This is an opportunity for members to join each other and have some fun on the water. It is open to anyone from any program. We will be on the water for approximately 2 hours. The trip will be up to Portage Inlet and back, weather permitting.
This would be a great opportunity to explore some new paddling experiences as part of a group
This would be a great opportunity to explore some new paddling experiences as part of a group.
Refine your skills and teamwork to quickly and efficiently paddle a tandem canoe in any direction. Master linking paddling manoeuvres together smoothly and efficiently to enhance your ability and enjoyment of canoeing.
Topics include:
• Running and regular sideslips
• Extended straight line paddling
• Sharp forward & reverse turns
• Bracing strokes
• Advanced tandem rescues (Wet/Dry suit recommended)
• Ropes and knots
• Canoe repair
• Handling wind and waves
Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Advanced Tandem course in a full-day session normally held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.
All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.
PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Level 2 or equivalent. You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.
Please register online now to secure your spot. You can delay paying until one week before the course date; a payment reminder email will be sent at that time.
Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor one week before the course.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca
Hi VCKC Kayakers and Canoeists,
We're going to be headed to Portland Island for a day trip on Sunday October 4 2020. Portland Island is north of Sidney and is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Our trip starts at the Amherst Ave kayak launch in Sidney. We'll paddle towards Fernie and Gouge Islands to the north and then through Stranger pass between Knapp and Pym Islands. From there it's a 2km open water paddle to reach Shell beach on Portland Island. We'll have lunch there. After lunch, our return trip will explore the shoreline of Portland Island to the Tortoise Islets. Then, a 2km open water paddle back to Pym Island. We'll follow the W shoreline of Coal Island and then across to check out what's happening at the Little Group islands and finally back to our launch at Amherst Ave. About 10nm (18.5km) total distance.
The Amherst launch does not have washroom facilities, but our lunch stop at Shell beach has pit toilets.
Optional wet exit and rescue training to finish off the trip.
Click here to see our route
Paddle Distance: approx 10nm (18.5km) which is roughly 4 hours of continuous paddling.
Capacity: Max of 12 boats
Trip Leaders: Mike Teachman, Ryan Ovens
Skill Level and Experience: Intermediate
Participants will have certification (or equiv skills) of:
Paddle Canada Kayak Basic or RCABC Canoe Lakewater 1
Paddle Canada Kayak Basic
or
RCABC Canoe Lakewater 1
and
Have recent ocean paddling experience (e.g. club or personal trips) and can paddle a distance of 10nm (18.5km)
If you are unsure about the suitability of your skills, equipment or clothing, please contact a trip leader for advice prior to the paddle date.
The Plan (please read carefully):
Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 10:00 AM If you are bringing your own boat arrive at the Amherst Ave kayak launch by 9:30 am. If you will be borrowing a club boat or helping to transport a club boat meet at the VCKC clubhouse by 8:30am. We anticipate being back to Amherst Ave between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm
Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 10:00 AM
If you are bringing your own boat arrive at the Amherst Ave kayak launch by 9:30 am.
If you will be borrowing a club boat or helping to transport a club boat meet at the VCKC clubhouse by 8:30am.
We anticipate being back to Amherst Ave between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm
What to Bring
Safety Gear: Boats must carry the following safety equipment. PDF for each person (worn) whistle bailing device e.g. pump or bailer throw rope painter on both ends (canoeists only) spare paddle (canoeists only) Lunch: We'll be stopping for lunch at Shell beach on Portland Island. There are toilets.
Safety Gear: Boats must carry the following safety equipment.
Lunch: We'll be stopping for lunch at Shell beach on Portland Island. There are toilets.
What to Wear
This is an ocean paddle with an open exposed crossing. As a minimum you will need to wear a neoprene farmer john/jane wetsuit. For example, clothing such as nylon pants and synthetic top will not be allowed for this trip.
When was the last time you flipped your kayak or canoe and practiced getting out and then back in? There will be no better time and conditions to practice this skill than right at the end of our trip, in the safe and warm-ish shallows of the bay at the Amherst launch. This is 100% optional for everyone There is no pressure at all to participate. Usually this is fun with a lot of laughs. There is guaranteed to be one rescue - Mike will be going in and will need someone to rescue him!
Participants are asked to bring a face mask and hand sanitizer in case either is required. We will maintain recommended Covid distances at all times during the event In order to be eligible to participate you will have attended an orientation session on the Covid protocols and signed a waiver.
If you need to borrow a club boat
send an email request to: kayakbooking@vckc.ca or canoebooking@vckc.ca Any participant who borrows a club boat will meet at the clubhouse at 8:30am for pickup. And, return to the clubhouse afterwards to clean the boat and all accessories
send an email request to:
kayakbooking@vckc.ca
canoebooking@vckc.ca
Any participant who borrows a club boat will meet at the clubhouse at 8:30am for pickup. And, return to the clubhouse afterwards to clean the boat and all accessories
Trip Contact
Mike Teachman mike.teachman@gmail.com home: 250 598 6866 text: 250 507 5673
Mike Teachman
mike.teachman@gmail.com
home: 250 598 6866
text: 250 507 5673
This is the Basic- Level 1 Combo Kayak Course for individuals with some experience wishing to begin the process of certification with Paddle Canada. Day 1 will cover the Basic and Level 1 shared skills and Day 2 will cover the advanced skills and a trip beyond the upper gorge. For more details on what is covered go to Paddle Canada's website Here and scroll down
In the event that a participant is unable to demonstrate adequate skills to participate in the Level 1 portion (second day) they will receive a Basic Certification, partial refund and be invited to attend another Level 1 course later.
The trip portion of the course will either be under Tillicum bridge to the harbour area or if that is not possible a site that requires transporting the kayaks. This is to ensure that the water conditions due provide a higher skill development option. For the trip segment you will need to bring lunch and refreshments.
For the rescue segment on day 1 and day 2, participants will require a dry suit as water temperatures in the fall will be lower. If you don’t have a dry suit the instructor has some for rent ($30) paid directly to him.
All participants are required to bring a face mask and hand sanitizer as these will not be provided. All efforts will be undertaken to ensure appropriate social distancing, however, in the event that less than the 2 meters occur you will need these items.
You must have attended the protocol orientation session and signed the waiver regarding the COVID protocol prior to attending the course. If you have not already completed this requirement contact kayak@vckc.ca to arrange a session.
If you have your own PFD that would be ideal, however, it you need to borrow one from the Club that can be arranged. If you will be using a club PFD your must bring a whistle as these are required when on the water.
Participants can either use their own boats and safety equipment or reserve a club kayak at kayabooking@vckc.ca. Participants will be required to properly clean any equipment that is used at the end of the session.
Due to the current participant restrictions a maximum of 6 registrants will be accepted.
Payment must be received at time of booking your spot or it will not be guaranteed.
There is limited places for purchasing food around the Club so it is best that you bring a lunch, snacks and beverages.
This session is designed to provide members with information on how the new protocol will impact their access to the clubhouse, compound and equipment. It is a requirement to participate in any VCKC events and courses. At the time of the orientation you will have the opportunity to sign the new waiver. A waiver must be signed by each family member if yours is a family membership and any family member who will use equipment or access the clubhouse needs to attend a session.
Please bring a face masks as for some parts of the session social distancing is less than the recommended 2 meters. You are all asked to bring hand sanitizer to use after you have touched items in the clubhouse.
Become a river canoeist! Learn about the nature of rivers, how to prepare & manage for the challenges of moving water, and what to do when things don't go as planned.
• Safety equipment, flotation and outfitting a canoe
• Managing river hazards
• Advanced strokes & braces
• Entering and exiting eddies
• Ferrying to cross the river
• River reading and group travel
• Rescues and swimming in rapids (Drysuit required - can be rented in town)
• Environmental and access concerns
Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Tandem Moving Water course on a local island river over a weekend.
All canoeing gear can be provided (except drysuit and helment, which can be rented in town), however you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you have it.
Due to the unpredictable nature of river levels at this time of year we have made it so you can register for the course, but not yet pay. One week before the course date we will open up payment ability if the river levels look to be in an appropriate range. If not we will then either postpone the course or cancel depending on rain forecasts.
PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Level 1 (or proof of equivalent). You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.
Note that dates may change to ensure safe water levels.
This course provides national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills course.
The Level-1 Instructor is certified to:
Prerequisites
Skills certification prerequisite note: With the permission of the Instructor Trainer, a candidate may enroll in a Level-1 Instructor course prior to completing their Level-2 Skills certification. Certification as a Level-1 Instructor is delayed until Level-2 skill certification and all other requirements are complete. Passing the instructor course will be subject to the provision of completing the required Level-2 skill certification and updating the Instructor Course Report within one year.
Start all your paddling adventures with this introductory course. Whether you are a first-time paddler or with some prior experience, discover the essential skills, manoeuvres and knowledge to safely paddle a tandem (two-person) canoe, either from the bow (front) or stern (back).
• Canoes, paddles, PFDs and other gear
• Paddling positions and boat trim
• Launching and landing
• Forward, stopping and reverse paddling
• Basic turns while paddling forward
• Spins and sideslip manoeuvres
• Storing and waterproofing gear
• Canoeing safety guidelines and equipment
• Handling waves and wind
• Capsizes and rescues (Wet/Dry suit recommended)
Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Basic Tandem course in a full-day session held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.
PREREQUISITE – You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.
Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor before the course.
355 Gorge Road West Victoria, BC, V9A 1M9
Tide / Current
Inner Harbour / Local Marine
