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  • Portland Island Day Trip

Portland Island Day Trip

  • 04 Oct 2020
  • 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Amherst Kayak Launch, Sidney
  • 0

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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

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

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.

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.

Option to practice wet-exits, and rescues:   

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!

Covid-19 safety

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 

Trip Contact

Mike Teachman

mike.teachman@gmail.com

home:  250 598 6866

text:  250 507 5673

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