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  • The Compass blog
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SUP Adventures on the West Coast

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 has presented a whole other world of exploration and adventure. From someone aspiring to be a heli-ski guide to someone aspiring to be a SUP expeditioner, guide and instructor. My, the tables have turned! Meeting Norm Hann Back in the fall of 2014 I…
Planning a Kayaking Trip to Discovery Island

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

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…
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Safety around Victoria, BC

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Safety around Victoria, BC

Stand up paddle boards can be a confusing paddle craft. Are they like surfboards or are they more like canoes? Apparently, they are both. When it comes to Transport Canada regulations for paddle boards the waters are a bit murky. We wanted to clear up a bit of the understanding around SUP safety and what you need to do to be safe and Transport Canada…
Kayaking Preparedness: Know Before you Go

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…
Sea Kayaks For Beginners

Sea Kayaks For Beginners

What to look for in a beginners sea kayak Buying a sea kayak can be a stressful process especially for a beginner. There are many things to consider before taking the plunge and buying a new boat. For a beginner kayaker, you want to think about a few key things: price, versatility, and safety or usability. Our recommendation to people is that you should buy…
When to replace a PFD

When to replace a PFD

Do you know when you need to replace your PFD? Any time we get out on the water we have to think about safety. What is the weather doing? Have we left a float plan? How old is your personal flotation device(PFD)? These are the questions that need to be answered any time you head out for a paddle. A PFD or a lifejacket won’t…
Traveling With An Inflatable SUP

Traveling With An Inflatable SUP

Why traveling with an inflatable SUP is a great idea! Buying an inflatable SUP can be quite the investment. This investment is not for everyone but it does offer many benefits. Inflatable boards are easily stored and portable, perfect for saving space in tiny homes or for transporting in the back seat of a small car. Getting down to remote areas is way easier when your…
Kayak Lap Bag Essentials

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…
The Health Benefits of Kayaking

The Health Benefits of Kayaking

How kayaking can have numerous health benefits There are many reasons to kayak. One of these reasons is the health benefits. Kayaking is a fun activity but the kayaking has many health benefits that make it a well-rounded hobby and sport. Check out the top health benefits of kayaking below. Mental Clarity The first, and most obvious, health benefit is the mental calm that kayaking…
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…
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…

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 ...