Siska Newsletters

Siska's Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Website

SISKA Partners- Join Mailing Lists

by Jane Jacek

To receive regular emails and newsletters from our kayak partners, in which you will read about courses/clinics they are offering and possible club member discounts, please follow this link.

Upcoming SISKA Events

Siska November 25th Monthly Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

Kayaking Goletas Channel & Vansittart Island

with Fred Pishalski and the Catfish Crew

Fred has been SISKA’s Meeting Coordinator for a long time and is passing the job on. In his final role, he has selected one his own productions, the paddling journey of the Catfish Crew as they kayaked Goletas Channel & Vansittart Island with a side trip up the Marble River. Fred has been kayaking since the 1980s and has paddled all over Vancouver Island, the central coast, Haida Gwaii and in numerous other countries. The Catfish Crew started as a men’s group and morphed into a bunch of kayakers when one of the them bought a Brian Henry (Ocean River) first protype kayak and the rest is history.

Gliding through Goletas Channel area by kayak offers one of the most scenic paddling experiences on the East coast of Vancouver Island. Sheltered waters, rocky shorelines, and a scattering of small islands create a constantly changing landscape where paddlers can explore quiet coves, kelp beds, and narrow passages. The islands throughout the channel provide excellent opportunities to stop and set up camp, watch for seals hauled out on the rocks, or observe bald eagles soaring overhead. At low tide, colorful marine life becomes visible along the shoreline, while the surrounding forested hills and distant mountain views add to the area's rugged beauty. Whether on a calm morning or beneath the golden light of an evening paddle, the islands offer an unforgettable combination of adventure, wildlife, and coastal scenery.

Monthly Meeting Location

by Jane Jacek

The location is the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, formerly known as First Unitarian Church of Victoria. Address: 5575 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC

https://www.championadventurecoaching.com/training-scholarship

Siska Christmas Lunch

by Delcie McLellan

Saturday December 5th 2026

That time of year is fast approaching!

Once again the club will be hosting the very popular annual Christmas Party lunch at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on Beach Drive.

Bookings will open in mid November and all club members will receive an invitation to register and pay. Mark the date in your calendar as seating sells quickly!

Come along and enjoy a wonderful buffet meal, have chances to win one of the many great door draw prizes donated by our local retailers, take on the challenge of the fun game of Heads or Tails, and most importantly socialize with friends as the Christmas season begins.

The delicious buffet lunch, with vegetarian options, will include tea, coffee and desserts. The chef will cater for gluten-free as well as other special diets. There will be a pay as you go bar.

The event will be from 11:45 am until 3:00pm.

More details including pricing will follow at a later time.

Club Discounts with Champion Adventures & Coaching

by Jane Jacek

Hiya Clubs,

I just wanted to reintroduce myself. Many of you know me as an owner of Blue Dog Kayaking, going forward Blue Dog Kayaking will no longer be operating, Blue dog Retail will continue operation. For more information on this please read out press release here: https://bluedogkayaking.com/

Champion Adventures & Coaching will offer a continued full calendar as well as Gearlab products and some local paddling goods.

Information on programming: https://www.championadventurecoaching.com/

Information on store: https://www.championadventurecoaching.com/store

For all clubs for the first year I will only be able to offer a 5% discount on programming and products. Next summer I will take a look and re-evaluate if I can increase that to 10%.

On another note, I have introduced a training scholarship and subsidy to try and make paddling more accessible for people. In that I am also looking for donations whether it be time (rating applications), monetary or gear related. I have this dream of clubs having a bit more access to gear so paddlers who don't have their own have a place they can get it. Similar to a library card. Here is a bit of information. Applications for 2027 have just closed yesterday, and I am looking for two more volunteers to go through some applications.

Amber Champion
705 888 1051
Visit Champion Adventures & Coaching
Paddle Canada Level 3 Instructor Trainer / NCCP Kayak Coach/
SUP Instructor Trainer/ Multi-day instructor/Surf Instructor

Guided Kayak Tours in British Columbia vs Self-Guided Kayak Trips

by Marika Stephenson

Guided Kayak Tours in British Columbia vs Self-Guided Kayak Trips: How to Choose the Right Adventure

I found this blog post by Silke at Wild Root Journeys to be very informative! It ties in with my SISKA "members only guided trip to Clayoquot Sound", for those who are trying to decide if guided adventures are right for them. The advantages of course of having a private guided expedition are clear.

Siska Members Only Clayoquot Trip Info

Tips From The Trips

by Debbie Leach

Don’t kick the bucket! Use it to rinse sand or mud off your boots before they go in your vehicle or home.

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier

Buckwheat and Lentil Stew

Thanks to Mike Teachman for this share of his "go to" dinner to take tripping.

Safety Item - Carrying a Heavy Kayak

by Sybil Seitzinger with input from Gary Jacek and Lynn Baier

Carrying a Heavy Kayak? Try Carry Straps!

Last month, we discussed how to carry your kayak safely to and from the water. This month, we follow up with some practical tips on using carry straps for heavy kayaks, including two homemade designs from SISKA members Gary Jacek and Lynn Baier.

BC Marine Trails News

October Newsletter

Hi Cross club,

I wanted to reach out to keep you in the loop with two upcoming events at BCMT: a Q&A webinar on Nov 3rd, and our Annual General Meeting on Nov 28th. Please add to upcoming newsletters if there is room. AGM would be priority for us if there is only room for one :) See below for blurbs and graphics that may be useful.

Please let us know if you are able to include this information in upcoming communications, so we can roughly track reach!

Nov 28: BCMT Annual General Meeting

Mark your calendars! BC Marine Trails' Annual General Meeting will take place on November 28th, at 10am, on Zoom. At the AGM, BCMT will hold elections, share updates, discuss what’s ahead, and talk about how you can get involved.

Following the AGM, hear from Saya Masso, Lands Manager for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in Clayoquot Sound. Saya’s presentation will cover the intersection of recreation and Indigenous rights on the coast.

RSVP to the AGM today!

BCMT is also seeking board member nominations in advance of the AGM. Learn more about the opportunity here.

Nov 3: BCMT 'Ask Us Anything' Webinar

Looking to learn more about BC Marine Trails? Now is your chance!

On November 3rd, at 7pm on Zoom, join BCMT staff and Board Chair Karina for an open Q&A about how the organization works and the projects they're advancing across the coast. Topics will include processes for First Nations engagement, mapping, and environmental stewardship, plus answering your questions about working with members, partners, and coastal communities.

This webinar will also be an opportunity to share your ideas and perspectives as BCMT begins updating their next strategic plan.

What should BCMT focus on next? RSVP here.

SISKA's Kayak Lodge Partner Offerings

by Jane Jacek

Want to explore the West coast of Vancouver Island by kayak and stay in top notch accommodation?

The following lodges are offering discounts to SISKA members. Members can view full details of the current offerings by logging in to our website clicking on Members, then Documents. Then go to Resource Info and click on SISKA Kayak Lodge Partner Offerings.

Sea Otter Lodge

Sea Otter Lodge is a secluded private island retreat in Kyuquot on the Wild West Coast of Vancouver Island perfect for groups ranging in size from 2-12 people. Come & discover British Columbia's most untouched wild coastal region.

Kagoagh Resort and Fishing Lodge

Welcome to Kagoagh Resort and Fishing Lodge, a unique coastal retreat just a 20 minute boat ride from Coal Harbour on the rugged northwest coast of Vancouver Island. It features eight spacious guest rooms. Come and discover this remarkable and remote part of the coast.

SISKA's Kayak Skills Course Partners

There are some fine discounts available from our kayak skills course partners for SISKA members who sign up for their skills training programs.

Our partners are:

Roll With It Kayaking

Blue Dog Kayaking

Ocean River Sports

Pacifica Paddlesports

Sea Kayak Instruction & Leadership Systems

Best Coast Outfitters

Dancing with the Sea

Crosscurrents Kayak

Creek2Coast Paddlesports

Siska October 2026 Newsletter

2026-10-01T00:00:00.000Z

Introduction

Jane Jacek (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)

Convenient Links

Siska's Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Website

SISKA Partners- Join Mailing Lists

by Jane Jacek

To receive regular emails and newsletters from our kayak partners, in which you will read about courses/clinics they are offering and possible club member discounts, please follow this link.

Upcoming SISKA Events

Siska October 28th Monthly Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

The Wolves of NOOTKA
by John Kimantas

October 28, 2026

John Kimantas is a journalist, editor, explorer and author of The Wolves of Nootka. His hobby of reading early explorers’ journals deepened his professional interest as he saw how the lives of these historical figures intersected and their stories overlapped. The Wolves of Nootka, represents more than a decade of research and writing to make sense of global events during the years 1774-1792, with Nootka Sound ultimately central to it all. John takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the Inside and Outside Passages of BC from north Vancouver Island to the Alaska border and beyond. At the meeting, John will share parts of The Wolves of Nootka series with us.

In the late 18th century, a web of remarkable people converged on Nootka Sound, brought by wind, current and the events that were quickly shaping the world. Four men emerged as key players who would direct the future course of history: George Vancouver, James Colnett, Juan Francisco Quadra and Nootka Tyee Maquinna. These were the Wolves of Nootka, who fought nature and one another to stake their place in history.

John has kayaked much of the BC coast, where he fell in love with the entire area. In looking for adequate handbooks, he struggled to find a comprehensive guide to help understand this part of BC. He felt more information was needed so wrote the acclaimed Wild Coast series of books and others plus created a series of maps. The guide books are written from first-hand research. This point-by-point guide, designed for kayakers but usable by anyone on the coast, describes the details, hazards, geography, ecology, history, hikes and attractions of each location. Colorful maps and color photography accompany the text. John is the owner/operator of Wild Coast Publishing and was recently recipient of BC Marine Trail's 2025 Ray Pillman Service Award.

Monthly Meeting Location

by Jane Jacek

The location is the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, formerly known as First Unitarian Church of Victoria. Address: 5575 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC

Saying Goodbye from Go Kayak

by Jane Jacek

After 16 incredible years, we have made the decision to close Go Kayak Sea Kayak Instruction. This journey has been filled with learning, adventures, and an amazing sense of community, and we’re truly grateful for every moment. Go Kayak has always been about people first, helping you gain confidence on the water, sharing the joy of paddling, and building a community based on respect and safety. It has been an honor to teach and coach alongside you. While this chapter ends, our love for kayaking and outdoor adventures continue. Thank you for being part of this journey and for making Go Kayak a place to grow, connect, and belong.

See you in Nature!

Yves Aquin & Patti Stevens

Siska Christmas Lunch

by Delcie McLellan

Saturday December 5th 2026

That time of year is fast approaching!

Once again the club will be hosting the very popular annual Christmas Party lunch at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club on Beach Drive.

Bookings will open in mid November and all club members will receive an invitation to register and pay. Mark the date in your calendar as seating sells quickly!

The delicious buffet lunch, with vegetarian options, will include tea, coffee and desserts. The chef will cater for gluten-free as well as other special diets. There will be a pay as you go bar.

The event will be from 11:45 am until 3:00pm.

More details including pricing will follow at a later time.

Thank You Siska for Your Partnership

by Ginny Flood

As many will already know, Crystal Pool has closed and while there will be access for swimming programs, unfortunately there is no room for accommodating kayaks. We received the following message from Crystal Pool thanking us for our partnership.

Hello Community Partners and Clubs,

This Friday will be the final day of operations at Crystal Pool & Fitness Centre, marking the end of 55 years of service and an important step toward construction of the new Crystal Pool and Wellness Centre.

We have been fortunate to work alongside organizations that are deeply committed to serving our community, and we are grateful for the role you have played in making Crystal Pool such an important part of the community for generations of patrons and staff.

As we prepare for the transition to the Victoria Recreation Centre at 851 Broughton St., we will continue to share updates on application timelines, pool scheduling and rental opportunities as those details are confirmed. The necessary repairs and improvements at the Victoria Recreation Centre continue, and our goal remains to have the facility open for early 2027. We appreciate your patience and will be in touch as information becomes available. We look forward to welcoming you into this refreshed space, which will serve as our home for the next several years.

If you have any questions regarding existing contracts or the transition process, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you again for your partnership, patience and ongoing support. We look forward to continuing to work together in this next chapter.

Sincerely,

Lauren (on behalf of the Recreation Team)

Siska Library

by Heather Jones

If you have borrowed any books or DVDs from the library before summer, please return them at our next SISKA meeting.

Thanks
Heather

Trip Reports

Hudson Point (Saltspring Island) Multi-day Camping Paddle

by Pat Hill

Paddling Desolation Sound

by Dan Dunaway

SISKA Broken Group Lodge Trip Report — September 13–18, 2026

by Sarah Hood

Sunday

The trip began, as all SISKA trips must, with an epic eruption of IKEA bags across the Secret Beach ramp — how anyone keeps their gear straight remains a mystery. Those who camped at Secret Beach Saturday night emerged damp and dewy from an overnight soak, yet they still honoured the sacred SISKA Way: showing up an hour early and yet still packing boats at the last possible second. Three rebels broke ranks and launched 20 minutes ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, in a stunning reversal of tradition, the water taxi group was miraculously ready two hours before boarding and scored a ride on an earlier boat. Once at the lodge, spare time was filled by the new barrel sauna, the hot tub, and a yoga session for the ambitious. The evening paddle meeting included a leadership transition from Konrad to Liz, bringing in a sweeping institutional reform: beer, not whiskey would be the prize for leader of the most popular paddle. The next day’s three paddles were showcased and the usual sign-up frenzy ensued.

Monday

All three paddles were deemed equally awesome. The Wouwer Wall wowed, though apparently not as “wow-worthy” as on a sunny day. The "Toni Onley paddle" crept slowly into Jarvis/Jaques lagoon with lots of pokey poking, while the Nettle Noodlers enjoyed a zen outing highlighted by a porpoise sighting and an extensive search for faces on Reeks Island with many candidates, until THE face was finally confirmed with photo evidence. Lunch on Dempster survived a high tide attempting to steal the boats. On the outer island paddle A "minor incident” was reported with Paul feigning dizziness and fatigue convincingly enough to earn the inaugural Guinness Zero for acting, while Sarah's reaction upon discovering the ruse was unprintable in a family newsletter. In the evening after the announcement of the next day’s paddle plans, Edgar provided an informative overview of navigation aids which confirmed that many of us still don’t know port from starboard.

Tuesday

The Dodderers paddle got creatively lost, circumnavigating Willis instead of Dodd Island after turning around two or three times due to distracted navigation. As the first group out in the morning and last ones to return, it was possibly the slowest 12nm ever recorded. The Mullins paddle group pivoted plans entirely, rescued a duck from a cave on Gibraltar, and remained inconclusive as to whether the Reeks Island face was spotted. The Pinkertons paddle crew got charmingly lost among the islands before lunch on Hand Island and an afternoon bear sighting sent them home early. During the evening paddle meeting, Konrad diligently tried to offload the real-beer prizes, as the popular near-beer options were running dry.

Wednesday

The water-taxi group went back to Wouwer to see the wall in a better light and returned via Wiebe, the Elbow Group and Jarvis in a fairly straight line back to the Lodge. Whales were spotted. The Mid Island paddle's motto, "don't make a wake, and find any dead end" led to extensive poking through the Trebles and a snubbing by the outer islands group who refused to join them for lunch on Keith Island. The shortest paddle of the day (and best bear video) was along Alma Russel Island and Julia Passage. This group also saw whales without paying $115 for a water taxi. Ha! Following the evening paddle reports and sign-ups, Liz unleashed Broken Group Jeopardy upon an unsuspecting lodge. A fiercely contested, gloriously chaotic affair featuring blatant attempts at cheating, questionable alliances, and impressively confident wrong answers. Team Broccoli emerged victorious amid much grumbling from teams Potato and Pineapple.

Thursday

The water-taxi group visited Clarke and Benson Islands, had lunch on a spectacular island south of Turret and noodled along the outer coast all the way to the Pinkertons. The "Dempster Highway" group covered 7 nm via Nettle, Gibraltar, Dempster, Mullins and Keith Islands. There was some “passing between rocks” with minimal swell and helmeted paddlers, of course! This group achieved the earliest lunch award with an 11am lunch stop. The smallest group of four paddlers planned a short paddle in the Pinkertons but somehow managed an 11.9 nm “channel to channel” paddle that detoured toward bears and whales, almost circumnavigated Alma Russell (but didn’t) eventually made it to the Pinkertons and Hand Island, before finally returning to the Lodge as the last group in. At the evening paddle meeting Konrad got rid of the last of the prize beers, and Liz showed a slide show of our collective photos and videos from the week (enough with the bear video already!).

Closing Night

Thanks were given all around to Liz for doing a splendid job organizing the trip, to Konrad for three steady years at the helm, to the lodge staff for their excellent care, the great food and packed lunches, and to Heather and Ginny for daily yoga on the lido-deck. Next year's dates are already on the table, so stay tuned and plan to sign up early once announced.

Photo Gallery

Sea Kayak Baja México 26/27

by Jane Jacek

Information

Tips From The Trips

by Debbie Leach

SEA and BE SEEN. Using a headlamp when doing crossings helps boat traffic notice you, especially in low light conditions. We turned our lights around when boats were approaching from behind and they veered away.

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier

Gigabyte Tour - Jay’s On-Site Baking

Part 1

On this year’s Tim Frick ‘Gigabite’ tour on Pender, I had the distinct pleasure of trying Jay’s on-site baking. When I requested recipes etc., he graciously sent me this fulsome reply…….

The bread recipe is super simple, (water flour salt and yeast) but it is a little bit of a learning curve to get it to bake nicely on a camp stove. But I have made it with both alcohol burner stoves and gas stoves. The biggest challenge is figuring out how to gauge the internal temperature of you pot/stove set up. Ideally you would like to get the internal temperature to about 475 for 20 to 25 min. (it only take a flame on very low setting to get this with the right set up. The other deterrent is it is not instant. While the actually working time is about 10 min. You have you mix it the night before and bake the next day as it takes about 18 hours to rise( the rise time is flexible between 12hours up to 24 hours).

My 2 most successful setup are. 1.1 liter titanium pot with and 5”x2” internal aluminum pot. The titanium heats up and transfers heat very quickly and the aluminum pot holds and distributes heat nicely. The internal pot sits on a small bracket to allow air flow all around the pot including the top and bottom. It is helpful to have little hole in the lid to help vent the steam for a drier bake.

The other set up is called an apple oven and is an aluminum pot like a bunt pan suspended in a stainless-steel pot and the outer bottom pot has a hole in it to allow heat and internal air circulation.

With basic recipe you can add all kinds of different combinations of “ inclusions” for various types of breads, ie seeds, cheese, jalapenos. Things that will spoil can be added and folded in to the dough just before backing. Otherwise it can be added into the dry ingredients at the beginning of the process.

My favorite to add to the basic recipe is to add about a teaspoon of brown sugar, teaspoon of cinnamon, about 1/4cup of dried apples and ¼ cup of raisons.

Pro tip; putting parment paper on the bottom of the pot the dough goes into evens out the bake and reduces any chance of burning the bottom of the bread. Alternative baker mold release is shortening/butter dusted with left over flour. (I use ghee because it is shelf stabile). On trips I mix the dry ingredients together and vacuum seal it and then all I need to do is add water to make my dough.

P.S. I attached a few different pics of bread being made out camping, a pic of pear almond cake and cheese cake baked on a camp stove too! It’s fun to try to see what can be baked in a simple set up.

Basic No Knead Bread

Ingredients -

Bread Flour 1 cups
Table Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Instant or active dry yeast 1/8 teaspoon or less
Cool Water 1/2 cup
Extra Flour for dusting

Instructions -

Stir together flour, salt and yeast until wet sticky dough, about 30 seconds
Put in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, leave to rise until it about doubles in size 12-18 hours.
When fermentation is complete, dust a work surface with flour. Scrape dough on to cutting board in one piece.
Gently lift the edges into the center nudge and tuck the edges of the dough to make it round.
Place a cotton or linen towel on the work surface and generously dust with flour.
Use the scraper or your hands to gently lift the dough onto the cloth so the seam side is down.
Cover and leave in draft free to rise for 1 – 2 hours more until it roughly doubles in size
Preheat oven and pot to 475
Carefully invert dough, seam side up and place in hot pot and cook for ~50min, bake until Carmel colour.
Remove and put on a rack to cool and allow to “sing” while it finishes cooking.

Part 2

The Apple oven is no longer available as far as I could find, and its equivalent is many $$$$ so I improvised…….

I found a four inch angel food mini and put it on top of my jetboil pot rest. I don’t have an appropriate thermometer so I just got the pot hot and then put the pan in. My first attempt resulted in something that resembled a lump of coal, but with all subsequent bakes, I turned the flame down to as low as it could go, and they all worked. I found the setup very forgiving.

Here’s my bread:

I followed the recipe and then baked it for 35 minutes

Angel food cake:

This is an ‘add water’ mix that I divided into six servings. The bake was about 15 minutes on very low.

Chocolate Cake:

This is a ‘wacky’ cake recipe (no eggs or milk) that I divided into six, added a 1/2 tsp of vinegar and a tbsp of oil, with three tbsps of warm water. It took about 15 minutes to bake.

Cinnamon Buns:

After the initial dough rise, I broke it into 6 balls and rolled them in cinnamon sugar before putting them into the angel food pan to rise another hour in a warm spot. The bake was about 35 minutes. Next time I will mix a bit more cinnamon in with flour and use brown sugar and cinnamon to roll them in. That will have to wait until I lose the five pounds I gained with all this experimenting. :-(

Have fun in the camp kitchen!

Safety Item - How To Safely Carry a Sea Kayak

by Sybil Seitzinger

Be Kind to Your Kayak — and Your Back!

Safety is important both on and off the water. Getting your kayak to and from the water safely matters—for both you and your boat. A loaded sea kayak can be very heavy. Carrying it by the end toggles can put considerable stress on the handles and deck fittings—which aren’t designed for heavy loads. And lifting a heavy kayak awkwardly can put considerable stress on your back as well.

A few simple precautions:

Unload first. Don’t rush. Remove heavy items such as food, water, dry bags, and other gear before carrying your kayak whenever possible. A few minutes spent unloading can make a big difference.
Support the hull and share the load. When moving a heavy or loaded kayak, enlist two people—one at each end—to support the boat from underneath the hull and coordinate the lift. Don’t rely on the end toggles to carry a heavy boat.
Protect your back. Use good lifting technique: keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting or bending while lifting. Communicate so everyone lifts, carries, and lowers the kayak together.
Use a cart. If you need to move your kayak with gear still inside, a kayak cart may be a better option where conditions permit.
For very heavy boats, enlist four people. For a double kayak or a heavily loaded boat, use four people if available. It is not recommended to carry kayaks by holding onto the cockpit combing. This is especially the case for composite kayaks such as fiberglass or Kevlar: although the cockpit rim is rigid, excessive weight or uneven lifting can stress or crack the material around the cockpit. Instead use carry straps for carrying heavily loaded boats. – see next month’s post on how Gary and Lynn have made carry straps.
Remember: A heavily loaded kayak isn’t worth a damaged boat—or an injured back. Unload it, get help, or use a cart.

BC Marine Trails News

September Newsletter

SISKA's Kayak Lodge Partner Offerings

by Jane Jacek

Want to explore the West coast of Vancouver Island by kayak and stay in top notch accommodation?

Sea Otter Lodge

Kagoagh Resort and Fishing Lodge

SISKA's Kayak Skills Course Partners

There are some fine discounts available from our kayak skills course partners for SISKA members who sign up for their skills training programs.

Our partners are:

Roll With It Kayaking

Blue Dog Kayaking

Ocean River Sports

Pacifica Paddlesports

Sea Kayak Instruction & Leadership Systems

Best Coast Outfitters

Dancing with the Sea

Crosscurrents Kayak

Creek2Coast Paddlesports

Siska September 2026 Newsletter

2026-09-01T00:00:00.000Z

Introduction

Jane Jacek (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)

Convenient Links

Siska's Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Website

SISKA Partners- Join Mailing Lists

by Jane Jacek

To receive regular emails and newsletters from our kayak partners, in which you will read about courses/clinics they are offering and possible club member discounts, please follow this link.

Upcoming SISKA Events

Siska September 23rd Monthly Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

Kayaking French Polynesia

12 SISKA members traveled to Tahiti lead by Norm Smyth

Twelve from Victoria met up in Tahiti to explore French Polynesia in January 2026. Eight participated in a ten-day small ship cruise through the exotic Society Islands, visiting Tahiti, Morea, Bora Bora and more, while two did it by road trip. Then, all twelve bounced their way across Tahiti’s high mountains and deep valleys in two 4X4 trucks. Nine then met up with Exhibition Engineering owner Matt Edwards who escorted them on eight days of kayaking and exploring the stunning and laid-back Marquesas Islands of Nuka Hive, Hiva Oa and Tahuata. Two ended the trip with a few days in the Tuamotus.

From the left: Vic, Byron, Pat, Lynn, BJ, Norm, Jonathan, Beth, Jim, Susan, Morley, Ian

Monthly Meeting Location

by Jane Jacek

The location is the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, formerly known as First Unitarian Church of Victoria. Address: 5575 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC

Our Ocean Filmfest

by Jane Jacek

Sept. 19,2026
Victoria BC Viewing A proudly Canadian celebration of the sea.

Our Ocean Film Festival is a fresh, proudly Canadian festival created to celebrate the stories, people, and places that shape our connection to the ocean. Born from the momentum of Our Earth Film Festival and the incredible audiences who have embraced ocean-focused films, this new festival goes further: more films, more community, more support for local foundations, and a deeper commitment to the coastline we call home.

Welcome to Paddle for Health

by Jane Jacek / Fred Pishalski

The annual celebration of strength, community, and spirited paddling in support of Island Kids Cancer Association (IKCA)!

Saturday, September 12,2026
Location: Willows Beach Park
https://www.paddleforhealth.ca/events/our-event/

Kayaking Vansittart Island

by Fred Pishalski

Tlatlasikwala First Nation have restricted visiting or camping on Vansittart Island. The Tlatlasikwala homelands are on Northern Vancouver Island. The four corner posts of the Territory are Triangle (Scott) Island and Sea Otter Cove to the west and Pine Island and Balaclava Islands to the east. The Tlatlasikwala First Nation has also recently posted on their website that: “Bull harbour, Hope Island is closed to the public. Absolutely nobody is permitted to come ashore at this time”.

The BC Marine Trails Organization has received a report from a recent visitor to the area that a Hope Island Bell Harbour tour or guide company run by a first nation is using Vansittart Island as part of their operation. Previous communications from the band have stated that individuals interested in camping on Vansittart Island are requested to contact the band office http://www.tlatlasikwala.com and seek permission. It is unknown if permission has been granted.

Nuchatlaht Territory Visitor & Stewardship Update

by Jane Jacek

Kleko Kleko/Thank you for your support | Nuchatlaht Territory Visitor & Stewardship Update

Dear Friends and Visitors,

On behalf of the Nuchatlaht First Nation, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported our Nation and respected our territory. Your ongoing support plays a vital role in helping us exercise stewardship and protect these lands for generations to come.

We would like to share a few important updates regarding visitor access:

Where Your Access Fees Go

The $25/day access fee directly funds essential land stewardship initiatives and ongoing community-led improvements across our territory, including:

Trail maintenance and development
Safety infrastructure and emergency readiness
Site enhancements and visitor services
Protection of fragile cultural, historical, and archaeological sites

Territory Access & Recommended Camping Updates

To enhance your experience while visiting Nuchatlaht territory, we are pleased to share that Garden Point and Benson Point are open for visitor use for the remainder of the 2026 season and through the 2027 season.

Recommended Camping & Lodging Areas:

Camping Areas: Garden Point, Benson Point, Rosa Island, and Catala Island Marine Provincial Park.
Flynn’s Cove Lodge, Cabins & Camping:Owned and operated by the Nuchatlaht First Nation (reservations required).

Access Authorization & Payment

As a reminder, entry to Nuchatlaht Aboriginal Title lands requires authorization. You can easily arrange your access fee payment via:

Interac E-Transfer: Send directly to communications@nuchatlaht.com
Credit Card: Reply to this email to request a secure, digital credit card payment link.

If you have any questions regarding cultural protocols, land access, or booking a stay at a Nuchatlaht owned and operated business, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Kleko Kleko,

(“Thank you” in the Nuu-chah-nulth language)

NUCHATLAHT FIRST NATION

Email: communications@nuchatlaht.com

Phone: (250) 201-5944

Wanted - Site Condition Reports

by Fred Pishalski

We won't sugar coat it - Site Condition Report submissions are down 35% compared to this time last year. So, we need your help!

Trip Reports

Swartz Bay to Saltspring Island
by Alexandra Lapierre Fortin

On August 8th, 12 paddlers took part in a one-way ferry-assisted paddle to Fulford Harbour. We left Swartz Bay on a rising tide and made our way to Russell Island via a short stop at Arbutus Point. It was a glorious, calm, sunny day. We took a nice long lunch break on Russell Island, with some of us walking to the old Hawaiian homestead. One brave paddler even took the opportunity to have an ocean swim! The winds came up just enough to push us into Fulford Harbour with time to spare before our ferry. The team was very efficient at getting everyone off at the dock, and we had some time to explore shops and ice cream options before heading back to Swartz Bay. A really fun day!

Photos by Erik Deferme, Ashley Locke & Alexandra Lapierre Fortin

Great Bear Rainforest Trip, 30 July, 2026
by Paul Flynne

Click above image for youtube video!

Crystal Pool Status

by Ginny Flood

It’s official, the last day of operations at Crystal Pool is Friday, September 25, end of day. The interim Recreation facility at 851 Broughton Street will open in early 2027 once repairs and upgrades are completed. Unfortunately, this means that SISKA will not be offering any pool sessions unless we are able to find an alternate facility.

To date, we have contacted a number of facilities; however, have been unable to secure space. If you are aware of a facility that would accommodate SISKA, please reach out to Ginny Flood @ onwater@siska.ca.

For additional information, I’ve attached the City’s Official Statement:

Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will close permanently on Sept. 25, 2026, to allow for construction of the City's new health and wellness facility.

Recreation services will transition to the City's interim recreation facility at 851 Broughton St., which will be named Victoria Recreation Centre. Following a water leak incident earlier this summer, repairs and upgrades are underway, and the facility is expected to open in early 2027.

Victoria Recreation Centre will provide continued access to recreation services while the permanent replacement facility is being built. The interim facility will include expanded fitness areas, group fitness rooms, a gymnasium and squash courts, as well as a smaller pool that will support lessons, swim clubs and aquafit.

Additional information about the closure, transition plans and project status is available in the City's latest news update. We have also attached a document with key messages and an FAQ to help answer some of the questions you may have. Please feel free to redirect any questions about your specific contract to me.

Thank you for your continued interest in this project. We will continue to share updates as additional information becomes available.

Thanks,

Lauren Bouchard (she/her)

Aquatic Leader

Parks & Recreation

Tips From The Trips

by Debbie Leach

HANG IN THERE. Straps for your eyewear make sense whether you are on or in the water. Especially for prescription lenses.

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier

CHICKPEA COCONUT CURRY BOWL

If you have room in your kayak, this can be made easily in camp. If it’s a long trip, everything can be dehydrated, either as a meal or in ingredient form. Enjoy!

Sauté onions, garlic, ginger, and pepper in the oil. Add in remaining ingredients and simmer until flavours are blended. Serve over rice.

Safety Item - Perimeter Lines

by Sybil Seitzinger

Photo credit: Image by Brian Justesen from Pixabay

Perimeter Lines — An Important Safety Feature of Your Kayak’s Deck Lines
By Sybil Seitzinger with input from Mike Teachman and Andrew Cusack

Perimeter lines are made of static (non-stretch) cord that runs along the outer edges of the bow and stern of a sea kayak. Unlike the stretchy bungee cord that secures gear to the kayak’s deck, perimeter lines are an essential safety feature used in re-entry and towing situations. Members should be aware that perimeter lines are required on all kayaks participating in SISKA paddle trips. The trip leader has the authority to deny participation if a participant’s kayak does not have satisfactory perimeter deck lines.

Why are perimeter lines so important?

Self-rescue: They give you something secure and easy to grab if you are in the water, helping you stay connected to your kayak in wind and waves.
Assisted rescue: They allow another paddler to quickly grab, maneuver and hold your kayak during an assisted re-entry.
Towing and assistance: They provide secure points for quickly attaching a tow line or contact-tow lines, typically with a carabiner clipped to the perimeter line.
Rafting-up and handling: They make it much easier to hold kayaks together or maneuver a kayak in the water.

What makes a good perimeter line?

Perimeter lines should be strong, static (non-stretch), securely attached and easy to grab. Marine-grade nylon or polyester cord, typically about 4–5 mm in diameter, is commonly used. Reflective line can make the kayak—and its grab lines—more visible in low-light conditions. The lines should be sufficiently raised from the deck that they can be grabbed easily, including with cold or gloved hands. Short sections of flexible tubing can be used to cover the line on either side of the cockpit to make it easier to grab and hold onto the kayak.

Check your kayak
Regularly check that your perimeter lines are:

secure and firmly attached – check fittings and knots
in good condition – aren’t frayed, brittle, or otherwise damaged
tight enough to remain useful but have enough slack to grab quickly with a glove on.

Bottom line: In a capsize or rescue, perimeter lines may be what allows you or another paddler to maintain control of the kayak. They are an integral part of your deck rigging and essential sea-kayak safety equipment.

BC Marine Trails News

August Newsletter

SISKA's Kayak Lodge Partner Offerings

by Jane Jacek

Want to explore the West coast of Vancouver Island by kayak and stay in top notch accommodation?

Sea Otter Lodge

Kagoagh Resort and Fishing Lodge

SISKA's Kayak Skills Course Partners

There are some fine discounts available from our kayak skills course partners for SISKA members who sign up for their skills training programs.

Our partners are:

Roll With It Kayaking

Blue Dog Kayaking

Go Kayak

Ocean River Sports

Pacifica Paddlesports

Sea Kayak Instruction & Leadership Systems

Best Coast Outfitters

Dancing with the Sea

Crosscurrents Kayak

Creek2Coast Paddlesports

Siska August 2026 Newsletter

2026-08-01T00:00:00.000Z

Introduction

Jane Jacek (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)

Convenient Links

Siska's Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Website

SISKA Partners- Join Mailing Lists

by Jane Jacek

To receive regular emails and newsletters from our kayak partners, in which you will read about courses/clinics they are offering and possible club member discounts, please follow this link.

Upcoming SISKA Events

Siska Monthly Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

No Meetings until September. See you on the water!

Monthly Meeting Location

by Jane Jacek

The location is the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, formerly known as First Unitarian Church of Victoria. Address: 5575 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC

https://www.bchydro.com/content/dam/BCHydro/customer-portal/documents/projects/victoria-cable-replacement/victoria-esquimalt-construction-report-15-2026jul24.pdf

Upcoming Paddle Canada Course Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills for SISKA Members

by Jo Nicolson

Coaches Jo Nicolson and Michael Egilson are offering PC Level 2 on two September weekends: September 12-13, and 19-20, 2026. This course includes one night of camping September 19. Building on the skills developed in Level 1, Level 2 refines existing skills and adds new ones allowing the paddler to handle more challenging sea conditions with comfort and confidence. If interested or for more information, email Jo at jnicolson13@shaw.ca or Michael at michael.egilsson@gmail.com.

Upcoming Raft-Up Combined Event Sept 15-16

by Jane Jacek

2026 Comox Valley Raft-Up

2026 Raft Up Info

Closure of the Gorge waterway (at the Selkirk Trestle) in August

by Marika Stephenson / Edmond Duggan

Info Here

More Info From BC Hydro

We've posted our latest project community project construction report, and the July report covers the project’s status and construction activities along the cable route with a focus on Banfield Park, Viaduct Park and the mainly the Gorge Waterway.

Report link:

Please note the Gorge Waterway marine closure, on the west side of the Selkirk Trestle, is tracking to begin August 17. A media notice will be issued in advance of the closure. Rogers TV just posted a story that was filmed on Wednesday that covers the Gorge Waterway work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpYylSYkmec&t=1s

These project community construction reports are issued each month. Please forward to others who may be interested. The project website is regularly updated and is at www.bchydro.com/victoriatoesquimalt. The next monthly report is planned to be issued around August 31.

The Galloping Goose Regional Trail detour route may shift around the end of August. Please see this City/CRD postcard PDF on the detour route and please follow https://www.crd.ca/rtwl.

Any questions please let me know. Please note I will be on holiday after today and will be returning August 4.

Thank you for your ongoing patience on this project.

I have also included below a project notice that I issued on Wednesday on the Victoria to Saanich Cable Replacement Project. A very similar project though more than two times the cable length. If you would like to be added to that distribution list please let me know. You can also follow the project web page.

Regards, Stephen

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Lead
Capital Projects
Steve.watson@bchydro.com
1-250-616-9888

BC Hydro: Victoria to Saanich Cable Replacement Project - investigative work along 7.4 km route begins the week of August 4

Hello everyone,

Please see link to the media notice, issued this morning, on the upcoming investigative work on Interurban Rd, Burnside Rd, Alpha St, Douglas St, and Summit Ave:

https://www.bchydro.com/news/press_centre/news_releases/2026/victoria-saanich-cable-upgrade.html

The media notice is located on the project web page, and some project information has been updated:www.bchydro.com/victoriatosaanich. It includes a new project map with the existing cable route and the replacement cable route:

https://www.bchydro.com/content/dam/BCHydro/customer-portal/documents/projects/victoria-cable-replacement/victoria-saanich-cable-project-map.pdf

There will be some in-person and virtual project open houses this fall. Dates to be announced. We will begin project updates going forward, including on how the investigative work is progressing.

If interested, feel free to check out the monthly construction reports, posted since early 2024, on the website for the Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project:

https://www.bchydro.com/victoriatoesquimalt.

We’re aiming to have that new cable in-service this November.

Any questions let me know. Jason Macnaughton will be working with me on communications and community engagement on this project, with a focus on the work within the District of Saanich. His contact info is on the website. Please note I will be away end of day July 24 and returning August 4.

Regards, Stephen

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Lead Capital Projects Steve.watson@bchydro.com
1-250-616-9888

Trip Reports

A Death-Defying Passage Through Hole In The Wall

by Dan Dunaway

https://ccka.co.uk/newsite/

Island View to D'Arcy Island

by Marika Stephenson

Nine paddlers ventured out to D'Arcy Island from Island View Beach and won the lottery by having the most perfect calm waters throughout the day. This paddle is one of the most challenging to organize due to sea state conditions that can quickly deteriorate for the long 3nm crossing. Let's hope we can organize another paddle out to this magical area soon!

Sea Otter Lodge - July 20-24, 2026

by Debbie Leach

Gliding past colourful ochre sea stars and giant green anemones; pausing to watch sea otters in the middle distance. And calling ‘whale!’ as a humpback meandered through the islands near the lodge. Just another memorable day of glamping in Kyuquot Sound.

Last year Jane Jacek had learned about Sea Otter Lodge and went there with the “Salish Salties” group of paddlers. This July she organized a return trip with Gary, their friend Heather from New Zealand, and nine friends.

The group met at Fair Harbour which is a 1¾ hour drive on a decent gravel road off the Island Highway. Some of us stopped for lunch in Zeballos enroute. After unloading on the dock at Fair Harbor we parked in the overflow lot close to the campground. The trip to Sea Otter Lodge (on Kon Tiki Island near Kyuquot) took about 30 minutes - in two Voyager water taxis driven by Leo Jack and his daughter Trinity. We were greeted by owners Skip and Susan who showed us around the Lodge. The couples took the 4 bedrooms on the main floor and 4 solo women shared the upper floor bedroom with its ensuite and deck. Although the Lodge had WIFI and was well-appointed, we had to shower one-at-a-time to ensure no cold shocks - so we employed a shower stick and ‘passed the baton’. It was cozy seating 12 of us around the dining table; the great room or shady back deck were useful for paddle planning. If we’d had a rainy day there would be plenty of books and DVD’s to keep us busy. The walk around the island was a pleasant 8 minute circuit through the woods.

We had light winds for 3 days and the last one was overcast with less than 10 knots wind. Low tides at mid day made for easy launching from the cobble beach down from the Lodge and dock. Gary and Jane lead paddles after group decision-making the previous evening. We were on the water by 9 a.m. and typically back by 2 pm to avoid afternoon winds.

Gary’s tracks summarized our routes. We experienced SW swell and had a few long crossings.

Monday we paddled to Spring Island for lunch and a chance to explore the campsite, conduct a Site Condition Report for BC Marine Trails, hike to the abandoned radar station and basketball court as well as collect marine debris.(Red line, 8.1 NM) Challenges included SW swells and longer crossings.

Tuesday's route was to Union Island and an exploration of Kyuquot Bay where we ate lunch at an abandoned campsite on a rocky shore. (Yellow-green line, 9.7 NM).

Wednesday's shoreline paddle took us to McLean Island. On the way back we pulled in below the dock in Kyuquot (used by the Uchuck) , shopped at the store and walked 10 minutes along the shore but knew the restaurant at Kyuquot Inn wasn’t open til 4:30. Some of us ventured into McKay Cove where we spied a black bear grazing. (Turquoise line, 10.1 NM)

Thursday’s route was up Crowther Channel (with traffic signs posted in the trees) to Surprise Island. (Dark blue line, 8.7 NM] Be careful, since power boats zip up and down this channel!

Paddlers brought their own breakfasts and lunches and 4 pairs took turns preparing dinners. Jaceks provided appies featuring local salmon and cheeses with baklava and chocolate for dessert..

Our group shared good times and tasty meals as well as fond memories and photos/tracks. We learned that Nanaimo Paddlers would be staying the next week. They return often and SISKA members should take advantage of this opportunity to experience the west coast and relax in comfort at Sea Otter Lodge.

Kayaking In Ireland

by Norm Smyth / Vic Turkington

While in Ireland in July, Norm Smyth met John Vance, a very accomplished sea kayaker and past president of the Causeway Coast Kayaking Association. This club has 77 members plus spare kayaks and gear, and is partnered with SISKA to assist club members do kayaking trips in each other’s waters.

Vic Turkington is SISKA’s point of contact. Anyone wanting to do some kayaking in Ireland should contact Vic (victorturkington@gmail.com) who has maps and documents to lend you and has the contact information for CCSA’s John Vance.

Tips From The Trips

by Debbie Leach

TAKE A BOW. Line, that is. Keeping a line on your bow makes it easy to tie up onshore, launch or land your kayak from a dock, line through shallows and tie down on your car.

Camp Cookery

by Lynn Baier

Cold Soak Salad

Of the many cold soak salad recipes out there, this one especially appeals to me. Very nice for a summer lunch.

https://www.backpackingchef.com/zesty-apple-bulgur-cold-soak-salad.html

Safety Item

by Sybil Seitzinger

Marine Radios: "Line of Sight" Really Matters

So, everyone has a marine radio and operator's certificate now, right? …And you always carry your radio when you're on the water? Great! We all know VHF marine radios work only in line of sight. But it's surprising how little land it takes to block the signal. Picture this: you're paddling with a buddy along the coast. You look up and they're gone. You call them on the agreed Channel 69 for communication—no response. You try again a few minutes later. Still nothing. Why are they not responding? You imagine the worst (e.g., flipped over; couldn’t self-rescue and have drifted out of sight). You search ahead and behind, but there's no sign of them or their kayak. As 20–30 minutes pass, you're beginning to wonder whether it's time to call the Coast Guard.

Then your buddy finally appears, paddling around a small headland just across the bay. What happened? The headland blocked the radio signal. Your buddy had been calling you too and was searching but in the opposite direction from you, and neither of you was within line of sight. When they couldn't reach you, they retraced their route to the last place they'd seen you—and eventually found you.

Of course, we all know we should stay within line of sight—but sometimes the unexpected happens. The next time you're out paddling, try an experiment. Have one paddler remain in place while the other disappears behind a point of land, staying in radio contact until the signal is lost. You may be surprised how little rock or shoreline it takes to block a VHF transmission. Understanding your radio's limitations can help prevent unnecessary worry—and perhaps save an embarrassing call to the Coast Guard.

BC Marine Trails News

July Newsletter

SISKA's Kayak Lodge Partner Offerings

by Jane Jacek

Want to explore the West coast of Vancouver Island by kayak and stay in top notch accommodation?

Sea Otter Lodge

Kagoagh Resort and Fishing Lodge

SISKA's Kayak Skills Course Partners

There are some fine discounts available from our kayak skills course partners for SISKA members who sign up for their skills training programs.

Our partners are:

Roll With It Kayaking

Blue Dog Kayaking

Go Kayak

Ocean River Sports

Pacifica Paddlesports

Sea Kayak Instruction & Leadership Systems

Best Coast Outfitters

Dancing with the Sea

Crosscurrents Kayak

Siska July 2026 Newsletter

2026-07-01T00:00:00.000Z

Introduction

Jane Jacek (SISKA president) and Tony Playfair (editor)

Convenient Links

Siska's Newsletter Archive - Mailchimp or Siska Newsletters Website

SISKA Partners- Join Mailing Lists

by Jane Jacek

To receive regular emails and newsletters from our kayak partners, in which you will read about courses/clinics they are offering and possible club member discounts, please follow this link.

Upcoming SISKA Events

Upcoming Combined Event

by Jane Jacek

2026 Comox Valley Raft-Up

2026 Raft Up Info

Siska July/August Monthly Meeting Agenda

by Fred Pishalski

No Meetings until September. See you on the water!

Monthly Meeting Location

by Jane Jacek

The location is the Unitarian Universalist Community of Victoria, formerly known as First Unitarian Church of Victoria. Address: 5575 West Saanich Road Victoria, BC