Hi VCKC Kayakers and Canoeists,
We're going to be headed to Cole Island in Esquimalt Harbour for a day trip on Saturday November 7 2020. Our trip starts at the VCKC Clubhouse. We'll paddle up the Gorge to the Shoreline launch. Then, we'll strap wheels to our boats and pull them across an easy 1km portage to Portage Park. We'll do a little exploring around Esquimalt Harbour and then to Cole Island for lunch. Cole Island has a low dock landing which is friendly for kayakers. We'll have people to hold your boat if you are unsure about a dock landing. Cole Island has numerous historic buildings to check out. After lunch we'll head back to Portage Park following the opposite shoreline, revisit the portage, and paddle down the Gorge back to the clubhouse.
Cole Island does not have washroom facilities
Optional wet exit and rescue training to finish off the trip.
Click here to see our route
Paddle Distance: approx 10 km (5.4nm )
Portage Distance: approx 2 km
Capacity: Max of 8 boats
Trip Leaders:
Mike Teachman (leading 10am group)
David Dorosz (leading 11am group)
Skill Level and Experience: Beginner
Participants will have certification (or equiv skills) of:
Paddle Canada Kayak Basic
or
RCABC Canoe Lakewater 1
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):
Group 1 (10am start): Led by Mike Teachman
Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 10:00 AM
Please arrive at the VCKC clubhouse by 9:30 am.
We anticipate being back to the clubhouse around 2:00 pm
Group 2 (11am start): Led by David Dorosz
Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 11:00 AM
Please arrive at the VCKC clubhouse by 10:30 am.
We anticipate being back to the clubhouse around 3:00 pm
Canoe Registration:
All canoeists need to register. Please indicate your paddle partner's name, if you know.
What to Bring
Canoe/Kayak Cart: Every boat will need a kayak/canoe cart.
The club has 3 carts that can be borrowed. They will be allocated based on the order that people register for the event. Many club members have carts that can likely be borrowed.
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 Cole Island. There are no toilets (but many bushes)
What to Wear
This is a nearshore ocean paddle. As a minimum you will need to wear synthetic based clothing such as polypropylene, nylon, or wool. .
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 area in front of the clubhouse. This is 100% optional for everyone There is no pressure at all to participate. Usually this is fun with a lot of laughs. Mike will offer to get wet if someone volunteers 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
Trip Contacts
Mike Teachman
mike.teachman@gmail.com
home: 250 598 6866
text: 250 507 5673
David Dorosz
david.dorosz@shaw.ca
home: 250 508 2030