Hi VCKC Kayakers and Canoeists,
We will be making a day trip to the Discovery and Chatham islands. The trip starts at the North boat ramp at Cattle Point. We'll cross Baynes channel and then navigate around Discovery Island. We plan to stop for lunch somewhere on the island. Then, we'll cross back over to our launch.
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. If the trip is over subscribed participants will be randomly selected from the waitlist.
This trip is open to solo kayakers and tandem canoeists.
The Cattle Point launch in Oak Bay does not have washroom facilities, but we'll be stopping at Rudlin Bay on Discovery Island which has a pit toilet
Paddle Distance: approx 10nm (18km) which is roughly 4 hours of continuous paddling.
Paddle Route: Leaving Cattle Point, and paddling around Discovery Island and back to Cattle Point
Capacity: 10 people
Trip Leaders: Alan Thomson
Skill Level and Experience: Energizer
Participants will have certification (or equiv skills) of:
Paddle Canada Kayak L1
or
RCABC Level 1 Basic Tandem
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 9:30 am
Please arrive at the Cattle Point launch no later than 9:00 am
We anticipate being back to the launch between 2:00 pm and 3:00 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 a beach on Discovery Island.
What to Wear
This is an ocean trip with exposed open crossings with water temperatures around 10 degC. A farmer john/jane wetsuit is recommended. Clothing made from nylon or synthetic materials is a better choice than cotton.
Parking
Park your vehicle in the gravel parking area
Covid-19 safety
Participants are asked to bring a face mask and hand sanitizer in case either is required. 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
Alan Thomson
phone: 250-812-3799
