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  • The Compass blog
    The Compass blog
Gear Review: Sisu Kayak from Current Designs

Gear Review: Sisu Kayak from Current Designs

Lee Richardson reviews the Sisu HV Kayak from Current Designs I recently started paddling the Current Designs Sisu High Volume (HV).  My first surf in this new boat was at Skookumchuck Narrows and it left me wondering when I would get to be in that kayak again. I had been trying a few different kayaks to see what I would select to be my favorite…
Greenland vs Euro blade paddling

Greenland vs Euro blade paddling

By: Lee Richardson What is the difference between Greenland and Euro blade paddling There are many forms of kayaking and within these different subcategories lives two separate styles recognized easily by the paddle used. There are Euro blade and Greenland paddle styles, and if you have not encountered both in some way yet then this will be super interesting for you. There is always the…
How Made Kayaks was Made

How Made Kayaks was Made

An interview with Ron Crown, the creator of Made Kayaks We love working in the outdoor adventure market. We love inspiring others to get out there and getting out there ourselves. We are grateful to those inventive minds that create the gear that helps us do our jobs and get out there ourselves. One of these inventive minds is Ron Crown, the creator of Made…
Adventure Vehicles: life on the road

Adventure Vehicles: life on the road

By Russell Henry Home is where the adventures are. Adventure Vehicles: homes on wheels Living in British Columbia almost everyone has a backyard bike trail, local climbing crag, or after work class 3 river run. It’s when we start to look beyond our local areas that we discover so much more of the wild world of adventure. We make longer and longer drives for weekend…
Gear for Winter Kayaking

Gear for Winter Kayaking

By Lee Richardson  What gear do you need to wear when kayaking in cold water or the winter? Winter kayaking means a change in the gear we need to bring with us. There are 3 main pieces of gear that you may want to consider having if you don’t already: something to cover your hands something to cover your head something to give protection from…
Proper care for a Baffled Jacket

Proper care for a Baffled Jacket

How to keep your Baffled, or puffy, jacket in great shape   We have all seen those baffled, or puffy quilt looking, winter jackets around town. Heck, you are probably the proud owner of one if you are reading this! They keep us warm and cozy and make for great pillows in a pinch. Proper care for a technical jacket is vital to its longevity…
How to pick a winter jacket for the west coast

How to pick a winter jacket for the west coast

What to look for in a winter jacket for the west coast It is that time of year again. The leaves are changing colours, the mornings are darker and the evenings shorter. Autumn is here on the west coast and it will not be long before winter has come as well. For some, this is the worst news they have heard all year. For others,…
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…
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…
Why you need to wear sunglasses

Why you need to wear sunglasses

How to find the right sunglasses, and why you need to get them TODAY We all think about sunglasses in the summer time when it is bright out and harder to see. Plus who doesn’t like finally getting to put on their sunglasses and walk outside to a bright summer day? Sunglasses, however, are such an important accessory that they should be worn year round.…
Build Your Own Kayak with a Kayak Kit

Build Your Own Kayak with a Kayak Kit

Building Your Own Kayak has suddenly become easy with Kayak Kits from ‘Made Kayaks’ What is included and what are they? The Kayak Kits from Made Kayaks allow you to build your own high-quality kayak without hassle or guesswork. All the wooden Frame parts are included and pre-cut from high-end sustainable Baltic Birch plywood. Ballistic Nylon Skin and Polyurethane coating from the Skin Boat Store, the…

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 ...