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  • The Compass blog
    The Compass blog
Flares – Obsolete or Still a Good Idea?

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),…
Top 10 Highlights of Kayaking to Discovery Island

Top 10 Highlights of Kayaking to Discovery Island

Amy’s Top 10 Highlights of Her Solo Kayaking Trip to Discovery Island Kayaking Discovery Island is an awesome adventure with easy access via Oak Bay Marina. The little island is rich in natural beauty, wildlife, and history. A relatively short paddle, this is a great adventure for an experienced kayaker. The currents through Haro Straight can change quickly and are too much for a novice…
Kayak Theft: Prevention Goes a Long Way!

Kayak Theft: Prevention Goes a Long Way!

How to Securely Lock Up Your Kayak Who would steal a kayak?  At least not here in BC and for sure, not on Vancouver Island! The sad reality is that kayak theft is no longer a “big, bad city” phenomenon. Kayaks are being stolen all over BC, including Vancouver Island, and not only in larger urban centers like Vancouver, Victoria or Nanaimo. We don’t often…
Kayaking Gear List

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…
Esquimalt Lagoon to Cole Island Paddle Route

Esquimalt Lagoon to Cole Island Paddle Route

Kayaking to Esquimalt Harbor & Cole Island The Esquimalt Lagoon to Cole Island paddle is an excellent day trip which can take a couple of hours or half a day or more depending on how much you would like to explore.  When you consider that this route encompasses a migratory bird sanctuary,  beautiful natural areas, many interesting historical sites and a busy, working naval harbour,…

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 ...