A place for all things paddling and the outdoors.

Home Blog Home

Discovery Island Kayak & Hiking Tour

By Ocean River Admin | Published: May 4, 2012

 

Discovery Island Kayak & Hiking Tour Oak Bay Beach Hotel

A paddling tour through the Discovery Island Marine Provincial Park, a short boat ride from the Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria.

Discovery Island Shuttle for Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Ocean River Adventures

The Discovery Shuttle

Ocean River is proud to announce a partnership with the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel from where we will run this amazing new tour. The Discovery Shuttle landing craft is a great asset for shuttling you, our guides and gear to this island archipelago marine park for a rewarding experience in nature, where sightings of seals, sea lions and Bald eagles are common from a kayak in this sensitive seabird nesting area.

6 Hours / Daily, starting in June – September 15!
Cost: $134

TEL: (250) 381-4233

adventure@oceanriver.com

www.oceanriveradventures.com

 

BOOK NOW!

Posted in Kayak and other Tours, News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Snow to Surf Adventure Relay Race

By Caleb@OceanRiverAdventures | Published: May 4, 2012

30 years of bringing island athletes together.

by Caleb Goodwin. Adventure Centre manager at Ocean River Adventures | Ocean River Sports

For Vancouver Islanders, April means blossoming fruit trees and rainy grey skies promising sunnier days to come. For outdoor/action sport aficionados here on the island, the winter swells have started to subside and the skiers are resting throbbing knees after another season of legendary west coast powder. During this transitionary period there is one mid island event that for thirty years has been providing thousands of local outdoor sport enthusiasts an opportunity come together, have fun, dress outrageously and compete. The event is the Snow to Surf Adventure Relay Race, Canada’s premier Multi Sport Team Relay Event.

Snow To Surf Adventure Relay Race

Snow To Surf Adventure Relay Race

Each team is comprised of nine “athletes”, the teams will cover more than 70kms by handing off a wristband from one to another. The relay begins atop Mount Washington Alpine Resort with a grueling 400m uphill run in ski boots, then a straight line down one of the mountain’s longest runs to a waiting nordic skiier. The nordic skiers this year found good snow conditions and some were able to complete their leg  (8km) in as little as 20 mins. From here the race incorporates two runners, one downhill on pavement and the other a trail runner. The mountain bikers bring the race over towards Comox Lake where they meet the kayakers. A 5 km course across the lake leads to kayakers to the road bike transition area. The road cyclists have a longer ride, at approximately 30km, many teams are able to make up places in this section. Finally the road cyclist hands off to the canoeists, who paddle across to Comox and the beer gardens.

A thirty year old part of the Comox Valley, the Snow to Surf weekend has grown into a integral part of the outdoor sport culture for Vancouver Island. Teams are made of friends and collegues, ex-olympians and world champions. The mood is generally more relaxed and recreational than comparable Eco Races or triathalons, though the depth in talent is very comparable. The registration fees are also very reasonable.

This year the race was once again expertly organized, a big thanks goes out to all the volunteers that make this race possible. For those that are interested in assembling a team, the race registration for 2013 has been opened.

 

 

Posted in News, Staff happenings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

SEA OTTERS: ONE OF OUR BIGGEST STORIES

By Jacques Sirois - "Going Wild In My Kayak" | Published: May 3, 2012

Going Wild In My Kayak #6 -

A Primer and News Update from the Salish Sea.

By Jacques Sirois in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada’s Kayaking Capital.

First, let’s be crystal clear. What follows is not about the common, widespread and relatively small (average weight: 6-9 kg, up to 14) River Otter which constantly occurs at sea in coastal British Columbia. River Otters are routinely reported as Sea Otters by overly enthusiastic kayakers and inexperienced naturalists.

River Otter at Sea

River Otter at sea, by Stuart Clarke

This is about the iconic and large (average weight: 37 kg;  up to 45) Sea Otter with the luxuriant fur and possibly the densest coat (26,000 -165,000 hairs/cm2 ) in the animal kingdom. The storied otter that nearly went extinct because of the fur trade of the 18th and 19th centuries and that basically disappeared from Canadian, Pacific waters in the early 20th century. The fascinating otter that was reintroduced with varying degrees of success in several locations between Oregon and Alaska, between 1965 and 1972, with 708 otters from Alaska, including 89 in NW Vancouver Island. The drop-dead gorgeous otter whose population is still growing in British Columbia (c. 5,000 in 2008; with more than 4,000 on the west coast of Vancouver Island and 600 on the central coast).  And yes, the “mega charismatic” and “genetically perfect” Sea Otter that usually prefers the rough waters and kelp forests of the exposed, outer coast to the “protected” waters of the Salish Sea, east of Vancouver Island.

 

Sea Otter at Discovery Island Canada

Sea Otter at Discovery Island, July 9, 2006, by Gary Doran

Thus, my curiosity took hold of me recently when I heard from kayak guide extraordinaire Ben Garrett that our own and famous kayak guide Gary Doran, on a tip from fabulous kayak guide, Beth-Anne Masselink, photographed a Sea Otter at Discovery Island, one of the Oak Bay islands near Victoria, on July 9, 2006. A rare opportunity for the Salish Sea. Then Beth-Anne, again, told me of another reliable sighting by one of her friends, at the Oak Bay marina, on September 9 or 10, 2009. Finally, another apparently certain and recent (no date) sighting from buoyant and experienced kayak guide Scot Taylor in Sooke, west of Victoria, came to my attention.

Intrigued by all these unusual sightings, I contacted  “Helpful Amy” at the Friday Harbour Whale Museum on San Juan Island (U.S.A.), where they keep all kinds of records of wildlife. San Juan Island lies immediately across the international border, a few kilometres east of  Discovery Island and Oak Bay.  “Funny that you call now” said Amy, “we just had another Sea Otter report (at Eagle Point, San Juan Island, in sight of Canadian Discovery Island, March 25, 2012)”. She then sent me a list of all their confirmed and probable records, 31 in total since 2001. Interestingly, 26 of those were between July 28 and November 1, 2006,  after July 9 when Gary Doran took his photo at Discovery Island. Suggesting that all these 2006 sightings were perhaps of the same animal traveling through Canadian and then U.S. waters.

These “extra-limital” sightings suggest that Sea Otters are recovering and expanding out of their “core areas”. These otters probably belong to the Washington State population (ca. 800 animals in 2005), which ranges north to Cape Flattery and then east into the Strait Juan de Fuca, the main gateway to the Salish Sea. Some otters may also visit from the west coast of Vancouver Island (at least 4,100 animals in 2008).  Interestingly, Sea Otters also occur on the NE side of Vancouver Island, north of the Salish Sea, in the Port Hardy/Alert Bay/Knight Inlet area.  In the last two decades, “bionic” kayak guide Hayley Shephard and experienced whale watcher Jim Borrowman , among others, have seen many Sea Otters including one, probably the same year after year, south of Port Hardy and a raft of 50 near this town, for example. These sightings make complete sense in light of the proximity of NW Vancouver Island, where otters were reintroduced 40 years ago.

Kayakers who absolutely want to see hundreds or large rafts of Sea Otters in Canadian waters should visit  NW Vancouver Island, north of  Nootka Sound (Nuchatlitz Inlet, Esperenza Inlet, Kyuquot Sound, Checleset Bay). Otters are much less common south of Nootka Sound but occur occasionally in Pacific Rim National Park (Broken Group Islands, Quisitis Point, and along the West Coast Trail), Tofino/Clayoquot Sound, Ucluelet (Little Beach and Big Beach, as recently as April 28, 2012), Bamfield and Port Renfrew.

Perhaps 300,000 or as many as 800,000 Sea Otters lived in the North Pacific before Vitus Bering “discovered” them in 1741. Today, they may number 100,000 or so with 70% of them in Alaska. One million pelts were probably taken over a 170-year period, starting with the Spanish explorers in California in the 1780s. The demise of this “keystone species” brought massive, cascading ecological damage to valuable kelp forests by allowing overgrazing by sea urchins, for example, one of the 150 prey items that otters eat. Their comeback should reverse this ecological impoverishment and create a richer coast and more “stimulating and yippeedeedoo” kayaking opportunities. YES !

 

Appendix 1. Christmas in Clayoquot – 1790s, by Rick Charles, Tofino, 2000.

 

Christmas_in_Clayoquot_1790_Rick_Charles

Clayoquot Sound, once a great fur-trading centre for the Sea Otter peltry, where Tofino Harbour is now located. The present picture shows a generic rendition  of a “welcome” being given to a ship’s boat, one launched from a trading ship that is not shown.

 

Appendix 2. The not-so-lucky and now-extinct Sea Mink of the North Atlantic.

 

Extinct Sea Mink_author unknown

Extinct Sea Mink, author unknown

Due to its highly prized fur, this large (perhaps twice the size of the American Mink) coastal mink of New England and Atlantic Canada was hunted to extinction by the European fur trade  between 1860 and 1870. But a last specimen is said to have been captured (and stuffed) at Campobello Island, New Brunswick, in about 1894. It became extinct before being described scientifically and little is known about it. More insights in “The Mammals of Canada” by A.W.F. Banfield, 1977, and in “Sea of Slaughter” by Farley Mowat, 1984.

 

(Note: in its 2007 Assessment and Update Report, COSEWIC, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, considered the Sea Otter as a species of “Special Concern”.)

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Thanks to kayak guides Ben Garrett, Gary Doran, Beth-Anne Masselink, Scot Taylor and Hayley Shephard , and to Jim Borrowman (Stubbs Island Whale Watching) and Bill Mackay (Mackay Whale Watching) for their insights.

 

“Helpful Amy” Traxler, at the “Best in the Northwest” Friday Harbour Whale Museum, San Juan Island, U.S., kindly put the museum’s records at my disposal.

 

Todd Golumbia, Gulf Islands National Park, indicated that he had no record of Sea Otters. John McIntosh, Pacific Rim National Park, confirmed locations of sightings in and near this park.

Victoria wildlife photographer Stuart Clarke kindly donated pictures of River Otters.

 

Nanaimo’s Sea Otter Lady, Linda Nichol, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, was patient and generous with her comments.

French Words of the Month:

Sea Otter: la Loutre de mer

River Otter: la Loutre de rivière

Sea Mink (extinct): le Vison de mer (exterminé)

Posted in Nature Articles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Jordie Allen-Newman reviews the Greenland Paddle

By Jordie Allen-Newman@OceanRiver | Published: May 2, 2012

Meet Jordie Allen-Newman

Jordie is a senior Sea Kayak Instructor and Guide and has worked with Ocean River Sports & Adventures since 1996. He has pursued a life long interest exploring nature along Canada’s west coast and has circumnavigated both Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii as well as paddling the outer passage from Alaska to Vancouver Island. He enjoys teaching paddlers of all levels and is keenly interested in assisting students to reach their goals.
Jordie_Allen-Newman of Ocean River Sports & Adventures

Greenland Paddles

My first experience of the Greenland paddle was during an Ocean River staff training in 1998. A couple of the senior guides and instructors were using the paddles for sculling—a technique in which the paddler gently rolls the paddle back and forth on a slight angle while leaning and edging their kayak. It was delightful watching the paddlers slowly dip their kayaks onto the side in the water with their paddles just under the surface. It look really ‘advanced’ and I thought that it was a skill that would take me forever to learn. Sculling does take some training and confidence, but it is surprisingly easy to do and it is a skill that can be a foundation for many other techniques. I also find that sculling is a nice way to stretch and relax into deep, rough or cold water. One of the reasons for this is the Greenland paddle is usually lighter and more buoyant than a typical modern paddle. Another reason is the Greenland paddle is made with many efficiencies in place resulting in less stress on the body of the paddler when used with correct technique — I found that the use of a Greenland paddle alternating with a bent shaft carbon paddle to circumnavigate Haida Gwaii prevented repetitive strain injuries. The Greenland paddles at Ocean River are hand-made by a local wood carver named Randy Miller—they are designed with a unique, soft shoulder (the transition part between the blades and the loom or shaft of the paddle) — the soft shoulder improves ‘stick handling’ and the general feel of the paddle. Randy’s paddles are made from old growth yellow and red cedar from Vancouver Island — the close growth rings actually strengths the paddle. I will often use the paddles in the kayak roll courses I teach at the Crystal Pool in Victoria, as their added buoyancy often leads to a ‘break through’ moment in developing a paddler’s roll. For other paddlers who have developed a roll, the Greenland paddle can open up a whole new level of paddling experiences. If you are interested in learning more about the Greenland paddle, connect with the staff at Ocean River and try one out. Also, look for the up-coming series on Greenland paddling in Coast and Kayak Magazine this spring and summer, or meet Randy at the annual  Gear Grab or Gear Up sales.

 

Posted in Paddlesport Equipment, Reviews, Tips & Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Surf and Surge!

By Gary Doran | Published: April 21, 2012

On April 14-15, 2012, five adventurous paddlers joined instructors Mike Barnes and me on a sea kayak surfing extravaganza in Port Renfrew, BC. This course, called Surf and Surge, would teach them to paddle in surf conditions on one day, then paddle in surge channels and rock gardens on the second day. Surf, of course, is created by ocean swell coming toward a shallowing beach. Surge channels and rock gardens, on the other hand, are created when ocean swell meets a rocky coastline. The skills learned in this course are important skills to have for anyone interested in paddling on exposed coastlines, such as the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The conditions on the first day were perfect for introducing our intermediate-level paddlers to the skills and techniques for safely handling surf conditions in a sea kayak. The surf was gentle enough that no one would become overwhelmed, yet challenging enough that many were able to get thrilling rides on the waves.

Gary Doran demonstrates how to Launch a sea kayak into surf

Gary Doran (standing) demonstrates how to launch a sea kayak into surf (Photo: Gordie Clarke)

We began by learning how to safely launch a sea kayak through surf. This is done by having your buddy hold your kayak steady for you on the beach as you get in, with the waves crashing around you. Once you’re seated and ready to launch, your buddy stands at the bow of your kayak and pulls you into the oncoming waves as you begin to paddle.

A great skill-building exercise for being comfortable in surf conditions is to practice an eskimo roll out in the surf, or practice capsizing and wet exiting out in the waves; that is, get yourself right in the water. You’ll find that, even though it’s rough on the water’s surface, underneath the water, the conditions are calm. In the photo below, I paddled away from shore to first demonstrate a kayak roll, then demonstrate a capsize and wet exit. After trying these skills yourself, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable in these rougher conditions.

After a great day in the surf, we retired back to our cabin for the evening, which included soaking in a hot tub to warm ourselves right through. At the Port Refrew Hotel, we enjoyed a delicious meal, with a view out over Port San Juan, the body of water on which we had just been surfing.

Gary Doran paddles out into the surf to perform a roll, a capsize and a swim.

Gary Doran paddles out into the surf to demonstrate a roll and a capsize (Photo: Larry New)

The next day, the surf was much calmer. This was perfect for our journey along the north shore of Port San Juan, with its surge channels, rock gardens, sea caves, and sea arches. This is where surf mixes with rock, so we intentionally chose calmer conditions in which to learn valuable, new skills. We also practiced what to do if you capsize in these conditions: a special rescue technique in which the capsized paddler is first carried away from the rocks by climbing onto the back deck of a rescuer’s kayak. A second rescuer is sent in separately to tow the unoccupied kayak away from the rocks. Now, clear of the rocky coastline, the capsized paddler re-enters his/her kayak.

Sea caves are a definite lure for a sea kayaker to explore, but care needs to be taken around them. We learned the technique for backing into a sea cave, so that you can paddle forward out of it quickly and easily, should the need arise.

There’s nothing like the feeling of paddling close to shore along a rocky coastline, especially if you have the skills to do so safely and confidently!

Ocean River Adventures offers Surf & Surge courses twice a year, once in the spring and once again each fall. We also offer Sea Kayaking Level 3 Skills, which teaches similar techniques. For more information on these courses and all our great programs, visit our website www.oceanriveradventures.com.

Gary Doran
Head Instructor/Guide and Programmer, Ocean River Sports
Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer
SKGABC Guide Trainer

Lee Visits a Sea Cave in Her Sea Kayak

After backing into a sea cave to explore, Lee paddles out (Photo: Gordie Clarke)

Ian climbs back in his kayak during a rescue in the rock gardens (Photo: Larry New)

Ian learns new skills for paddling through surge channels (Photo: Gordie Clarke)

Posted in Courses, Staff happenings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Best commute this side of the Colwood Crawl

By Caleb@OceanRiverAdventures | Published: April 5, 2012

When I ordered my first ever Stand Up Paddleboard in October 2011 it wasn’t a decision I came to without deliberation. See, I’ve owned a lot of surfboards in my time, the single highest amount at one time being eight; however the SUP board I finally sent away for needed to be special. There were three criteria it had to meet;

1.)   The shape had to surf well

2.)   It had to look cool

3.)   It had to double as my commuter

Colwood Crawless Commute to Ocean River!

From my apartment to Ocean River is a fifteen minute walk over what is left of the Blue Bridge or, a seven minute paddle. On all but the most inclement days I choose to paddle. Even on days that I know I have to later be present in meetings I will take the time to pack a change of clothes into a backpack drybag and step out onto liquid. Paddling to work is so easy and rewarding, I really feel as though this brief check in with myself and with the harbour better prepares me for the busy day I have ahead of me organizing Ocean River customers’ paddling adventures. In the glinting light of the early morning the Victoria Harbour is spectacularly beautiful and I arrive at the Ocean River dock feeling like I haven’t taken a step.

Of course there are a couple of key components necessary if you are thinking yourself of paddling to work. Your home and workplace both have to have storage for your board/boat. Electric motor garage doors are nice; I have them on both ends. As well, if you are a boater then a set of wheels may be necessary for longer portages. The up side is that Victoria Harbour, the Gorge have tremendous access points throughout and is very likely safer than the clogged highways.

Get your SUP board at Ocean River Sports

Incorporating paddling into your everyday commute does take some planning.  I pay more attention to the weather than I did before and occasionally after paddling to work I choose to walk home. Waterproofing your work clothes and electronics becomes and added extra step to your morning routine, not a big deal once you are used to it.  I cannot think of any single or combined reasons that would deter the sort of person that receives the Ocean River Newsletter from considering paddling to work. If you can, I highly recommend you do.

If you want to try our paddleboarding, at Ocean River Adventures we offer rentals, courses, races and of course equipment sales

Check out this video of our SUP “Toonie” Spring Race Series right from the docks at Ocean River

 

Posted in Paddlesport Equipment, Staff happenings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Going Wild in my Kayak #5: Grey Whales, Colourful Tales

By Jacques Sirois - "Going Wild In My Kayak" | Published: April 4, 2012

By Jacques Sirois in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada’s Kayaking Capital.

 

One of the greatest events of the year is underway along the Pacific coast of Canada: the spring migration of about 20,000 Grey Whales from their warm, Mexican, winter calving grounds in Baja California to their frigid, summer feeding grounds in Alaska and Canada’s western Arctic. This can create great opportunities for kayakers, particularly in light of the fact that about 200 of these whales, the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, remain all summer to feed in the cool, temperate waters between California and British Columbia. If you encounter Grey Whales this summer, remember these colourful tales.

Grey whale illustration by A.W. Banfield

First thing first. Whaling nearly caused the extinction of this baleen whale.  It is now extirpated, or regionally extinct, in the North Atlantic; since perhaps the 6th, century on the European side and the early 18th century on the  North American side. In the North Pacific, it is critically endangered on the Asian side (population: 130) and it is recovering on our side, the North American side. In light of massive changes in ocean conditions in recent centuries,  this recovering population is now perhaps at carrying capacity. Its genetic diversity suggests that it may be at a third to a fifth of its original, pre-whaling population.

Now, amazingly, after centuries of absence in the North Atlantic and contiguous seas, one Grey Whale was repeatedly seen in 2010 in the Mediterranean Sea, which was probably a calving ground in “Roman” times.  At one point, this whale possibly swam past Vancouver Island and out of the North Pacific into Arctic waters through the Northwest Passage (thanks to current, low sea ice cover caused by warming trends), past Greenland into the North Atlantic and finally as far east as the eastern Mediterranean. This suggests that a warmer Arctic with less sea ice may help re-colonization of the North Atlantic by North Pacific whales. It also shows that a mammal with some of the longest migrations on record (e.g. 20,000+ km yearly, round trips) is capable of more.

In the North Pacific, with GPS – tagged, Russian, Grey Whales Flex in 2011 and Varvara in 2012, we now also find out for the first time that Asian Greys travel to British Columbia and Baja California and mix with their North American cousins. Suggesting a possible recovery of the critically endangered Asian population with help from its American counterpart . What a story of hope at a time of  abundant, bad news about the global ocean. We also learnt than a Grey Whale can travel 160 km/day during migration. These great news make me wonder what’s next.

My own best experiences with this species all happened in 2010, with a summer resident in Oak Bay, near Victoria. Many sightings were reported that summer in the Salish Sea, including some right in Vancouver. I kept meeting a rather small  (about 8-9 m; max. length. of adults: 15 m; max. weight.: 35 t) and young whale, I guess, which was either foraging or sleeping, month after month. I got used to its small, discrete and easy-to-miss blow and timid demeanour, and was often unable to maintain the 100 m buffer zone suggested by whale watching guidelines (see leaflet  “Be Whale Wise” ) as it swam towards my kayak.

In late October, in misty, cool, overcast but calm weather and in a propitious, flooding tide the small grey swam right under my kayak and we established eye contact. It then surfaced and “blew” calmly nearby before moving on. I, on the other hand, was a lot less calm. I had just seen one Humpback Whale flapping its pectoral fins on the surface and 18 Orcas (probably salmon-eating residents) swimming by at a steady pace. Never before, had I seen 20 whales of three species within 20 minutes from my kayak. Not bad for a routine one-hour outing, on a late and grey Sunday afternoon, near the city. I saw no Grey Whale in 2011 but remain “expectant” for 2012.

Grey Whale baleen plates. Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Photo: J. Sirois

Postscript #1. The Baleen Bristle Hair Brushes on display at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Sidney, British Columbia. The explanation card reads as follows.

“Baleen bristles are soft and damp when first removed from the whale’s mouth but harden when dry. For making a brush, dry baleen bristles were soaked to make them soft and flexible. Pieces of softened baleen were then bunched together and pulled through holes in the brush head with wire. Trimmed to the desired length, the bristles soon dried, forming a stiff brush. These brushes were manufactured by Mr. Gibbons in his brush factory on Hillside Avenue in Victoria around 1930.”

"Baleen Bristle Hair Brushes", Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre. Photo: J. Sirois

Postscript #2. Some impressive numbers to remember.

Upwards of 30,000 whales of several species were taken by whaling stations in British Columbia between 1905 and 1972. Globally, millions of whales were taken over time but industrial whaling was particularly devastating in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, in total, possibly no more than 5 to 10% of the original great whale populations remain.

Postscript #3. A word about COSEWIC, Farley Mowat and the IWC.

The Committee on Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada assessed the eastern North Pacific Grey Whale as of “Special Concern” in May 2004. “SC: a wildlife species that may become threatened or endangered because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.“ For insights on the extirpation of Grey Whales in the western North Atlantic, see Farley Mowat’s Sea of Slaughter (1984). Grey Whales were granted protection from commercial whaling by the International Whaling Commission in 1949. Only aboriginal/subsistence whaling is now allowed.

 

French words of the month.

Grey Whale: la Baleine grise.

Baleen Whale: une baleine à fanons.

Baleen or Whalebone: un fanon

 

Other articles by Jacques Sirois for Ocean River Sports | Adventures:

Going Wild in My Kayak #4 – Celebrate Victoria Harbour

Going Wild in My Kayak #3 – Cool Arctic Buzz

Going Wiild in My Kayak #2 – A Perfect Winter Day

Going Wild in My Kayak #1 – James The Human Otter & Eskimo Roll Master

About the author
Posted in Nature Articles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Paddle Canada: Kayaking Courses—from Coast to Coast!

By Gary Doran | Published: April 3, 2012

As the head instructor at Ocean River Adventures, I’m frequently asked questions about Paddle Canada, questions like, “What is Paddle Canada?” and “What do the different levels mean in Paddle Canada?” This blog tries to answer these questions—and tell you a little bit about how it all began.

What is Paddle Canada?

Paddle Canada is our national, member-based, paddling organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the safe use of canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards—from coast to coast! They are responsible for training instructors to certify people in the knowledge and skills for safe paddling. As well, their mission is to help us develop a love and respect for our natural resources, and an understanding of the canoe and the kayak in our Canadian heritage.

The Structure of Paddle Canada’s Sea Kayaking Program

Let’s look at the structure of Paddle Canada’s sea kayaking program, in specific (Paddle Canada also has programming for canoeing, river kayaking, and, recently, stand up paddling). Below, you will see 3 columns of boxes. The column on the left represents the 5 levels of paddling skills for recreational paddlers, beginning with an introduction to paddling in calm sheltered conditions and progressing to advanced skills for open coastal touring in rough water conditions. The middle column represents the 5 corresponding levels of instructor certifications. The right column is reserved for certification levels for instructor trainers (those who train and certify instructors).

The structure of Paddle Canada's sea kayaking program

Skill Building Courses (Column 1)

Let’s now examine the first column a little closer. The 5 boxes in this column represent the 5 incremental levels of skill building for recreational sea kayakers, with the bottom box, Introduction to Kayaking Skills, as the entry level. This 8-hour course gives you the skills and knowledge for paddling in enclosed sheltered waters and calm conditions. Skills covered include controlled wet exits, forward & turning strokes, and assisted re-entries. At Ocean River Adventures, we teach the ‘wet part’ of this course in a heated pool during the spring or fall, and at the lake during the summer.

The 2-day Level-1 Skills course provides the theory and skills for day-long sea kayaking trips in sheltered waters and light winds. The skills covered include efficient forward & turning strokes, edging, bracing, unassisted re-entries, and Eskimo rescues. At Ocean River Adventures, we teach the ‘wet part’ of this course in the pool or lake, then take you out paddling in Oak Bay, or alternate location, depending on the weather.

Janette Galan

Happy students with their Instructor (left) completing a Level-1 Skills course.

In the 4-day Level-2 Skills course, you build upon previously learned skills to learn overnight kayak touring skills and intermediate boat handling skills. During this course, you are provided with the theory and skills for proficient kayaking at sea in open sea conditions with moderate winds. You learn risk assessment, efficient bracing, sculling for support, combined strokes, sustained forward paddling, and rolling. At Ocean River Adventures, we teach this course in the Victoria area and do an overnight kayak camping trip to Discovery Island Provincial Marine Park.

The Level-3 Skills course is also 4 days in duration. At this level, you learn seamanship and leadership for multi-day touring on exposed coastlines, with moderate winds (12-19 knots), a moderate, occasionally rough sea state, surf near 1-meter, and current up to 3 knots. At Ocean River Adventures, we teach this course out in Clayoquot Sound during a multi-day kayaking trip to Vargas Island Provincial Marine Park.

The 5-day Level-4 Skills course teaches extended touring along an exposed coast. Certification at this level indicates that you are a highly-proficient sea kayaker, able to paddle safely in conditions that would challenge many others. You will learn to paddle and be a leader in strong winds (near 20 knots), a moderate to rough sea state, surf  (1 metre or greater), and current (3 knots or greater). At Ocean River Adventures, we travel to Surge Narrows (near Campbell River) to learn to paddle in strong current. We also travel to Clayoquot Sound to learn further skills for paddling in ocean swell and launching and landing through surf.

Instructor Certification (Column 2)

The middle column represents the certification levels for instructors. The arrows indicate that an instructor is required to be certified at a higher level than they can teach; e.g., a Level-2 Instructor needs to have Level-3 Skills (or higher) certification. Instructor Courses are available for the first three levels of Instructor Certification (i.e., up to Level-2 Instructor). At higher levels, a mentorship process is used.

Some happy Level-1 Instructors completing their course.

 Instructor Trainer Certification (Column 3)

The third and final column represents the Instructor Trainer certification levels. Instructor Trainers have the responsibility of training and certifying Instructors, and through this, ensuring the standards and consistency of the Paddle Canada sea kayak program. There are no structured courses for Instructor Trainers; rather, this certification is gained through teaching experience and a broad mentorship process.

How It All Began

In 1971, Paddle Canada (formerly the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association) was formed to help co-ordinate the efforts of non-competitive canoeing and kayaking across Canada. From the very start, one of the long term goals of the association was the development of standard skill sets for safe and enjoyable recreational canoeing and kayaking; standards that could be portable and recognized anywhere in Canada. Paddle Canada first created a national program for Canoeing, then, later, developed national standards for Sea Kayaking and River Kayaking, as these activities grew in popularity among recreational paddlers.

I became aware of Paddle Canada in the late 1990′s. I was mainly interested in the Instructor Certification levels at the time. As I worked my way up through the levels, I realized that, with a little more effort, I could consider attempting certification as a Level-3 Instructor Trainer. I set this for my goal, and then began figuring out how to get there. I had lengthy conversations with Doug Alderson and Michael Pardy, who were already Level-3 Instructor Trainers. They patiently explained to me what steps I would need to take, and acted as mentors to guide me. This process took me a number of years, and required me to travel to other parts of Canada to mentor with other Instructor Trainers. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with a number of different Instructors and Instructor Trainers from all parts of Canada, and I was constantly amazed at how consistent our approaches are. Paddle Canada truly is a national program!

Paddle Canada Logo

If you’re interested in taking courses that are nationally recognized, look for the Paddle Canada logo when you are researching course providers. The Paddle Canada logo also indicates that your course is taught by a qualified, certified instructor. Ocean River Adventures offers certified Paddle Canada courses for both recreational paddlers and instructors. For more on these and all our programs, visit our website at www.oceanriveradventures.com.

You can join Paddle Canada and help them preserve Canada’s heritage waterways & wilderness and promote paddling safety and environmental ethics via Paddle Canada’s instructional programs. For more on Paddle Canada or to join, visit their website at www.paddlecanada.com.

Gary Doran
Head Instructor/Guide and Programmer, Ocean River Sports
Paddle Canada Instructor Trainer
SKGABC Guide Trainer

 

Posted in Courses, Tips & Tricks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

How To Choose a Kayak

By Brian Henry | Published: March 27, 2012

Choosing a Kayak

by Brian Henry, owner of Ocean River Sports & Ocean River Adventures

Training our staff in helping customers get the right kayak for their needs -

When someone comes into Ocean River Sports, wanting to choose the correct kayak, our sales staff are trained to ask questions and listen in order to determine what the customer needs for their kayaking pleasure and the style that will suit the their needs.

What type of kayaking do you wish to do?

Is it lake and recreational kayaking, fishing, light day sea kayaking, workout /aerobic kayaking, exploring by sea kayak – day, overnight, or expeditions?   The answers to these questions will allow staff to define why a customer wants the kayak and aid in determining the more appropriate style of boat for that customer.

Ask the customer what they rate as their most important feature in a kayak.

Is it stability, comfort, speed, rough-water handling, light weight,  durability or aesthetics?  These factors will allow you to pick the kayak that features their priority. Some manufacturers highlight certain design features more than others, and certain materials will determine light weight , durability or aesthetics.

Now it is time to summarize what the customer said

To confirm we are correct and to make sure it is clear between customer and sales staff.  Use summary questions to narrow down boat choices such as “So, stability is your main need?”  or “So, light weight in a kayak is most important to you?” or “I also understand that you are looking to get a boat for touring in our Gulf Islands and you plan do overnights?”  Once it is confirmed what the client wants and needs, then it is quite easy to short list the options.

When designing a kayak,  the designer,  must consider the kind of paddler who will be using the boat.  There are many different types and personalities of people and boats are no different.

BRANDS

At Ocean River, we carry a broad range of brands.    Although difficult to generalize about brands, I will attempt below to inform you as to where each brand fits into the overall selection of kayaks available at Ocean River Sports.

Current Designs (CD)

CD was founded by me, Brian Henry, and was located here in Victoria for many years before moving to the U.S.  Many of the models such as the Solstice, Storm, Libra etc.. were designed right here on Vancouver Island and are still some of the most endearing kayaks on the market today for the kayak tourer.  Current Designs kayaks are sought after designs and suit kayakers who want quality construction, both in composites (fiberglass, kevlar, carbon) or in polyethylene (rotomolded), and overnight or expedition kayaking.  Offering excellent vacuum bagged construction, clean finish and nice features throughout  the boats, CD continues to be a big seller for the discriminating touring kayaker.  Many of the  rotomolded kayaks are of similar design to the composite boats but are a less expensive version – being very durable and well priced models and great designs.

Necky Kayaks

Necky kayaks are actually designed right here on Vancouver Island in Brentwood Bay, a little known fact.  As a result most of the designs are very well suited for our area.  Necky was originally established on the west coast and as a result continues to be recognized and respected in our area.   Ocean River carries some composite and some rotomolded kayaks from Necky.  The composite kayaks are good value, reasonable weight and are nicely finished and detailed.   The rotomolded polyethylene kayaks are offered at very good prices and cover a broad range of the touring market from the smaller day touring kayaks to big double sea kayaks and most boats in between.  Necky has a good broad line of kayaks being a long time leader in the industry.

Delta Kayaks

Designed on the west coast  and manufactured in Maple Ridge, B.C., Delta Kayaks are designed to be user friendly and light to lift.  They have an extremely bright and attractive finish.  The  thermo-formed plastic materials stand up very well to abrasion, impact and resist UV damage very effectively.  The innovative padded and adjustable seat immediately makes the paddler comfortable in the cockpit of the boat.   Most of the models are built with good stability in mind.   Delta kayaks appeal to a broad range of paddlers who are looking for something of high quality, at a very reasonable price that offers comfort and confidence.

Stellar Kayaks

These composite kayaks are very well priced and very light weight.  The designs offer great glide and good stability.  The details on the boat are quite nice with an innovative spring-loaded rudder, padded seat and other basic deck rigging and details.   The biggest feature of the Stellar Kayaks is their extreme light weight, possibly the lightest production boats on the market.  With three laminates available, the weight on Stellar kayaks is approximately 20% lighter than any other kayaks we have available – all at a very good price.   Stellar also has racing style kayaks such as the 18 S and surf skis of various sizes.   Going fast and light – Stellar is a good choice.

STERLING KAYAKS

These kayaks are all custom built composite kayaks.  Built in Bellingham Washington, Sterling boats are  hand-crafted with great care and attention.   All of our Sterling sales are all special orders with less than 4 week delivery time.  These boats are the most expensive boats on our floor but are backed up with very high-tech manufacturing methods  including vacuum bagging and infusion technology with specific epoxy resins.   The materials in their boats vary depending on what laminate is selected and every boat will be unique in its construction and features. Laminates range from kevlar to carbon to s-glass.  These boats are both light-weight and strong.  The designs offer good stability in most of the models and the boats sport a comfortable foam seat system.  Known for surfing, rolling and playing around, Sterling kayaks are reputed to be the boats to have if you are serious about going out in the rough stuff .  The boats also tour well and offer good value for a very special craft.

Liquid Logic and Native Kayaks

These two brands are built by Legacy Kayaks, based in North Carolina.  The Liquid Logic brand is mostly whitewater boats, with some cross over to a few more recreational kayaks.   Very good mould finish in these polyethylene boats making them stand out in design and features.  The Native Kayaks we carry at Ocean River are designed more for recreation and fishing.  We have chosen this brand to bring in some nice innovation in well priced rotomolded kayaks of different types.

 OCEAN KAYAK

This is the original sit-on-top kayak manufacturer.  Ocean Kayaks was founded by Tim Neimier, a good friend of Brian Henry, the owner of Ocean River Sports.  These kayaks set the standard in sit-on-top kayaks.   Fun, unsinkable, these little sit-on-top kayaks are perfect for lakes, ocean and especially for fishing.  Totally maintenance free, these tough polyethylene kayaks have self draining scupper holes and have some unique features including their custom seat system designed for extra comfort.  All Ocean Kayaks are very well priced and offer good value for a ton of fun.

Design features are important to be able to determine how a boat will perform and feel.  Note, that although these descriptions are important they are not absolute but general statements.
Length

The longer the waterline of a kayak, the greater the top cruising speed will be.  As the kayak is powered forward, it creates a hole in the water and a wave is formed under the boat.   Maximum speed is attained as the boat rides on the wave and top speed is hit when the boat  cannot ride over it’s ow bow wave.  Longer boats tend to be easier to power up and cruise at higher speed.

A shorter kayak can be more easy to handle on and off the water and can be somewhat more nimble.   Shorter boats can have less wetted surface and as a result, efficient but at lower speeds, which sometimes allows a shorter kayak to be a better choice for cruising speed efficiency.

Width and Cross Section shape

A wider kayak tends to be more stable than a narrow kayak.   Narrower boats are often more sleek with less surface friction and thus, can be faster.  A flat hull is initially extremely stable and a round hull is very tippy.   Some flat sections in the hull can provide more initial stability and flared sides often give better secondary stability.   Most sea kayak hulls are a variation of shapes through the hull and each variation will have a slightly different feel.  The cross section of a kayak determines the feel of the boat more than nearly any other aspect.

Rocker

This is the upward sweep of the keel line of the kayak hull toward the bow and stern.  Extreme rocker of a kayak hull will allow the kayak to turn and maneuver most easily.  A boat with a flat keel line, or less rocker, will track straight, thus making forward travel easy.  Sea kayaks will vary in how much rocker they have to create either a more maneuverable kayk or better tracking kayak.

Many other aspects of boat design will create different feels and performance.   Volume, size of cockpit, bow shape and outfitting will all come into play when choosing a kayak

Construction:
Composite kayaks

Fiberglass, kevlar and carbon are all materials used in Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) construction.  This construction is found in the most expensive, stiffest and finest touring kayaks of today.   Kayaks made with FRP construction are a joy to paddle.

Thermo Form kayaks

A ridged flat sheet of plastic with a bright acrylic finish is heated and formed into the shape of the deck and another sheet is heated and formed into and hull of the kayak.  The deck and hull are seamed together to create  a beautifully finished mid-priced kayak that is quite light with good abrasion resistance.

Rotomolded Polyethylene kayaks

The toughest kayaks on the market are made in one piece out of linear polyethylene that is practically indestructible.   Possibly more friction with this material than others and  slightly heavier than other materials,  these inexpensive kayaks are the most popular for rentals and institutional use where durability is important.

Rudder system

A rudder is used to maneuver a kayak with foot controls.  The rudder is mounted on the stern of the kayak and the rudder blade can be deployed into the down position in order to engage the rudder.  The rudder is easily controlled by pushing the right foot rest to turn right and pushing the left foot to turn left.  A rudder can save the paddler energy and help control the direction of the kayak when in wind or currents.  A sea kayak is not designed to be paddled with the rudder at all times but when needed to keep the boat, headed where the paddler wants.

 

Skeg

A skeg is a fin that drops down from the mid-line of the hull close to the stern of the kayak to increase the tracking of the kayak. When the skeg is in the up position, it allows the craft to be highly maneuverable. When paddling long distance in adverse conditions, dropping the skeg down will enhance tracking.

The following video illustrates the Skeg very well:

Necky Kayaks Skeg System from Alex Matthews on Vimeo.

Posted in Paddlesport Equipment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spring Staff & Family Kayak Training Tour

By Brian Henry | Published: March 5, 2012

Paddling the Gulf Islands, from Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club

Ocean River Staff & Family

Vancouver Island, March 4th, 2012.

Ocean River Staff at Coal Island

Spring seemed to come for a few hours today as the warm sun poked out now and then as 14 of us paddled in the south Gulf Islands.  The group was, our own Ocean River staff and family members.  This social/training day of kayaking is part of an overall training scheme that is “getting us out there” in order to knowledgeably help you get out there safely and prepared.  Thank you, all my Ocean River Staff, who are committed to knowing their stuff.

Ocean River Staff at Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club

Ocean River Staff at Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club

Brian.

 

 

 

 

The previous week, our Ocean River retail staff and their family members attended an special course we put together for them where some received introductory kayaking skills and some worked on their strokes while others worked on kayak rolling. See the video on this link


Staff Kayak Training Video, Crystal Pool Victoria, BC

Staff Kayak Training Video, Crystal Pool Victoria, BC

 

Posted in Courses, Kayak and other Tours | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

  • Topics


  • Newsletter

  • Recent Photos From ORS

  • Facebook

  • Tag Cloud

    adventures arctic birds brian british canada canoe cause columbia course discovery french gary doran gorge greenland gulf islands harbour henry how to island jacques kayak kayaking kayaks marathon mega yacht marina ocean ocean river adventures outrigger pacific paddling race river rolling sirois sports staff stand up paddling SUP surf vancouver vancouver island victoria victoria harbour wild