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  • The Compass blog
    The Compass blog
Are you a Whitewater Kayaker?

Are you a Whitewater Kayaker?

By Tanner Ockenden  Whitewater Kayaker: The Scents of Adventure So you think you’re a whitewater kayaker? You love rivers and the idea of plummeting down through turbulent waters excites you rather than terrifies you. If this sounds like you then you might be a whitewater kayaker, but there are a few clear signs to know for sure. White water kayaking is a sensory overload in…
Why Hammocks Rock

Why Hammocks Rock

Hammocks: the fun way to pack light and camp We all loved hammocks as a kid even though it wasn’t always easy to figure out how to get into them. Hammocks as shelter have recently taken off in western cultures although they have been around for a very long time. A hammock is a very versatile option to replace the conventional tent shelter for outdoor…
What to wear kayaking

What to wear kayaking

What does appropriate clothing to wear kayaking look like? We all want to get out and enjoy the water without having to worry about the dangers or what-if’s that come along with being a paddler. There is something romantic about being able to spontaneously load up your kayak and launch into the ocean, onto a river, or into a lake to explore for the day.…
Sharks in British Columbia

Sharks in British Columbia

Paddlers share the waters of BC with a number of amazing creatures, sharks are one seldom spoken about. These majestic creatures live in the waters we all enjoy as kayakers, canoers and paddleboarders. Sharks in BC may seem like a non-existent entity but they do exist, and in quite the variety. When many people think ‘sharks’ they think dark ominous figures gliding towards them in…
How to care for Goretex

How to care for Goretex

Proper maintenance and care for Goretex and other waterproof fabrics We all love our Goretex on the west coast – or should we say wet coast. There is always that fear, however, of being out on the trail when the rain kicks in and as you look down at your sleeve you notice some of the drops absorbing rather than beading up. So what can…

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 ...