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  • The Compass blog
    The Compass blog
A Paddling Circumnavigation of James Island

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

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…
Are you ready to try Kayak Surfing?

Are you ready to try Kayak Surfing?

By Lee Richardson Get Yourself Ready To Surf Beach Break Surfing in your kayak can seem like a distant and sometimes unattainable goal. How do you know when you are ready to take that first trip? Before you go out you will need to refine some surf strokes and your roll. You should have experience with launching and landing in the surf zone, a little…

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 ...