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
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
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,…
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…
Dragon Boating in Victoria
The tradition of team paddling a Dragon Boat across the finish line makes its way to the Victoria Harbour The scene of downtown Victoria was transformed last weekend into one of long boats propelling forward into the Victoria Harbour like Viking ships charging into battle. If you were lucky enough to make it out to the Victoria Dragon Boating Festival this past weekend you are…
How to Choose the Right PFD
Lifejackets vs Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) First off, let’s eliminate the confusion between Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). A true lifejacket is designed to turn an unconscious victim face up in the water. They have more buoyancy than a PFD, come in two sizes only and must be red, yellow or orange. They are bulkier and lack the comfort for long term recreational use.…
McNeill Bay to The Trial Islands Paddle Route
Kayaking Routes around Victoria: McNeill Bay to the Trial Islands The Trial Islands are located in the Strait of Juan de Fuca just off the shores of Oak Bay. There is easy access to the water and parking at McNeill Bay. It is an excellent short day trip, which can easily be accomplished within 1 or 2 hours. Caution should to be exercised when planning…
Paddling to Discovery Island Marine Park
Paddling Route and Exploration of Discovery Island This spectacular paddling route takes you from the shores and stately homes of Oak Bay, crossing through the Chain Islets, to the Chatham Islands and Discovery Islands. This popular destination offers a true west coast paddling experience. You will feel as though you are hundreds of miles away in the wilderness paddling around Discovery Island. Paddlers should be…
Top 5 Rivers Near Victoria
Top 5 Rivers Near Victoria by Graham Litman 5. Cowichan, Marie Canyon (Class 3, 1.5 hours) The Cowichan is the South Island’s bread and butter run. It’s fairly free of major hazards, has fun play spots, and warm water (Cowichan supposedly means “the warm land” in Coast Salish). The Cowichan is runnable at almost 365 days of the year, due to a weir at Cowichan…
Footwear for Paddling
Choosing the Right Footwear for Comfort & Function when Paddling What to wear on your feet while paddling is going to depend a lot on the time of year and the weather conditions. You will find that every paddler has their own opinion about what is the “best” thing to wear on your feet. In fact, every time I am on a kayaking trip, this…
