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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 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…

The History of The Kayak

Take a journey through Canada and explore the history of the kayak The history of the kayak is closely interwoven with Canadian history itself. Modern kayaks are used to get up close and personal with the natural beauty and wildlife found all across Canada, but, kayaks have played a large role in the discovery of the land as well. As Canada 150 approaches many are…

White Water Kayaking Videos

By Graham Litman White Water Kayaking films to get you through the days on land You’ve just spent the past few days in your boat having adventures and now your back feels like it’s made of wood. Your palms have paddle blisters all over them and your neck has a rash from rubbing on your gasket. You want to sit on your ass and let…

Paddling Traditional Skin on Frame Kayaks with ‘Made Kayaks’

Out of a workshop on Gabriola Island, a ‘skin on frame’ kayak called the ‘Squid’ is being made. What makes this kayak unique is that it comes as a kit that can be assembled in a couple of weekends with just a few basic tools. The kayak is the inspiration of Ron Crown, an animator by profession and a kayak designer and builder by passion.…

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…

Rudders or Skegs? Which Way to Turn?

The Rudder Versus Skeg Debate, Is One System Better? There has always been a debate surrounding rudders versus skegs, which is better? Purests would argue that a well-designed kayak with a competent paddler shouldn’t need a rudder or maybe even a skeg. This may be so, but it certainly doesn’t address all of the issues. Each side has had their proponents and detractors, but as…

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),…

Kayaking for Fitness

Kayaking for Fitness – A Surf Ski Clinic With Bob Putnam Kayaking for fitness has a dual benefit for those who are already kayaking at some level whether a recreational paddler, sea kayaker, kayak fisherman or whitewater kayaker. Not only will you improve your overall fitness level, but you will also improve and fine-tune your forward stroke, which will enable you to paddle further, faster…

Kayaking to Race Rocks Lighthouse

A Kayaking Trip to Race Rocks Lighthouse and Ecological Reserve Race Rocks is located just one nautical mile off the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island. It is an archipelago of low rocky islets lying in the narrowest point of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula is only 22 km (12 nautical miles) away. Race Rocks is aptly named for the strong…

Why Trust Us?

There are other companies offering tours to various regions throughout Victoria and Vancouver Island, so why trust us? Over 30 Years of Experience Ocean River has over 30 years first- hand experience running tours on Vancouver Island. Having worked as tour leaders and adventure guides our destination knowledge as well as knowledge of a client’s needs and expectations are second to none. Due to this experience…

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 ...

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