A second pod of kayakers has been made possible with the discovery of a second trip leader!
It's time to take a tour of the Inner Harbour on Sunday April 25 2021. We will follow the shoreline around Macaulay Point, behind Harrison Island to McLaughlin Point where we'll pass the sewage treatment plant as we turn into West Bay. Continuing around West Bay we'll paddle our way past Lime Bay (Spinnaker's Pub) and follow the shoreline to experience the 'kayak bypass' under the Victoria International Marina at the Songhees walkway. We'll stop at a small beach along the Songhees walkway just before Songhees Point for lunch - remember there are no washroom facilities. After the break we will cross to the other shore (Laurel Point Inn) and paddle along past the Coho Ferry dock to the V2V Ferry dock in front of the old wax museum building (now the Bateman Gallery). Here we'll scoot around past the float plane base as we head to the Johnson Street Bridge where we'll swing across to the far shore and follow the coastline back to Songhees Point where we will cross back over to Laurel Point for a paddle past Fisherman's Wharf. At the Coast Guard base we will complete our full-circuit tour of Victoria's inner harbour and make our final crossing over to Berens Island where we will noodle along the coast on our way back to Fleming Beach
If forecast winds are in excess of 7 knots the paddle will be cancelled. An alternative paddle "Plan B" may be offered to confirmed registrants.
At this point there are NO club kayaks available. Group #2 is for members with their own kayaks, or not needing to borrow a club boat.
An objective of the trip is demonstrating how to paddle safely in the Inner Harbour, following the Port of Victoria traffic rules. Please familiarize yourself with the restricted areas and "safe crossings" for Victoria Harbour ahead of time.
This trip is open to solo kayakers only.
The launch at Fleming Beach has toilets but our planned rest stop does not.
Paddle Distance: approx 12.0 km (6.5nm )
Paddle Route: https://photos.app.goo.gl/nHH8Sg6iSZG3R7NaA
Capacity: 9 people
Trip Leader: Clay Webb (Group #2) Craig Thomson (Group #1)
Skill Level and Experience: Relaxed
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):
Our aim is to have POD #2 on the water by 10:30 am
Please arrive at Fleming Beach by 9:45 am.
We anticipate being back to the launch by 3:30 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)
If anyone is licensed for marine VHF radio and has a radio, please bring it along
Lunch: We'll be stopping for lunch at the gravel beach in front of the Delta Oceanfront Hotel (Songhees Point) for about 30 minutes. There are no toilets or facilities.
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.
Parking
Fleming Beach parking lot. Drop your boats off near the ramp and move them to one side then park your car in the public parking area. We must do our very best to keep the boat launch area clear for vehicles with trailers. We will be launching from Fleming Beach, which is approx 100m down a flat, paved path to the left of the boat launch
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: (NOT APPLICABLE FOR POD #2)
Trip Contacts
Craig Thomson
Email: seakayak.craig@gmail.com
Phone & Text: 250.213.2507
