Hi VCKC Kayakers and Canoeists,

Our trip starts at Cadboro Bay (Gyro Park). We'll paddle past the yacht club towards Cattle Point following the shoreline, investigating the many small islands and fine estates.  After rounding Cattle Point we'll follow the shoreline to Willows Beach.  We'll take a short rest stop at the beach, then retrace our route back to Cadboro Bay.  Time permitting, we might cross the mouth of Cadboro Bay and paddle back on the other side of the bay.  Option to practice canoe and kayak rescues at the end.  Please see the paddle route below.  Note that this trip will not have a lunch break.

If forecast winds are in excess of 7 knots this trip will be moved to an alternative "Plan B" trip at the same time and date.

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.  It may take a few days for the trip leader to respond.

This trip is open to solo kayakers, tandem canoeists, and strong solo canoeists.

The launch at Cadboro Bay (Gyro Park) and the rest stop at Willows Beach both have toilets.  

Paddle Distance:  approx 8.4km (4.5nm )

Paddle Route:  https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37670039

Capacity:  15 boats 

Trip Leader: Mike Teachman

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 everyone on the water by 10:00 am

Please arrive at Cadboro Bay by 9:15 am.  

We anticipate being back to the launch by 1:00pm

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 will not be making a lunch stop on this trip

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

Cadboro Bay 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. 

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.

About borrowing boats:  You are responsible for picking up, securing, transporting and returning the boat to/from the launch.  The club kayaks and canoes are heavy, typically around 60lbs.  It's best if those borrowing boats meetup at the clubhouse to help each other load and unload boats onto cars.  The trip leader will share contact information with everyone who is borrowing a club boat.

Canoeists

Both paddlers in a tandem canoe need to register for the trip

Trip Contacts

Mike Teachman

Email:  mike.teachman@gmail.com
Home:  250 598 6866
Cell:   250 507 5673  (please text if it's not urgent)