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Paddles By admin, on February 5th, 2012 With thirty one paddlers arriving at the Amherst Launch site by car, truck and water you would expect chaos but with a steady stream of cars in, boats off, and cars parked, we were on the water as planned by 10:00 am directly after the beach talk! With basically no tide changes there was no current, no fog, and only a minor bit of wind coming down from the North, but plenty of sun. Paddling at a good relaxed speed following the shore line looking at all the birds and beach houses, and with only one short stop for a peddle adjustment, we arrived at our lunch site right at noon! Fortunately the beach at Nymph Point at the entrance to Tsehum Harbour is long so we had plenty of room to land all thirty one boats and paddlers for lunch. Again we paddled at a good relaxed speed back to Amherst and the chaos was short lived as twenty nine boats, paddles and paddlers were reloaded into cars and headed off for a snack/coffee. Total distance approx 6.5 nm!
 The trip track
Paddles By susand, on August 1st, 2011 Number of Paddlers – 20 (18)
Departure Time – Amherst Beach – 10:15
Arrival Time – Shell Beach Portland Island – 12:15
Departure Time – Shell Beach – 1:10
Arrival Time – Amherst Beach – 2:55
Environment Canada Marine Weather forecast for Haro Strait – 4:00AM June 25…..
Wind southwest 10 to 15 knots increasing to southwesterly 15 to 20 this afternoon then diminishing to southwest 10 to 15 near midnight.
Actual Weather and Water Conditions….
Overcast with some wind. Some small chop and occasional boat wakes.
20 Paddlers Departed Amherst Beach @ 10:15. We crossed through Byers Passage between Little Shell and Ker islands and skirted around the east and north sides of Coal Island to Fir Cone Point. After waiting for ferry traffic, we crossed to Stranger Pass between Knapp and Pym islands, and then crossed Shute Passage to Brackman Island. Rounded west side of Brackman Island and landed at Shell Beach on Portland Island @ 12:15. We left Portland Island @ 1:10 and skirted the east side of Brackman Island, crossing to Knap and Pym islands. After Mike Jackson cleared with Victoria Coast Guard, we crossed Colburne Passage and explored the rocks and islets near Goudge and Fernie islands. We then crossed from Curteis Pt. to Armstrong Pt. then to Roberts Pt., returning to Amherst Beach @ 2:55.
No major mishaps. Two paddlers were escorted back after about 20 minutes due to illness.
Wildlife: Seals, eagles and herons.
The winds didn’t reach the peak forecasted. Conditions were pleasant and manageable. All had an enjoyable paddle.
 Shell Beach on Portland Island. Mike Jackson's Tahe in the foreground.  Shell Beach, Mike Jackson beside his Tahe.  Mike Jackson in his Tahe  A fixer upper on maybe Harlock I. in the Page Passage area. Or maybe not.  The actual GPS route.
Club Events By susand, on May 13th, 2011 SISKA members began arriving at the Sooke River Campground on Friday, May 6 to set up shelters and tarps for the 2nd annual SISKA weekend campout. As forecast, rain fell on Friday night, but on Saturday morning the skies cleared to give a mix of sun and cloud for the rest of the weekend.
It was warmer than it looks, really! 
After an energizing yoga workout with Annie Mulcahy on Saturday morning, participants hit the water for some casual instructional clinics as more kayaking campers rolled in. I’ll preface this ‘report’ with a warning to members that this was my first time in a single kayak. The SISKA weekend campout is a very beginner friendly event. I got the impression right away before we even found a spot in the campsite that the experienced members were looking forward to sharing their paddling knowledge and were ready to answer questions, demonstrate ideas and share experiences relating to all levels of sea kayaking. Mike Jackson, Dorothea Hoffman, Joanne Nicolson, Sheila Porteous and Tom Hukari lead the on water clinics including Greenland paddling technique and improving your forward stroke. Dennis McMillan provided off the water instruction on GPS units and VHF radios. Mike had us working on knots that are useful for kayaking.
On Saturday the Sooke Harbourside Lions Club held its annual Rubber Duck race as a fundraiser for juvenile diabetes. Two hundred metres up river from the campground more than one thousand little yellow rubber bathtub ducks were released for a downstream race. Sooke River showed it had some surprises with the current and back eddies sending hundreds of yellow waterfowl to the east side of the shore instead of down the river towards the finish line.
 A losing battle.... The result: Five hundred ducks stalled up river.
The solution: Fifteen or more SISKA Kayaks to the rescue.
Some Lions members had set off in a small boat and hip waders but they soon just sat back and watched the kayakers enjoy the challenge of gathering up the strays from the flock and returning them to the campground.
For the Saturday evening BBQ, the organizers procured beef, salmon and veggie burgers plus three types of salad that approx. 25 of us enjoyed thoroughly. The Saturday night campfire discussions were hampered only slightly by a cold wind and the relentless serenading Canada Geese.
Sunday morning 17 boats headed out from the Sooke River flats towards Cooper’s Cove on the relaxed group paddle in light winds and fairly clear skies. The low tide around Billings Spit at the mouth of the Sooke River challenged some hulls and paddle tips. Beyond that the breeze and the waves made for an easy leg down to the old Sooke Forest Products mill site on the Goodridge Peninsula near Cooper’s Cove.
On the return trip, under scrutiny of several harbour seals and herons, the group split in two at the river mouth with half the paddlers returning up river to the campground and the other half extending their paddle toward Whiffin Spit. The stronger winds that were forecast for Sunday had not materialized in Sooke Basin during the afternoon, so conditions were good for those that extended the relaxed paddle route. For those heading up the river while the tide was fairly low, it was a toss-up early on whether to exit and walk the kayaks or tough out the shallows to paddle against the deceivingly swift river current.
All SISKA members who participated in all or part of the SISKA annual weekend campout have to give a big thanks to the organizers for making sure the weekend came together seamlessly. The event and food organizers included Odette Dantzer and Eric Skoglund, Debbie Leach, David Maxwell and others.
Respectfully submitted, Kryn Zedel
Paddles By susand, on January 24th, 2011 
 The conditions were perfect – well maybe not quite for the seal launch – but for the 10 SISKA paddlers, we couldn’t have asked for a better day. Warm weather, a bit of sun, no precipitation, calm water, light winds and excellent company meant a delightful paddle was in store.
We met at Bamfield Park, off Craigflower Road, carried our boats down to the wharf and prepared to hit the water. (Literally – as it turned out for one adventurous member who attempted a seal launch off the wharf.) On the water just after 10 am, we meandered down the Gorge toward the Inner Harbour. Besides a few outrigger canoes, hardly any other boat traffic was in sight. Once through Victoria Harbour and out into the open ocean, the gentle swell provided plenty of opportunity to safely practice some rock gardening for those so inclined. (And we only left a bit of gel coat on one or two rocks!)
Our crew of ten paddled first along West Song Way, then by DND property, Esquimalt, Saxe Point, across Esquimalt Harbour, and finally to Fisgard Lighthouse. We shared the water with Surf Scoters, Mergansers, Widgeons, a myriad of seals, and a group of synchro-swimming sea lions!
After a light lunch on the beach by Fisgard Lighthouse, the group retraced our paddle steps back toward Victoria Harbour. Once at the harbour entrance we felt daring, so decided to cross to Ogden Point and return via the opposite shoreline. Our procession was only halted once by an incoming float plane, which we prudently decided to wait for as it crossed our path. Once safely back at the wharf, we summoned our strength, hauled out the boats and loaded up the cars.
Our delightful paddle was rounded off by well deserved hot chocolates or lattes, and scrumptious baked goods at the Spiral Cafe on Craigflower Road.
After today’s wonderful paddle, I won’t wait so long for my next one.
Jo Nicolson
Uncategorized By susand, on January 16th, 2011 There was a stiff off-shore breeze and more than a hint of snow in the air when eight paddlers assembled at Gyro Beach. We immediately labeled ourselves the “Hardy Half” in recognition that we were all that remained of the original sixteen who had signed up for the outing. (Although after leaning into the cold wind awhile some of us may have been secretly entertaining thoughts that “Foolhardy Half” may have been more appropriate to the circumstances.)
Led by Marianne West we went through a safety briefing and then discussed changing the route to take advantage of the shelter provided by the north-east shore of Cadboro Bay. After receiving a radio update from Michael J. about high winds and wavy conditions further out in the channel, the decision was made to shorten the route considerably (2.9 nautical miles return) and instead noodle our way along the shore toward Ten Mile Point and check out conditions there before deciding on a return route.
After encountering a few stiff gusts while making over to the shelter of the N/E shore, we soon entered an area of calm and spent an enjoyable hour slowly tracing the shoreline of the bay as we made our way past Flower Island toward Ten Mile Point. Along the way we were treated to the sights of an abundance of water fowl including Mergansers, Buffleheads and Oyster Catchers.
As we approached Cadboro Point, concerns about wind and wave conditions were confirmed when we encountered stronger headwinds and increased swells and a decision was made to find a sheltered cove to turn around and head back following the same route we took to get there. With the wind at our backs the first leg of the return trip was a bit more exhilarating with Jennie telling us later that she and Odette had reached an effortless 4.3 knots at one point.
Along the return route we were first entertained by a pod of seals that watched us with a sort of lazy bemusement before disappearing under the waves as we approached and later by a group of river otters who cavorted nearby for our amusement until they got spooked and made for the refuge of a nearby island.
As we landed back at Gyro Beach the wind if anything seemed stronger and more biting and fingers and ears were numb by the time the kayaks were loaded back onto the vehicles. The debriefing over a hot lunch and a warm (or cold) beverage in the cozy atmosphere of Smugglers Pub was a suitable ending for an enjoyable paddle.
Eric Skoglund/Odette Dantzer
Paddles By admin, on October 20th, 2010  Getting ready at Gyro Park The sunshine followed us out on the Sunday paddle and the wind was at our back as we cruised back to shore mid-day. Not only was the weather accommodating, but we saw a couple of sea lions sharing the bay. The conditions were ideal for a leisurely Thanksgiving jaunt. This was my first kayak outing with Siska and I look forward to many more with this welcoming and energetic group.
 Our leader Mike (and Eric and Monica) Anne Bruce (new member) (Photos by Odette Dantzer)
 Lunch at Telegraph Bay
Paddles By admin, on October 20th, 2010  Race Rocks Light The Saturday morning of September 25th dawned cool and bright as we made our way to the Pedder Bay Marina. The launch/parking fee was a reasonable 6 dollars and gave us use of all of the facilities. Wendy and I arrived early so I could avoid being “last minute Larry” into the water, plus we had never been to Pedder Bay before. Wendy was off on a shopping mission to the “Gear Grab” at Ocean River Sports at this point as I joined the gang for the adventure.
Most of the group wore drysuits but there were a few wetsuits also. It was cool enough that I knew we wouldn’t sweat too much in our drysuits. After our pre-departure briefing by our leaders Mike Jackson and Dan Gedosch was done, Tony Copping was the designated pacesetter and off we went with Tony showing us 4 knots plus. I was impressed but wondered if that was just the warm-up speed? Yikes!
As we 13 paddlers approached Bentinck Island, another SISKA kayaker joined us and conferred with our leaders Mike J. and Dan G. to be accepted into the flock. Now 14 strong, we assessed the conditions to cross the channel to Race Rocks and it was a go! Flat calm waters, clear blue skies and an ebbing tide of perhaps 2.5 knots, perfect paddling conditions! Off we went, setting up our ferry angle to cross on a straight line without being flushed out to the West. I used the Lighthouse on Great Race Island against a notch in the Olympic Mountain range looming behind the lighthouse and found it quite easy to maintain a steady track as verified by my GPS. This whole exercise was about maintaining the self-created transit line to the destination.
Approaching the Race Rocks we entered a kelp bed area and the current subsided as we gathered together to figure out our next move. I found the area delightful, as it was so rich in sea birds, sea lions and seals. Very noisy also, with the crying of the birds, the barking of at least 100 sea lions, and oh yeah, a couple of whale watching boats. We decided to circumnavigate the entire Race Rocks Group in a leisurely fashion, which we did, stopping to play in a small tidal race, stopping to photograph the wildlife and generally soak up the ambience of this wonderful place. As we gathered together before heading back to Bentinck and I got a lucky shot of a sea lion breaching just behind Mike Jackson’s kayak, the “Shadow”. Hopefully that picture will accompany this article.
 Sea lion "Shadow" Mike gave us a great briefing on the species of sea lions present and pointed out the differences between the California and Steller sea lions.
 The group by the lighthouse The tide was still ebbing as we left the Rocks so we got to exercise our ferry skills again, all the way to Bentinck Island where we rounded the West end to find a nice little pebble beach where we stopped for lunch. The paddle back was relaxing with full tummies and damp drysuits with the warming temperatures. Altogether, this was the most fun I’ve ever had on a group paddle. What an adventure!
SISKA Member Pete Marshall
 Sea Lion Race
Paddles By susand, on August 25th, 2010 This enjoyable paddle was one that changed continually, but worked out well. Duncan had originally asked Dan Hill to lead a Portage paddle, from Selkirk, out through the Victoria Harbour, along the trails and train tracks of Portage Park, and back down the Gorge. Dan found that the trails and tracks were torn up due to construction, and reworked the paddle to go from Selkirk to Fleming Beach. As the 14 of us, many of whom were inexperienced, approached McLoughlin Point, it was obvious that the wind was going to change our plans again. It had been around 5 knots when we started, forecast to go as high as 25 or 30. At McLoughlin it was certainly already over 10 knots, which is the upper limit for a Relaxed paddle. There were swell and chop beyond the point, more suited to an Energizer paddle. So we reversed course, and stopped for lunch on a beach near the West Bay Marina. Reflecting, we realized we would never have made it to Portage anyway, given the weather conditions.
It was a warm, sunny day, not too hot, with harbour planes flying low, and harbour ferries coursing about. Vic, Simon, Karl and I gave Dan a hand by taking turns leading and sweeping. There were other kayakers, canoeists, SUP paddlers, outriggers and dragonboaters on the water. We waved to the tourists along the West Song Walk, and they waved back. We had a wonderful time!
Submitted by Marianne West
Paddles By susand, on August 9th, 2010 “I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by”
Likewise, ten stalwart kayakers, led by Alan Stevens, met at Amherst in Sidney to prepare for an energizer trip to Rum Island. (A rum running station of yesteryear). Inspired by Al, as he briefed us on the route, wind and tide, we enthusiastically launched, eager for the adventure.
“ I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied”
The 2nm leg to Sidney Spit was a piece of cake – a few waves, but nothing serious.
“ And all I ask is a windy day and the white clouds flying” (big mistake !)
On the next leg to the south of Forest Is. the wind strengthened and waves suddenly built up with 2ft seas and some white caps flying. (no photos on this leg !). Lots of roller coasters over the waves and yawing sideways (hips loose and ready for a stat brace!). So focused on the waves, I didn’t notice many of the group easing closer to shore.
Then all became clear – the Anacortis ferry was steaming our way. Ah yes,.. that big bow wave will head in my direction…… here it comes, a head up and over we go…. no problem. A regroup and then across to the south end of Domville Is. The rain started and the winds increased to ~15kt for another lumpy crossing. Leader Al assessed the sea state and cancelled the next leg to Gooch and Rum (too lumpy). A reroute along the north shore of Domville Is. for lunch and a rest on a convenient beach.
“I must go down to the seas again to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull’s way and the whale’s way where the wind’s like a whetted knife” (you can say that again!)
The SE wind was picking up with beam seas and more white caps. Tom was assigned to lead us back through quartering beam seas via Sheep, Greig Islands, north of Dock to the lee of Kerr Is. Another regroup and then off on the final leg home. We couldn’t help noticing a capsized dinghy floundering in the white caps further offshore! A bit of a slog back through quartering head seas with one boat lee-cocking so much, it refused to turn into the 15-20kt wind. A tow attached by Gary brought it back on course for a safe landing at Amherst beach. The debrief afterwards at the Rumrunner pub, over a welcome drink, was full of stories, laughter and merry yarns of the wind, waves and adventure………..relieved the long trip was over (with no capsizes).
“And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over”
Thanks to Al Stevens for his leadership and an unforgettable paddle.
submitted by Vic Turkington
(with apologies to John Masefield)
Paddles By susand, on August 2nd, 2010 
With fearless leaders Simon and Duncan, we set out with a blue sky and scattered clouds, and the wind light as we traveled across Roberts Bay, Tsehum Harbour and along the west side of Fernie Island and Goudge Island. We all managed to cross Colburne Passage to Knapp Island before the ferry as it was leaving Swartz Bay. Proceeding west along the south coast of Piers Island the wind was picking up at ours backs (and right ear). We paddled around the top of Piers Island and had lunch on a lovely sandy/shell beach with logs at our backs. Odette surprised us with a nice treat of hard candies.
After lunch our leaders decided to return via a route similar to our outbound route, as the weather looked a bit threatening and the wind would no longer be at our backs. All was well with a few stragglers (Jan and myself) keeping up. Now for some action! As we were crossing Swartz Bay most of the group made it before the incoming ferry (horn blowing), apart from 4 wise kayakers who waited until the ferry had passed. These 4 still had to dodge some other ferry traffic. All safely past the ferry dock we re-grouped before heading around Swartz Head and through Canoe Bay. The real test was crossing Tsehum Harbour, with SE winds at 5-10 knots, gusting to 15 knots and waves at 2-3 feet. This crossing took extra effort from all to keep the kayaks on course. On the return trip Duncan’s back rest gave out. Towards the end of this crossing Jo had a leak develop around her skeg and was taking on water in her rear storage. She decided to head for the closest mini-beach to pump out before heading to the finish line.
With radio coordination 6 returned to Amherst Beach, 15 took a welcome short cut to Roberts Beach and benefits included car shuttles and candies from Duncan. Overcoming a few challenges made for a very memorable day. A special mention goes to the sweepers Kent and Roger, both of whom remained steadfast and calm (just the opposite to the weather).
A great day was had by all.
Coleen Adams (new member and first trip with SISKA)
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