Hi VCKC Kayakers and Canoeists,
Arg, Maties ! We're headed to Rum Island for a day trip on Saturday May 8 2021. Rum Island is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Our trip starts at the Amherst Ave kayak launch in Sidney. From the launch beach at the foot of Amherst Avenue we'll head to the Little Group and cross the ebb current to Dock Island. Then, towards Greig Island, and following the N sides of Domville and Gooch Islands to our lunch spot at Rum Island. For our return trip the current switches to a flood. We'll follow the flood taking the S side of Gooch Island to Sidney Spit, then crossing the flood back to Amherst.
Registration Note: All registrants will be first put on a waitlist and then notified when they are added to the trip. Click on "Join Waitlist" to register
This trip is open to solo kayakers and tandem canoeists. Canoe partners need to be members living in the same household
The Amherst Ave launch does not have washroom facilities, but our lunch stop at Rum Island has pit toilets.
Paddle Distance: approx 11nm (20km) which is roughly 4 hours of continuous paddling.
Paddle Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35525874
Capacity: 10 people
Trip Leaders: Mike Teachman, Ryan Ovens
Skill Level and Experience: Energizer
Participants will have certification (or equiv skills) of:
Paddle Canada Kayak L1
or
RCABC Basic Ocean Canoeing - Level III
If you are unsure about the suitability of your skills, equipment or clothing, please contact a trip leader for advice prior to the trip date.
The Plan (please read carefully):
Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 10:00 AM
Please arrive at the Amherst Ave kayak launch no later than 9:15 am.
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.
- PFD 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 Rum Island. There are toilets.
What to Wear
This is an ocean trip with exposed open crossings. As a minimum you will need to wear a neoprene farmer john/jane wetsuit. Clothing such as nylon pants and synthetic top will not be allowed for this trip.
Parking
Recommend to park your vehicle along 3rd Avenue.
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.
Club Boats
All club kayaks and canoes have been reserved for this trip. You don't need to contact the booking volunteers at this time.
Members who borrow a club boat are responsible to transport the boat to the launch and back to the clubhouse (either yourself or arrange for transportation on someone else's vehicle)
If you need help transporting a boat, the trip leader might have some participants you can contact for help.
Trip Contact
Mike Teachman
mike.teachman@gmail.com
home: 250 598 6866
text: 250 507 5673