SKABC – The Sea Kayak Association of BC – Vancouver-based Kayak Club

Two instructors and five course participants set out in the morning from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, rolling our boats onto the ferry despite some misdirection from ferry staff. Rolling off at Swartz Bay, we negotiated our way through the terminal to the Barnacle Road boat launch. After some course-related discussion we launched into perfect weather in the early afternoon. Passing through Gosse Passage we made our way as planned and made camp in the early evening. The campsite was quiet and there were enough tent pads for all of us. We enjoyed a delicious, shared dinner and went to bed early, anticipating good weather for the next day’s paddle. On day two we paddled to our designated lunch spot where we found a delightful but cold beach for lunch. The crossing each way required attention and pause for ferry traffic but the weather was sunny and the waters calm. Making our way back to camp we again shared a dinner and good conversation. We returned to Swartz Bay on day three, stopping for lunch then and making our way through Stranger Passage to the boat launch. We enjoyed a welcome light wind and some whitecaps on the way back, making the final leg of the trip more stimulating. Rolling back on to the ferry was made easier by requesting staff to open a gate and Gordon heroically ran uphill to the booths to purchase tickets for all of us a few minutes before sailing.
During the trip, each participant had a chance to act as leader and various and interesting scenarios were played out to challenge us, both planned and unplanned. Decisions were made, actions carried out, and all was discussed. Maureen was full of stories to illustrate leadership challenges. We all learned a lot in the process. Thank you to Maureen Benzon and Andrew Mylly for leading the course and giving us all confidence in our leadership abilities.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, 10 paddlers set out from Brunswick Beach bound for Gambier Island, loaded with delicious ingredients for a ‘Kayak Cuisine Weekend’ to remember!

The crossing from Brunswick to Gambier took about 90 minutes with a moderate headwind and swell to contend with. After a short pause to catch our breath off Halkett Point, we headed around the point and across Halkett Bay to a beach for an early lunch.

Back on the water, we were serenaded by dozens of sea lions - the California variety, rather than Stellar, was our guess - sunning themselves on the docks and pontoons along the shore of Gambier. A few eagles were spotted, along with some cute young geese, as we cruised past the shacks and fancy homes.

We rounded the breakwater and arrived at Trudie’s property early afternoon, unloading the boats and hiking up the steep drive to the cabin. Numbers were drawn to select camping spots on the two available fields, the lower dubbed ‘Princess Meadow’ by Kevin when all five spots were snagged by the ladies!

When the tents were deployed and the boats hauled up, an easy afternoon was enjoyed by all. We reconvened at the cabin at 5 pm to receive our chopping and cooking instructions from Vincent for a three-course, Mexican-inspired feast of seven-layer dip and corn chips, chicken and vegetarian tacos, followed by a spicy fruit salad and washed down with non-alcoholic beers with lime.

After dinner, clean up and some laughs, most of us retired before the sun was down with full bellies and tired bodies, ready for a good sleep. Based on my survey, most people achieved this, despite some wind overnight and the occasional call from the giant sea lion on the pontoon nearby!

On Sunday morning, suitably caffeinated, we were on the water by 9 am - exactly as planned! There was some wind but not too bad as we passed by the noisy sea lions again. While paddling, we witnessed a boisterous wrestling bout between a pair of male sea lions vying for dominance over a nearby float. A solitary female nearby appeared entirely unconcerned by the
scuffle, which concluded when the challenger was unceremoniously shoved into the water. We rounded the corner into Halkett Bay where the water was calm and headed for the campground for a break. The tide was low enough that we couldn't quite make it over the gravel bar to the end of the bay, so we stopped on a beach where a dozen curious seals eyeballed us.

Back on the water, we crossed back to Brunswick Beach, but this time the wind was behind us, and we all agreed it was easier than the day before. We were back on the beach soon after 12 pm, where some people stayed for lunch while others hiked up the hill to retrieve their cars, load up, and head home.

Thank you to everyone for an enjoyable weekend, especially Trudie for allowing us to use her property, Philip for leading the trip, and Vincent for hosting a great dinner!