The Paddle The Paddle · 2014-11-25 · Book Review 5 Beautiful Clayquot article (cont’d) 6 Sea...

S K A B C T o p r o m o t e f e l l o w s h i p , s a f e t y , t h e e x c h a n g e o f i n f o r m a t i o n a n d s k i l l s ; t o e n c o u r a g e c o n c e r n a n d r e s p e c t f o r t h e e n v i r o n m e n t , a n d a b o v e a l l t o e n j o y s e a k a y a k i n g .

Next meeting:

June 7th 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Details on Page 3

Location:

Vancouver Museum Main floor meeting room 1100 Chestnut Street

Inside this issue:

Annual Big/Brother Sister Kayak Event

2

Spring Fling Paddle & BBQ

2

Upcoming Events 3 Upcoming Meetings 3

Book Review 5 Beautiful Clayquot article (cont’d)

6

Sea Kayaking Safety Guide

8

Kayaking & Camping Gear Checklist

9

Safety - Emergency ‘Day’ Bag

10

Sea Kayak Navigation Course - April, 2011

11

Training Corner 12

Ladysmith Paddlefest Trip

14

Trippin’ Out 14

Grand Opening of B.C. Marine Trails Network

4

SKABC Reflective Decal Returns

11

The Paddle The Paddle The Paddle The Paddle SKABC’s Newsletter SKABC’s Newsletter SKABC’s Newsletter SKABC’s Newsletter

Beaut i fu l Clayquot in Fog, Wind & RainBeaut i fu l Clayquot in Fog, Wind & RainBeaut i fu l Clayquot in Fog, Wind & Rain

- submitted by Bob Salo

Paddling on the West Coast of Vancouver Island has the potential to be sunny,

warm and spectacular, or wet, windy and foggy, but spectacular in its own way.

This trip turned out to be “spectacular in its own way”. My paddling companions

were Graham Lorimer, Maureen Benzon and Andy Barras, an ambulance driver/

paramedic from England on a six month trip to North America. Our plan was to

paddle the outside of Vargas and Flores Islands to Hot Springs Cove – weather per-

mitting!

Saturday, August 29, 2009 – At high tide in Tofino, there is not much beach to launch

at the best of times, and when you share it with a tour group of eight kayakers, it is

even more difficult. Still, we were on the water at 10:30am with the fog lifting. As we

rounded the south end of Filice Island the

fog thickened to the point of not being

able to see Vargas Island. We all took

compass readings and used the two GPS

units that Graham and Maureen had.

We headed around Moser Point to check

things out and to make a “go, no‑go”

decision. Outside of Wilf Rocks the swells

increased to 5 feet, and the fog would

come and go. Visibility started to be-

come good enough to see rocks and

islets so everyone was comfortable to

continue and we had an enjoyable paddle through the Lacroix Group all the way to

Ahous Point. The fog had completely lifted and there was brilliant sunshine heading

into Ahous Bay. We continued to the campsite at the west end, where we found a

sheltered sandy beach with a choice of tent sites.

Sunday, August 30 – Heavy fog greeted us at 7:00am. We decide to stay and day

paddle around the Ahous Bay and out to Blunden Island. The crossing from Foam

Reefs to Blunden Island is only half a mile, but in thick fog where we couldn’t see any

land was a bit uneasy! We landed on a northeast facing beach that was a well pro-

tected campsite. The wind got stronger, pushing fog in from the ocean. Coming

out of the bay we couldn’t see the north point of Ahous Bay. However, we all were

getting more confident traveling in fog using the combination of compass and GPS.

(cont’d on page 6)

June 2011

SKABC will be hosting our “Annual” Big Brothers/Sisters event at Panorama Park on

July 23 & 24, 2011. This is a rewarding, fun, tiring day of paddling and we are looking

for volunteers. The event will take place over 2 days. Saturday will host the younger

group and SKABC will cover the rental of 3 doubles from DCCK. Each double will be

paddled by a little buddy accompanied by his/her big brother/sister and will be ac-

companied by a SKABC member in his/her own boat. On Sunday we will host the

older “buddies” who will paddle in singles. In addition we will need a “free floating”

kayaker to go wherever needed.

Each “buddy” will be given a bottle of water and an energy bar for the paddle, and

all will get pizza and fruit on their return. If you are unable to join us, but would like to

supply some healthy goodies for the group, this would be very welcome.

We cater for 3 groups each day, and the organizers are never short of applications,

so we are looking for a small corp of volunteers, and as many loaned boats as possi-

ble. Doubles for Saturday and singles for Sunday. This event is becoming popular

with a small group of regular volunteers, but of course, timing is crucial and not eve-

ryone is available. If you are able to help, for one shift or more, lend a boat or supply

goodies, please contact Maureen at [email protected] (604-929-1035) and let me

know how and when you would like to help.

SK ABC Annual Big Brother /Sister Kayak SK ABC Annual Big Brother /Sister Kayak SK ABC Annual Big Brother /Sister Kayak Event Event Event ——— July 23 & 24 July 23 & 24 July 23 & 24

Spr ing Fl ing Paddle & BBQSpr ing Fl ing Paddle & BBQSpr ing Fl ing Paddle & BBQ

The Club’s annual spring event took place on Saturday, May7th under inclement

skies and cool temperatures. A couple dozen brave paddlers set out of Locarno

Beach and paddled around English Bay. The weather conditions were not the finest

but these true heart paddlers set forth.

After a couple of hours on the wa-

ter, everyone gathered at

Simone’s house to dry off and

warm up for the bbq. We enjoyed

a veritable feast of foods – deli-

cious appetizers, chicken burgers,

fish burgers, many salads along

with a plethora of desserts – yum

yum.

Many thanks to all of the organiz-

ers for another successful Spring

Fling. Mike Mattinson has pro-

duced a video of the day’s events

-- check it out on our website.

Executive & Officers

President:

Leslie Hansen

[email protected]

Vice-President:

Bob Maher

[email protected]

Treasurer:

Harald Riffel

[email protected]

Assistant: Randy Bondar

Secretary:

Eda Kadar

[email protected]

Membership:

Kallie Cunningham

[email protected]

Training:

Christine Joffres

[email protected]

Assistant: Maureen Benzon

Trips:

Debbie Kovacs

[email protected]

Safety:

Leslie Hansen

[email protected]

Parks & Conservation:

Nick Heath

[email protected]

Programs:

Karin Hartner

[email protected]

Social Co-ordinator

Vacant

[email protected]

Library:

Ray Saadien

[email protected]

Webmaster:

Susan Jensen

[email protected]

Public Relations:

Mark Starkey

[email protected]

Communications:

Simone Avram

[email protected]

Newsletter:

Alice Pletcher

[email protected]

June 2011

Summer Volunteer Opportunity for Experienced Kayakers

The Disabled Sailing Association, based out of the Jericho Sailing Center, is planning

a pilot project this summer to offer adapted kayaking to people with disabilities.

They have obtained a double kayak with pontoons and hope to be able to book 1-

2 hour paddles starting at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays over

the summer. A notice of 48 hours will be provided prior to a paddling day that your

time would be needed. An organizational meeting will be held in early June.

Interested paddler volunteers please contact Eric by phone at 604-688-6464 ext. 117,

or [email protected].

MEC Paddlefest – July 10, 2011

Jericho Sailing Centre, 1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver

MEC Paddlefest is a celebration of paddle sports in a variety of forms.

MEC Paddlefest has something for every paddler and aspiring paddler, including the

opportunity to demo boats from leading manufacturers. The boat and equipment

manufacturers will be on-site along with a well-rounded selection of retailers, schools,

and clubs.

In the past, this has been a great opportunity for our members to try out different

makes and models of kayaks.

Upcoming E ventsUpcoming E ventsUpcoming E vents

Upcoming Meet ingsUpcoming Meet ingsUpcoming Meet ings

June 7th

So we can socialize more at our last meeting before summer (next meeting will be in

September), we will keep the presentations short and from YOU, the members.

Bring a kayak-camping tip: e.g. some equipment or other product you really like

and use a lot, or a set-up trick. Easy recipes are also welcome (with samples if you

like) or just bring the uncooked ingredients, to show what a good packer you are.

We’ll also talk about packing a kayak for a longish trip. If someone has a smallish

boat, we’d appreciate hearing about how you manage.

If you just send the recipes to me, I will collate them and have them put on the web-

site.

Those wishing to participate, please email me at [email protected] and let me

know what you are planning.

Example: I will bring a small eco-friendly toiletry article and the container that keeps

my fruit and veggies fresh for days

September 6th

The first meeting after the summer will be held on September 6th.

Regular meetings are held on the first

Tuesday of the month

starting at 7:30pm at the

Vancouver Museum,

1100 Chestnut Street

Vancouver

(September to June)

Membership year

April 1 to March 31 Fee is $45/person or $55/family for the year (pro-rated fees for new members joining after October 1st Register on-line at: www.skabc.org

SKABC mailing address

Box 751, Station “A” Vancouver, BC V6C 2N6

June 2011

Grand Opening of BC Mar ine Tra i ls NetworkGrand Opening of BC Mar ine Tra i ls NetworkGrand Opening of BC Mar ine Tra i ls Network May 12 , 2011May 12, 2011May 12, 2011

June 2011

During the Vancouver Island Paddlefest, a small but historic ceremony marked the official opening of the first

two (of many, we hope) marine trails. A three-armed trail traverses the Gulf Islands and a much longer linear

trail links Port Hardy to Tofino around the rugged north and west shores of Vancouver Island.

Work on the concept of a trail from Blaine, Washington to Alaska began in the 1990s, led by Peter McGee and

others, but success depended on a level of government support that then did not materialize. In 2008, encour-

aged by Charlie Cornfield, several ocean kayaking clubs convened and started the current Marine Trail Task

Force, which developed into the BC Marine Trails Network Association, of which SKABC is a founding member.

Weakening economic conditions in many BC coastal communities likely gave incentive for significant support

from the BC government, mainly in the form of staff time to check and upgrade land tenures on Crown lands.

Shortly after a flotilla of about 100 kayaks swept into Ladysmith harbour, VIPs bravely paddled to the opening

ceremony in a large brigade canoe and in kayaks. They included:

Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo North Cowichan

Charlie Cornfield, Mayor of Campbell River

Steve Arnett, Deputy Mayor of Ladysmith

Ruth Hartmann, Councillorfor North Cowichan

Francine Burnett, Parks Canada

Don Cadden, BC Parks

Janis Leach and Paul Tataryn, Sites and Trails BC

Chief John Elliot of the Stz’uminus First Nation, received a cherrywood canoe paddle as a gift from the visitors,

who received his permission to land on his traditional territory. Following speeches and handshakes, Paul

Tataryn deftly cut the ceremonial ribbon from the bow seat of the canoe.

Thanks to SKABC members who attended the event and to all other members who have supported this initia-

tive. A BIG thank you too, for the recent $5000 donation from the SKABC Legacy Fund, for marine trail pur-

poses!

Nick Heath

Parks & Conservation

Editor note: See an excellent article on page 14 on being a paddler in the ‘flotilla of 100 kayaks’

Here is a comprehensive review on this book by Nick Heath. And thanks to Nick for

donating this book to our club library.

This is an updated edition of a well-liked, comprehensive and award-winning

guide to almost all aspects of sea kayaking, taking into account many recent de-

velopments in gear. It is aimed at beginners and its approach is based on North

American styles and techniques. Experienced paddlers will also find much of inter-

est in it, meriting a permanent space on any kayaker’s bookshelf.

Shelley Johnson is a an accomplished kayak instructor guide and editor based in

the Eastern USA. She has an interesting, friendly style that never intrudes on the

subject matter. She has also written the well received “Sea Kayaking: A Woman's

Guide” and much of this book reflects the woman’s point of view.

The breadth of coverage is impressive. It is hard to think of any aspect that has

been overlooked. For example, there is a discussion of kayaking for those with dis-

abilities. Topics include “Getting Ready; Kayaks; Accessories and Clothing; Get-

ting to Know Your Kayak; Controlling Your Kayak; Getting Into and Out of the Wa-

ter; Real Life Paddling; Finding Your Way: Kayak Navigation; Trip Logistics; Group

safety; Kayak Camping; Planning Your Dream Trip; Taking Care of Your Stuff.”

The essential safety emphasis is very well handled and I was pleased to note that in

every on‑water photo except one the paddlers were wearing PFDs and suitable

thermal protection. Ms. Johnson teaches by example! The recently-recognized

danger of cold shock is also prominently featured.

A ‘torso tool,’ a simple stick for teaching good torso rotation in the forward stroke,

shows that Ms. Johnson knows what teaching tricks really work and I was pleased

to note the emphasis on a slight lean or weight shift to effect minor course correc-

tions – good technique that is often kept from beginners.

As in many sports, there are controversial topics, such as details of boat design, but

the author diplomatically lets the reader know the essence of the debate without

taking sides.

In the quibble department, I was pleased to see that a wide range of construction

methods were evaluated including skin on frame, but composite boats built on a

plywood or wood strip core seem to be absent. For paddlers who are short on up-

per body strength for re-entering a kayak, the author recommends the use of

floating line for a rescue stirrup looped around a float-supported paddle shaft or

around the cockpit coaming, but does not mention the potential for breaking the

paddle shaft or being unable to get one’s foot high enough in the water to reach

the loop because it floats on the surface. However, she wisely suggests practicing

various methods.

Information specific to Canada is thoughtfully provided but is unfortunately less

reliable or outdated compared with US data. Examples are designated VHF radio

channels and registration of call signs, the now obsolete requirement that PFDs be

Book Review Book Review Book Review The Complete Sea Kayaker ’s Handbook The Complete Sea Kayaker ’s Handbook The Complete Sea Kayaker ’s Handbook

Library

Come check out the

library! We have a wide

range of books and

DVDs that you can

borrow for a month.

You can find a

complete index of all

our books on the SKABC

website. And if there‘s

something you‘re

interested in, but we

don‘t yet have, contact

SKABC Librarian, Ray

Saadein at

[email protected].

We‘re always looking

for suggestions to build

upon our great

collection.

June 2011

We arrived in camp early and headed out for a hike

to the river in the middle of Ahous Bay. The beach is

huge and sunlight lit ocean spray was blowing onto

us. A white sand southwest facing campsite greeted

us at the river. It would be a beautiful spot to spend

a day or two exploring the river, beach or day pad-

dling, but very exposed to wind and sun.

Monday, August 31 – There was fog again early, but

forecast to burn off by noon. The wind was ex-

pected to increase to 20‑30, and our morning goal

was to get to the northwest corner of Vargas first,

and if the conditions were favourable, then to Cow

Bay on Flores Island. To our surprise, we paddled in

great kayaking conditions. Not much wind, 2 to

3 feet swells and good visibility where could see any

exposed rocks. We soon arrived at Hobbs Island and

decided to take advantage of these conditions and

continued paddling straight to Whaler Island, where

we stopped for lunch. The 3 foot surf landing at

Whaler was fun as we all were pushed a bit sideways,

but everyone landed dry. We had good visibility

crossing Russell Channel into the Garrard Group. It

started to get a little challenging among the rocks

and islets as the swell height was increased due to

the shallow water. Conditions became more ex-

treme as we turned the corner to Cow Bay. Shallow,

below waterline rocks and huge swells (10‑12 feet?)

combined with rebound waves gave us all an excit-

ing ride! When we could relax, the clear blue sky,

huge swells and spray off the many rocks was a

beautiful site. We landed at Cow Bay’s middle

June 2011

campsite in flat calm water. The gently sloping sand

beach leads to great grassy camping under a can-

opy of alder trees. A ten minute walk to the beach

west of us leads to a large stream with clear fast run-

ning water.

Tuesday, September 1 – It was foggy with a forecast of

south/south‑east winds 10‑15. We were hoping the

fog would lift and we could paddle outside of Flores

to Hot Springs Cove. As we left our sheltered bay the

wind/wave action picked up. The closer we got to

Siwash Cove the worse conditions got. We were hop-

ing to be in the lee once around the cove and at that

time make a “go, no‑go” decision to continue. We

soon encountered six kayakers coming toward us from

the west. They said this was the best conditions they

had encountered since leaving Hot Springs. All

Beaut i fu l C layquot in Fog, Wind & Rain (cont ’d) Beaut i fu l C layquot in Fog, Wind & Rain (cont ’d) Beaut i fu l C layquot in Fog, Wind & Rain (cont ’d)

only orange or yellow, marine bouyage differences and the use of a white flag as a distress signal.

The author appropriately uses nautical miles and knots for distance and speed, with imperial units for weights

and measures, but applies metric equivalents inconsistently.

Many line drawings are included and all are clear and unambiguous. There are also numerous monochrome

photos and an attractive colour cover photo. Photo captions are remarkably useful and interpretative.

Overall, the handbook delivers its promise, providing top-quality advice. It is excellent value for money.

The Complete Sea Kayaker’s Handbook (2nd Edition), 2011

Author: Shelley Johnson

McGraw Hill, New York, NY

338 pages Paperback

$20.00 (USA)

experienced kayakers and guide books caution

against paddling the 9 km from Cow Bay to Hot

Springs in fog and/or extreme conditions. Consider-

ing the conditions and the other groups warning,

turning around for one more night at the great

camping spot in Cow Bay didn’t seem too bad.

Wednesday, September 2 - 6:15am – I woke to a

calm sea, no wind and patches of blue sky! The ma-

rine forecast predicted maximum 10‑15 km wind in

the afternoon, and the lighthouse reports from Car-

manah to Estevan had less than 5 km winds. We had

a quick breakfast, broke camp and were on the wa-

ter by 8:40am. We paddled around Siwash Cove to

Rafael Point in flat water with no noticeable swell,

and the sun shining. While leisurely paddling, Gra-

ham’s GPS showed we were moving at 3.8‑4 knots!

Passing Dagger Point we all commented as to how

true the warnings are about this dangerous coast.

There was absolutely no place to go ashore if in trou-

ble. We landed at Crazy Eagle Beach at 11:30am,

two hours and fifty minutes from Cow Bay! We had a

lazy afternoon, beachcombing and lying in the hot

sun. There was a great sunset, but the forecast was

for high winds and rain the next day.

Thursday, September 3 – It rained all night, heavy at

times. I was up at 6:30am. We decided to forgo Hot

Springs and try to get back to Vargas or the south-

east corner of Flores before the high winds in the af-

ternoon. On the water at 9:00am and met a north

headwind all the way to Starling Point. Wind, clouds,

sun and rain were constantly changing. Within a ten

minute period we were in sunshine with a beautiful

180 degree rainbow and then a torrential downpour

with rain droplets bouncing six inches off the water.

June 2011

As we entered narrow Hayden Passage, we were met

with the full force of the southeast wind. There were

whitecaps in the center of the channel. We should

have had one more hour of flood tide in our direction,

but the headwind along the shore negated any ad-

vantage. We needed a break and headed to a small

bay half a mile south of Hayden Passage. At high tide

there was just enough room for small kitchen and

three or four tents. During lunch we listened to an up-

dated forecast calling for heavy winds right through

the evening. We were looking at another four to five

hours of battling whitecap laced headwinds to the

next campsite, Whitesand Cove, and it would be ex-

posed directly to that wind/wave action. We had

built in lots of time into the trip for safety reasons so

there was no reason to move on.

Friday, September 4 – Our alarm was set for 5:00am.

We broke camp in the dark with both wind and rain

increasing as we got on the water. We weren’t too

optimistic, but had two plans. Plan A – hope the

weather calms down enough to get to Vargas Island

and Milties Beach. Plan B – if the storm didn’t let up

and the heavy southeast wind continued, we felt con-

fident we could push hard to Ahousat where a water

taxi could be rented. To our surprise, as we turned the

corner out of the next bay and conditions improved

dramatically. We made the crossing of Miller Channel

to Atleo River and were paddling on water like glass!

Around the southwest corner of Catface, we again

felt the southeast wind against us. However, with cur-

rent in our favour and Milties in sight, we were a smil-

ing group of paddlers. Considering the conditions

when we launched at 7:30am, it felt like we had won

the kayaking lottery.

Saturday September 5 – It rained hard all night. At

every campsite, we had tarps rigged over our tents

and a kitchen site. It was a comfortable feeling

knowing the tent and kitchen tarps would keep eve-

rything dry. The rain had stopped by 7:00am, but we

could hear high winds in the trees overhead. The

forecast was for rain the next twp 2 days and 15‑-

20 km east wind increasing to 20‑25 km by noon! We

were only two hours paddle from Tofino in normal

conditions. The decision was to give it a try and turn

back if we had to. The tide was flooding against us,

but we picked up a favourable current in the back-

eddy through Elbow Bank. Graham’s GPS showed

3.2‑3.6 knots. As we crossed from Rassier Point to

Schindler Point the wind had dropped off to nothing

and there was more blue sky than cloud. We hardly

had to paddle in Heynen Channel as the flood cur-

rent moved us past Stockham Island. We were a

happy group of paddlers going past Beck Island di-

June 2011

rectly into the Tofino waterfront. Two hours after leav-

ing Milties, we arrived in Tofino – somewhat of a mira-

cle considering the 7:00am forecast!

To assist you in preparing for your kayak trips, our website has a number of documents to help you along. Under

Trips, click on SKABC Trip Resource Documents and you will find numerous documents, including a Trip Leader

Checklist, Launch Checklist, Meal Planning List, Trip Gear Packing List along with others. Go on to the next page

to see an extract of the Trip Gear Packing List.

Resources on SKABC Tr ips Websi te Resources on SKABC Tr ips Websi te Resources on SKABC Tr ips Websi te

Sea Kayak ing Safet y Guide Sea Kayak ing Safet y Guide Sea Kayak ing Safet y Guide

As we wait for the weather to turn for

the better, we are eager to get into our

kayaks and starting paddling another

season out on the waters. Transport

Canada has published a booklet you

may like to review.

Noted below is the weblink:

http://www.tc.gc.ca/publications/EN/

TP14726/PDF/HR/TP14726E.pdf

June 2011

As the paddling season is upon us, I thought it appropriate to publish this safety article. Remember to check

the Trips section for many upcoming day paddles.

- submitted by Bob Maher

It can happen to all Ocean/Sea Kayakers. You are out for a day paddle, the weather starts off great, then a

storm comes in and you have to get to land for safety. Or ... you or someone else goes over and you have to

get them to shore to warm them up. What do you do? If you have a good ―Emergency Day Bag, your

chances of a safe outcome are much greater.

Things do happen, why not be prepared!

• small First Aid Kit (gauze, tape, bandages)

• multi‑tool (i.e. Swiss Army Knife or a Leatherman Multi Tool)

• several bars of food

• bottle of water

• wool or fleece toque

• fleece scarf

• fleece top

• long underwear

• rain pants and top

• warm gloves or mitts (Cortex or similar)

• **wool or fleece socks and “two plastic bags” (Why plastic bags? See below)

• all weather blanket (similar to the original “Space” brand)

• small flash light with “new” batteries NOT installed

• fire starter (similar to Coghlan‘s “Fire Lighter”)

• matches, lighter and a candle

• half, flattened roll of toilet paper

• cellular phone and VHF radio (depending on your location)

• cycling flashing light (they are small, waterproof and do not cost a lot)

And it all fits into a 10 Litre Dry Bag!

What Else?

________________________________________

________________________________________

________________________________________

**Why two plastic bags? The plastic bags can go over your dry socks and you than can put your feet into wet

boots or sandals. This way your feet stay warm and dry, while you wear your wet footwear.

Note: In case you go over, keep items in separate Zip‑Lock style bags (double or triple Zip) in your Emergency

Dry Bag. This will give you a better chance of keeping everything dry, when you really need them.

June 2011

Safet y Safet y Safet y Emergenc y “Da y” Bag Emergenc y “Da y” Bag Emergenc y “Da y” Bag

We have a new supply of SKABC reflective

decals for your kayak and/or your paddle.

All members as at May 31st (registered

on-line, paid and waivers received) will re-

ceive one free decal. It must be collected

at a club meeting by the member or a dele-

gate. Additional decals will be available for

purchase at a price of $2.00 each or two for

$3.00.

If you have already joined or renewed,

come to the June meeting and pick up your

decal. If you have registered and paid

on-line, mail your waiver in, or bring it to the

club meeting on June 7th.

June 2011

SK ABC Ref lect ive Deca l Returns SK ABC Ref lect ive Deca l Returns SK ABC Ref lect ive Deca l Returns

Sea Kayak Navigat ion CourseSea Kayak Navigat ion CourseSea Kayak Navigat ion Course——— Apr i l 16 & 17 , 2011 Apr i l 16 & 17 , 2011 Apr i l 16 & 17 , 2011

- submitted by John Androsky

Paddling new places and home again.

Seeking more information and tools for my planning of an adventure paddling for a couple of months on the

north coast of BC to the southern Gulf Islands, I signed up to spend a weekend with Rick Davies and Maureen

Benzon.

The pair of SKABC instructors took us from a boat launch in Departure Bay around Newcastle Island to a fantas-

tic group campsite overlooking Protection Island and the Strait of

Georgia.

I love the moments of putting paddle to water (this was a new dy-

namic for me of paddling within a group) as we discussed our destina-

tion, launched and overcame the obstacles of landing in an ebb tide

with exceptional teamwork. Thank goodness for Maureen’s carrying

strap systems!

An eager and eclectic group of paddling students set up camp and

after discussing and displaying a range of gear and systems, we

walked along the beaches with compasses and charts in hand to

learn to read the land and water, with one eye to the sky, to predict

paddling conditions and distances. Both instructors held valuable ex-

perience from personal and professional journeys and presented the

information simply and clearly, as we bustled about trying to imprint

the techniques and tools into our own caches of paddling systems. At

times, the smell of lean calories burning, proved the need for a

breather to discuss and assist each other with the details of the learn-

ing curve we were on. (cont’d on next page)

Sandstone formations on

DeCourcy Island

SKABC members share their expertise through a variety of excellent courses. The courses provide opportunities for

meeting people and refreshing your skills or learning new ones. Review descriptions of core courses by visiting the

Training section of our website.

If you would like to volunteer as an instructor, assistant instructor or co‑ordinator in 2011, please e-mail train-

[email protected] or leave a message with Christine Joffres at [email protected]

Important Notes:

� All course participants, co‑ordinators and instructors must be club members at the time of the course. SKABC

year is April 1 to March 31.

� While some changes will be communicated via a general e-mail to members, members are responsible for moni-

toring the Training section of the Member‘s Area on the SKABC website for the most recent information.

� Advance registrations through the SKABC Training Co‑ordinator will not be accepted. Please wait for registration

to open. Individual course co‑ordinators will be identified once registration opens.

� Course co‑ordinators are assured a place in the course and do not pay course fees, unless the fees are payable

to outside suppliers.

� Generally, co‑ordinators prefer to communicate by e-mail. If your e-mail is not acknowledged within 24‑48 hours,

phone to follow up.

� Fees are paid thru Karelo.com and must be received by course coordinator 7 days from registration booking in

order to hold your spot in the course.

� If you have taken the course last year, you may be put on the wait list for popular courses, e.g. Currents.

For a description of the courses, see Course Descriptions on the Training site.

Train ing CornerTra in ing CornerTra in ing Corner

June 2011

With an evening social filled with adventure stories, gourmet goodies and phenomenal cookies followed by a

sunrise breakfast with a cookie dessert, we managed to strike camp and hike out on an even lower tide improv-

ing more of our individual systems with assistance all around. Paddling into increasing winds in a protected har-

bor, we made attempts at piloting and dead reckoning while being blown into rafts of drifting boats and com-

pass bearings.

Rick and Maureen’s stories and teachings using simple props to paint a global and regional picture of what

weather, water and land were struggling with in their universal tango with each other left me paddling back to

the boat launch with a new perspective using all six of my senses.

Thinking back to the early days of when intuition was my primary instrument for traveling in a kayak, I chuckle at

my apparent luck. I am appreciative to now have the science to help me deduce what kind of conditions I will

be paddling in leading to better risk management strategies and further the beauty and relish of my paddling

moments both now and through the planning and preparation for the adventures to come.

Note: For most up-to-date and current information, check the website.

Check the website for required Pre-Requisites for each course.

Date(s)

Number of

Participants

Location

Contact

Information

Instructor(s)

Cost

Beginners #2 – Ocean – registration open

June 4 & 5

(+ evening of

June 3) (2. days)

Min. 6

Max. 8

Deep Cove Christine Joffres

[email protected]

Lead: Barry Dutor

Assistant: Graham Lorimer

$60

June 2011

Note: For most up-to-date and current information, check the website.

Check the website for required Pre-Requisites for each course.

Date(s)

Number of

Participants

Location

Contact

Information

Instructor(s)

Cost

Currents – registration open

June 11 &

12

(2 days)

Max. 16

Mayne Island Brenda Viala

[email protected]

Lead: Rory Sutherland &

Taver Rice

Assistant: Richard Jensen &

Harald Riffel

$45

Trip Leader – registration open

June 24-26

(+ evening of

June 16) (3 days)

Min. 6

Max. 8

Gulf Islands Christine Joffres

[email protected]

Lead: Harald Riffel

hereorsome-

[email protected]

$45

Strokes & Rescue – registration open

June 25 &

26

(2 days)

Min. 6

Max. 12

Locarno Beach Alice Pletcher

[email protected]

Lead: George Prevost

Assistant: Bruce Pickwell &

John Martin

$45

Surf (registration closed) – co-ordinator needed

September

TBD

(2 days)

TBD

Tofino Lead: TBD $45

PADDLE CANADA CERTIFICATION COURSES

Skills Level 2 – registration open CHANGE OF DATES

July 1-4

(+ evening

prior to Jul 1) (4 days)

Min. 6

Max. 8

Gulf Islands

(wheel on at

Tsawwassen)

Maureen Benzon

[email protected]

Lead: Mark Kelly

Course Director: Maureen

Benzon

$95

SPECIAL INTEREST EVENTS AND CLINICS

Navigation Practice Weekend

June 17-19

(+ June 11) )

Max. 8

Blackberry Point Maureen Benzon

[email protected]

Maureen Benzon Free

Pre-requisite: must have completed SKABC navigation course – any year)

Rolling Practice Session

July 10

(9:00am)

--

Jericho Beach

Christine Joffres

[email protected]

Roberet Conrad Free

Session is for members who have had formal instruction re: rolling or have experience in rolling and wish to improve

their skills and/or practise their rolls

June 2011

Tr ippin’ OutTr ippin’ OutTr ippin’ Out

As a trip participant, your responsibilities are:

� Wearing a Coast Guard approved personal floatation device and carrying all gear recommended in the

Gear Checklist (shown on the website under Trips).

� Having recently practiced self and assisted rescue techniques.

� Being ready to launch at the agreed upon time.

� Packing the appropriate food and clothing to maintain an optimal level of comfort throughout the trip.

The Gear Checklist (shown on the website under Trips) is a good resource for both short and longer kayak-

ing trips.

� Travelling with the group throughout the trip.

� Emergency “Day” bag.

Ladysmith Paddle fest Tr ip Ladysmith Paddle fest Tr ip Ladysmith Paddle fest Tr ip - submitted by Debbie Kovacs

I WAS THERE!

How often are we part of history and know it? I don't mean personal history or the accidental kind, or the

tragic kind but, the 'this is the day it happened and I was there' kind of history!

That was what was in my mind as I was bouncing around amongst the flotilla of kayaks and canoes hiding be-

hind Dunsmuir Island. We were about to commemorate the opening of the BC Marine Trail and I was a part of

it! It would be on a map forever, people would come from around the world to explore it ... and I was there

when its history was made!

The wind funneled between the island and the headland as we listened to the coordinator update us on the

procession. We clunked and jostled each other in the waves and wind, formed and reformed our groups -- our

'waves of paddlers' and waited. Waited for the voice on the radio to advise us that the time was NOW! Finally!

An excited voice said "yes, it's time!" And then "I see you, I see you!"

The plan was to paddle abreast in groups of 6 or 8 paddlers that would form 'waves' of watercraft. That was

the plan but we were too excited so we paddled in clumps. Clumps of grinning, laughing kayaks and canoes!

Our leader approached the beach and asked permission from the first nation representative to land. As per-

mission was granted we rested our paddles on our sprayskirts and held them upright in front of us. A hundred+

paddlers banged out a salute with their hands upon the sides of their boats, and then … on Q … all that could,

rolled their kayaks!!!

I am not known to be a crier … exactly the opposite actually, I hate crying! But folks, I found myself a little ver-

clempt!! I had a lump in my throat and a tear or two rolled down my cheek … I was there!

As each boat approached the beach, helpers walked out into the cold water, pulled our boats gently ashore

and helped us out. These same helpers carried our kayaks across the beach, up the stairs and carefully placed

them side by side on the grass!! What a sight that kayak rainbow was!

All trace of tears vanished though as Leslie (our most esteemed president) informed me " you know that the

boats on the grass are being auctioned off to support the trail … did you agree to that?" "GASP!" “WHAT?!"

Trust me, in one breathless moment the tears were gone!

Happy Birthday BC Marine Trail!

June 2011

Trip Classification STRENUOUS LEVEL (Assumes some paddling experience)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL (Expected conditions require matching paddling skills)

Code

Description Estimated

Paddling Time Distance

(nautical miles)

Code Expected

Conditions Paddling

Skills Required

A Minimal < 3 hours < 3 nmi 1 Calm Beginner

B Moderate 3 – 5 hours 6 – 10 nmi 2 Intermediate Basic (self/assisted rescues)

C Strenuous 5 – 6 hours 10 – 15 nmi 3 Exposed/Difficult Good seamanship

D Very 6 hours 15 nmi 4 Challenging Advanced

Note: For most up-to-date and current information, check the website

Day Trips

Date

Destination

Class

On Water

Co-ordinator

Co-ordinator

Max.

Prtcpnts

June 11

(4-6 hours)

Ladner Marsh B2

(must be able to

do self and

assisted rescues)

Karin Hartner

Karin Hartner [email protected]

604-803-5215

-

June 19

(full day)

Anvil Island

(Howe Sound)

B2/C3

(must be able to

do self and

assisted rescues)

Bruce Pickwell

Bruce Pickwell bruce.pickwell@

telus.net

6 to 8

July 16

(full day)

Howe Sound B2/C3

(must be able to

do self and

assisted rescues)

Kurt Connell

Kurt Connell kpconnell@

hotmail.com

(604) 980-0693

6-8

August 14

(full day)

Sandheads

Lighthouse

B2-C3

(must be able to

do self and

assisted rescues)

Bruce Pickwell


telus.net

6-8

August 27

(full day)

Bowen Island

Circumnaviga-

tion

C2

(must be able to

do self and

assisted rescues)

Bruce Pickwell


telus.net

6-8

Check the website on a regular basis for new day trips

Wednesday Evening Paddles – 6:00pm to 8:30pm (unless otherwise stated, these are purely social paddles) – Check website for specific launch site and times

Date

Destination

Class

On Water

Co-ordinator

Co-ordinator

Max.

Prtcpnts

June 1 Spanish Banks to

Wreck Beach

A2

(must be able to

do self rescue)

Melissa Woods Melissa Woods melissabwoods@

me.com

8

June 8

White Rock B1/B2

(must be able to

do self and

assisted rescues)

Karin Hartner


604-803-5215

-

June 2011

Wednesday Evening Paddles — (cont’d)

Date

Destination

Class

On Water

Co-ordinator

Co-ordinator

Max.

Prtcpnts

June 15 Ladner Estuary (Sunset & Moonlight

paddle)

A2

(must have 360°

light)

Pat Jones Pat Jones [email protected]

-

June 22

North Shore B2

(must be able to

do self and

assisted rescues)

Peter Kearney

Peter Kearney

[email protected]

-

June 29

Deep Cove

(paddle ‘n play

practice)

A1 Maureen Benzon

Maureen Benzon

[email protected]

8

July 13 Crescent Beach/

Nicomekl River

A1 Patti Gordon Patti Gordon

pgordon@

abccountry.ca

6-8

July 27

Deep Cove

(paddle ‘n play

practice)

A1 Maureen Benzon

Maureen Benzon

[email protected]

8

August 31

Deep Cove

(paddle ‘n play

practice)

A1 Maureen Benzon

Maureen Benzon

[email protected]

8

Sept 28

Deep Cove

(paddle ‘n play

practice)

A1 Maureen Benzon

Maureen Benzon

[email protected]

8

There are other Wednesday evening paddles in the planning stages so check out the website on a regular basis for additional paddle dates

Weekend or 2-3 Day Trips

Date

Destination

Class

On Water

Co-ordinator

Co-ordinator

Max.

Prtcpnts

June 11-12

(2 days/

1 night)

Granite Falls (leave Deep Cove

Saturday morning

and return Sunday

afternoon)

B2

(able to paddle for

4 to 5 hours at a

slow to moderate

pace)

Derek Kline &

Dawn Lessoway

Derek Kline

[email protected]

604-315-7729

8

June 17-19

(+June 11)

Blackberry Point (navigation prac-

tice weekend)

B2

(pre-req: must have

completed SKABC navigation course –

any year)

Maureen Benzon Maureen Benzon

[email protected]

8

July 16-17 Sechelt (in planning stages)

6-8

Aug 20-21

(2 days/

1 night)

Gulf Islands B2/C3 Bruce Pickwell


telus.net

6-8

Sept 10-11

Thormanby Islands B2/C3 Dennis Kovacs

Dennis Kovacs [email protected]

6-8

June 2011

Longer Trips

Date

Destination

Class

On Water

Co-ordinator

Co-ordinator

Max.

Prtcpnts

Early June

(4 days)

(exact

dates tbd)

Gabriola Island

(circumnavigate the

island)

B2 Terry McGinnis

Simone Avram

simone.avram@

shaw.ca

tbd

Jun 23-29 (7 days)

Broken Group B2/C3 Karin Hartner


604-803-5215

8

July 17-23

Gulf Islands (proposed)

6-8

Aug 2-11

(9 to 11

days)

Haidi Gwaii (space for 2 more)

B3 Terry McGinnis

Simone Avram

simone.avram@

shaw.ca

8

Aug 21-27

Texada and Jedidiah

Islands (proposed)

6-8

Sept 18-24

God’s Pocket (proposed)

6-8

Jul 13-22 (8 days)

Nuchatlitz B2 Heather

Harboard

Heather Harboard [email protected]

604-485-5379

6

Submissions to The Paddle

Be eligible for the draw for a $25 MEC GIFT CARD.

On your trips this summer, take notes and write an article of your adventure for our newsletter.

Submit the article and your name will be put in the draw for a $25 MEC gift card.

The deadline to submit your articles for the September issue is August 25th, and the 20th for

subsequent months.

The Paddle The Paddle · 2014-11-25 · Book Review 5 Beautiful Clayquot article (cont’d) 6 Sea...

Documents

Transcript of The Paddle The Paddle · 2014-11-25 · Book Review 5 Beautiful Clayquot article (cont’d) 6 Sea...