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Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island

Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island Victoria is the gateway to world class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island, BC. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers an endless variety of paddle sport experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the bustle of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, to the excitement of a fast moving tidal current. Whether you’re a…

Planning a Kayaking Trip to Discovery Island

Paddling to Discovery Island is on the top of a lot of paddlers lists. It is a beautiful escape from the city that provides a wild and rugged west coast experience that can be explored in just a day. However, before setting out for Discovery, some careful trip planning is in order. If you are an experienced paddler this can be a wonderful and fun…

Paddling the Inside Passage: Q & A with Going Solo Adventures

Over the span of two months Kelly Durst and Paul Everitt paddled from Skagway, Alaska down into Sidney, British Columbia for one epic trip. Following the Inside Passage, these two adventurers were surrounded by the many wonders of the Pacific Northwest. Okay! Let’s talk trip Firstly, when did you start and how long did the trip take? A: Kelly and I started early May by…

Kayaking Preparedness: Know Before you Go

What you should know before you go Kayaking Ocean River Sports encourages you to ‘Get Out There’. To help you have an enjoyable and safe experience, consider the following tips before heading out on the water in your kayak. Learning the Right Skills It is important to have the skills to safely get out on the water in your kayak. Know what conditions you can…

Kayak Lap Bag Essentials

By: Rebecca Grim What is a kayak lap bag and why does every kayaker need one? A lap bag is a waterproof bag that contains all the essential items you may need during a day of ocean kayaking. The items may change slightly depending on the length of trip, climate, group size and location in which are paddling. The purpose of the lap bag is…

Whitewater Kayaking Close Call

Russell Henry shares the story of a close call while whitewater kayaking and offers some safety tips for other paddlers Whitewater paddling can be an extremely dangerous sport, especially when seeking out rivers that have not been paddled before and take a lot of effort to get too. On Vancouver Island, these first descent rivers are much easier to visit due to the network of…

Kayaking Gear List

The Paddling Gear You Need to Have & the Paddling Gear You Should Have The following gear lists itemize the equipment you need to carry with you whenever you paddle and other items you should consider carrying depending on the route you have planned and the time you will be out. For more detailed information on the basic gear you are required to carry see…

Flares – Obsolete or Still a Good Idea?

Should You Carry Flares When Paddling? This question often comes up, do you need to carry flares with you, especially with many paddlers now carrying cell phones, VHF radios, PLB’s and satellite messengers? In fact, the Transport Canada Small Boating Regulations don’t require you to carry any kind of visual signaling device unless you are in a boat over 6m in length, (many double kayaks),…

The Uchuck – A Novel Way to Reach the Remote West Coast

Kayaking from Kyuquot to Nootka Sound One of my favourite Vancouver Island kayaking trips is from the tiny fishing village of Kyuquot, nestled in a protected harbour in Kyuquot Sound, down the coast to Friendly Cove (Yuquot) in Nootka Sound. What makes a destination like this so special is its remoteness. What makes this trip particularly unique and special is using the Uchuck III to…

Do You Really Need a GPS?

Do you really need to take a GPS on your paddling adventures? The simple answer is no, but there are some very compelling reasons why they can be a valuable asset. However, if you do decide to try one, don’t expect to be able to plug in your destination and happily follow the arrow and turn directions until you arrive. The small handheld units suitable…

About Ocean River

Located in Victoria, British Columbia on beautiful Vancouver Island, Ocean River is one of the premier speciality kayak and adventure companies in North America. Brian Henry, the founder & current owner, has been running Ocean River since 1981, and Ocean River continues to be recognised as one of the most significant outdoor/paddlesports instructional & tours provider in North America.

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SUP Adventures on the West Coast

Wesley takes on SUP adventures on the west coast of British Columbia!

Moving back to the West Coast from the Rockies ...

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