A Paddle Trip to D’Arcy Island – Gulf Island National Park Reserve
A Kayaking Day Trip to D’Arcy Island What is commonly called D’Arcy Island is actually two islands lying about 3 1/2 nautical miles off the east coast of the Saanich Pennisula just north of Victoria. Big D’Arcy is the largest of the two at around 83 hectares and is now a part of the Gulf Island National Park Reserve containing 7 wilderness campsites with picnic…
Paddling Traditional Skin on Frame Kayaks with ‘Made Kayaks’
Not too long ago Ocean River Sports began selling a clever little ‘skin on frame’ kayak called the ‘Squid’. 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…
Ocean River Photo Contest Winners
The top three photos from the 2017 Ocean River photo contest It was extremely difficult to choose winners for this photo contest as there were so many amazing images sent in. We had photos of wildlife, photos of people in kayaks, photos of people on paddleboards and even shots of kayaks abandoned on beaches. After much thought, we finally settled on the three photos we just…
Life Jackets and PFD’s, do you really need to wear them?
Life Jackets and PFD’s, do you really need to wear them? Transport Canada’s Small Vessel Regulations state that: “PFD’s must be comfortable and functional enough to be worn at all times. Highly visible, short models with pockets for distress flares, radio, and whistle are preferable”. You should also be aware that the Transport Canada regulations also apply to stand up paddle boards, even when leashed. …
Do You Really Need a GPS?
Do you really need to take a GPS on your paddling adventures? The simple answer is no, but there are some very compelling reasons why they can be a valuable asset. However, if you do decide to try one, don’t expect to be able to plug in your destination and happily follow the arrow and turn directions until you arrive. The small handheld units suitable…
The Victoria Waterways Loop
The Victoria Waterways Loop The Galloping Goose trail and the more recent E&N Trail are well known to bicyclists and pedestrians as a way to make a complete circle route from downtown Victoria to the 6 Mile Pub area and back again. However, there is also a water route that also allows you to travel a complete circle from the inner harbour and back again.…
Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island
Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island Victoria is the gateway to world class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island, BC. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers an endless variety of paddle sport experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the bustle of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, to the excitement of a fast moving tidal current. Whether you’re a…
Whiffen Spit to Cabin Point, East Sooke Park, Paddle Route
Whiffen Spit to Cabin Point in East Sooke Park This pleasant day trip is an excellent opportunity to experience what it is like to paddle the exposed west coast without having to drive for hours and plan overnighters. You can explore an exposed a rocky coastline and windswept cliffs with a background of rain forest interspersed with dry hill tops and scrubby pines shaped by…
BC Marine Trails Network
If you are thinking of planning a trip on the BC coast, you should check out the BC Marine Trails Network website. The BCMTN is a non-profit organization dedicated to the design and development of a network of marine access points and campsites and day use areas along the entire BC Coast. This is being done in association with various levels of government, First Nations…
Emergency Communication Electronics for Paddlers
There are a lot of Emergency Communications Electronics available for the paddler With their compact size and affordability, it makes a lot of sense for paddlers to carry some kind of electronic communication device for the additional level of safety they can provide. If you’re in a life-threatening situation the advantage of being able to call for help and knowing that your distress call has…
