll meet at 2:30 on the beach for an onshore briefing, then launch by 3:00. The paddle across Satellite Channel to Portland.  The group will stay together crossing the ferry lane for about 1.1 nautical miles.

Once at Portland Island, break at Arbutus Point (east end) , circumnavigate the island clockwise and explore at the shoreline, dinner and explore on the Shell Beach on the west side of the island.

• Bring your dinner and beverages
• This trip is  8 +/- nautical miles
• Return time to Hamilton Beach is around 1900 approx.

Skill level: Moderate

Wednesday July 6

Vesuvius Beach to  Burgoyne Bay

This is the final leg (#6) in the Round Salt Spring Paddling Adventure 2016 to 2022. This is a one-way paddle.  Vehicle placement at Vesuvius and Burgoyne will be organized once the group is identified.  

Host: John 

Launch site: Vesuvius Beach – OTW 1030

Plan:  We’ll meet at 1000 on Vesuvius beach for an onshore briefing, then launch by 1030 with an ebb pushing us gently south all day. As with the previous five paddles in this series we will follow the shoreline, including exploring Booth Inlet. Bader’s Beach will provide an early lunch stop with easy landing and time to walk the large delta formed by Maxwell Creek. After lunch we continue south from Erskine Pt. into the northern part of Sansum Narrows following the uninhabited coast beyond Maxwell Pt. into Burgoyne Bay. 

We will land at the traditional Welcome Poles at the very end of the bay and celebrate the conclusion of paddling the ~60nm coast counterclockwise around Salt Spring. Even if you cannot make the paddle consider joining the celebration around 1500 at the Welcome Poles in Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park. All are welcome.

• Bring your lunch, water, and any celebratory stuff!
• This paddle is 9-10 nautical miles (1.8km to a nm)

Skill level: Easy to Moderate (due to length)

Group size: Limited to 8 and a wait list will be maintained.

Round Salt Spring Paddle History

• Leg #1: 2016 Burgoyne Bay to Hamilton Beach (~14nm)
• Leg #2: 2017 Hamilton Beach to Beddis Beach (~9nm)
• Leg #3: 2018 Beddis Beach to Ontario Place (Long Harbour) (~10nm)
• Leg #4: 2019 Ontario Place to Hudson Point (~10nm)
• Leg #5: 2020 Hudson Point to Vesuvius Beach (~8nm)

Wondering if others are  interested in joining  a paddle on Thursday exploring the Secretary Islands and perhaps Wallace Island.   Total distance could be up to 12 nm.  Planning to launch from Southey Point around 9:30AM on an ebb tide and return from the South end of Wallace on the flood tide.  There are a number of lovely landings along the route where we could stop for lunch including Chivers Point at the North end of Wallace.  Parking at Southey Point is limited so carpooling is recommended. 

Celebrate the beginning of summer  with a potluck dinner at beautiful Russell Island.

Host: Jude 

Launch site: Hamilton Beach or Drummond Park. (Parking is limited so we might need to plan to drop off some boats then shuttle some cars to Drummond Park). Please carpool if you can.

Plan: We’ll meet at Hamilton Beach to be on the water at 1630. Arrive early to manage parking logistics. We’ll paddle across to Russell Island to enjoy the late day sun, possibly hike around the island, and definitely enjoy good company and a potluck dinner.

Skill level: Easy.

We’ll return to Salt Spring as the sun sets and with a rising tide. Bring a plate, cutlery and a dish of something delicious to share for the potluck feast!

 Friday June 17.
Paddle to Portland Island.

Host: Gerry

Launch site: Hamilton Beach

Plan: We’ll meet at 1000 on the beach for an onshore briefing, then launch
by 1030. The paddle across Satellite Channel to Portland crosses the ferry
lane for about 1.1 nautical miles and the group will stay close together.
Once at Portland Island we’ll explore the shoreline in a low tide, and lunch
at either the north or south end of the island.  Bring your lunch and water.
This trip is about 8 nautical miles. Return time to Hamilton Beach is around
1600.

Skill level: Moderate

Group size limited to 8 and a wait list will be maintained.

Thetis Is. paddle changed to Prevost Is. on account weather and tides

Host: Jude

Below a few of the many exellent photos shared by this group.

Paddle to Prevost

Host: Tangachee
Plan: Meet at Beddis Beach at 1000 for a debriefing before getting on th
water. We’ll paddle across to Prevost Island (a 2 nautical mile crossing)
and follow the coast of Prevost going North, checking out Owl Island and
continuing on to James Bay. We’ll stop for lunch and beach exploration (it
is a low tide at 2 pm (1.6 feet) and to check out the campsite. We’ll return
using the same route but paddling through Glenthorne Passage and the
inside of Secret Island and will be back at Beddis Beach by 4 pm at the
latest.
Bring your lunch and water and pray for sunshine!
Skill level: Moderate.

The weather is looking great! Thinking of going out from Long Harbour to Chocolate beach?…
So what I’m thinking is meet at Long Harbour, usual place (Ontario rd?) & paddle to Chocolate Beach for lunch & relaxing in the sunshine!

Unfortunately Lisa is not able to provide Level 2 Skills training this year but hopes to be able to do so next year.  In terms of Level 1 Skills and rescue clinics, the dates and costs are listed below. Those who have already put their name forward for either will get priority, but just let me know what dates work.  If you had not indicated interest before, we will do our best to fit you in. A couple of people last year did not complete Level 1 Skills and Lisa will honour the fact you have already paid.

N.B. These are reduced prices for club members. The Level 1 would be  ~ $300 at a private company.

• Please send your clinic/course preference or questions to 

Rescue Clinic on either St. Mary or Stowell Lake

Friday      May 13^th 8.30am – Noon or 12.30pm to 4pm

Saturday May 14^th 8.30am  – Noon or 12.30pm to 4pm

$20 per person cash or etransfer. Must bring own kayak, skirt, pfd, paddle plus spare, pump, sponge, stirrup if you have one and throw bag if you have one. Immersion clothing such as drysuit or wet suit ( farmer john/jane is fine ) is recommended. Nose plugs/goggles will enhance your experience!

Level 1 Skills on Salt Spring Island and ocean component from Salt Spring Island

 May 28^th -29^th or June 3^rd– 4^th.  8.30am to 4pm each day

 $120 per person.  Program details listed below.

Course Description:   

This course provides the skill and knowledge necessary for daylong sea kayaking trips in sheltered waters (non wilderness areas within 1 hours reach of medical assistance). Successful completion of level-1 indicates competence to paddle a sea kayak within a sheltered bay in the company of one or more paddlers with level-1 or greater skill and knowledge. This course is most appropriate for students who have some previous kayaking experience including rescues. Previous experience will result in greater success.

Class Size

The max class ratio is one instructor to six participants.

Registration/Cost

Full name and email address of participant required ahead of time to register course with paddle canada

Cost for the course is $120 per person.

Meals

You must arrange meals and transportation of your kayak and paddling gear for yourself during the course. A bag lunch is essential and lots of snacks are encouraged.

Course Content and Itinerary

The level one Paddle Canada course covers rescues, bracing strokes, propulsion strokes, charts, tides, currents, weather, compass use, route planning, safety and more. In order to be certified at this level you will need to perform the tasks and demonstrate an understanding of information to the standards of the course. There is no written test and assessment is done on a practical basis.

We will meet at 830am to complete waivers and payment. 

The first day will be from 830am-4pm with the morning spent learning rescues at a nearby lake, the afternoon will be classroom based focusing on the theory and materials of navigation, tides and weather. 

The second day will be 830am-4pm with an outing where we plan, pack for and take a day paddle in sheltered waters. Kayak strokes and other skills will be taught and practiced throughout this day.  Our exact locations and itinerary are subject to change as your instructor deems necessary for weather or other factors. Plan for some time at the end of the course for certificates and kayak loading.

What to Bring

Sea kayak  (must have bulkheads or secure float bags bow and stern)

PFD

Whistle

Paddle (plus spare)

Spray skirt

Pump

Throw bag or tow-line (15m buoyant heaving line)

Change of clothes in a waterproof bag, do not bring cotton!

Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat

Water friendly footwear

Lunch, water and snacks (thermos with hot drink)

Paper and pencil(s)

Immersion clothing such as drysuit or a wetsuit (farmer john/jane style is fine) options include buy new from MEC $130, rent in Victoria, check thrift stores or make friends ☺ we will be in the water and you will be required to wear it.

*If possible please bring nautical chart number #3442 North Perder Island to Thetis Island 

In addition to the above you could bring a VHF radio, spare paddle, flares, compass, watch, and a ‘stirrup’ if you have or use one (a re-boarding aid made with 5m of webbing or sinking line available commercially or you can make your own).

Pizza will be served for lunch. Hot and cold beverages, along with snacks, will also be provided. Please bring your own mug and cutlery.