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Kayak Sunday School

Ocean River Sport’s is delighted to be able to offer a complete range of Private paddling courses. Sea Kayak Sunday School Novice The Sea Kayak Sunday School Novice is a unique progressive instructional paddling experience. This offering focuses on the foundation skills of paddling and decision making for a safe and enjoyable day out on the ocean. Effective paddling skills, and developing an…

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…

More about Juan de Fuca Strait Coastal SUP Exploration – Featuring Norm Hann

Juan de Fuca Strait Coastal SUP Exploration – Featuring Norm Hann

More about Norm Hann Guest Presentation – SUP touring in the Great Bear Rainforest

Norm Hann Guest Presentation – SUP touring in the Great Bear Rainforest

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…

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…

Whitewater Kayaking Close Call

Russell Henry shares the story of a close call while whitewater kayaking and offers some safety tips for other paddlers Whitewater paddling can be an extremely dangerous sport, especially when seeking out rivers that have not been paddled before and take a lot of effort to get too. On Vancouver Island, these first descent rivers are much easier to visit due to the network of…

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…

Paddling Victoria Harbour – Ocean River Sports to Ogden Point

What to See When Paddling Around Victoria’s Harbour This route explores the inner and middle harbour and, weather permitting, guides you out to the Ogden Point Breakwater with it’s beautiful First Nations murals at the harbour’s outer reaches. You will see historic buildings like the Old Victoria Customs House, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the BC Legislature. You will experience the bustle of a busy…

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…

A Paddling Circumnavigation of James Island

James Island is located in Haro Strait about 1.3 nm (2.4 km) off the east coast of Vancouver Island and is 315 hectares (778 acres) in size with approximately 6 nm (11 km) of shoreline. James Island is privately owned, so while you can’t get out and explore this beautiful Gulf Island, it does make for a delightful circumnavigation with its high sandy bluffs, forested…

Rough Water Sea Kayaking – A GREAT CHALLENGE

As employees of Ocean River, we all have a passion for paddling. But, like many of you, we weren’t all blessed with paddling our whole lives and had to start somewhere. I am Jamie, Ocean Rivers store manager. I grew up in the Southern Alberta prairies and relocated to Victoria a couple of years ago. Therefore paddling on the ocean was and still is in many…

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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