Thanks to Steve for his fascinating presentation at our club meeting on accompanying an eight main team of wounded veterans along their journey up the inside passage. Steve paddled alongside this amazing group for the Port McNeil to Prince Rupert leg of their journey this past summer. The group is Team Forces of Nature (affectionately called the FONz).
For those who missed it or would like information on their route, here's his presentation on video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh5-cZvdTiE
Thanks Devi for making this video of the club's Harrison River paddle.
Our club's AGM is November 6 so a Nominations Committee is preparing for the election of club officers. All positions are open for nomination, but the following are roles where we are still actively seeking volunteers.
Contact Susan at webmanager2@skabc.org to nominate someone, volunteer yourself, or ask questions.
Click each title to read the details:
"I have removed my previous message about this Park because it had inaccurate information. BC Parks have advised me that it is not yet officially open for overnight use, so please restrict your visits to day use only until an official opening date is announced, hopefully some time this winter after the information kiosk has been installed.
The Park will be paddle-in access only and fires will be prohibited year round."
Furthermore, I recently offered in our Newsletter a personal opinion about a possible cause of the human-set fire that occurred at Apodaca Provincial Park on 25 May 2023. I had no evidence to substantiate this opinion, therefore it was entirely speculative and I withdraw it. I am sorry for any offense my remarks might have caused.
The Silver Paddle Award is given by the club executive to express gratitude for a member's valuable contributions to SKABC over the years. In 2023 we are also asking for nominations for the Orca Award. This award is a way of saying thank-you to a person who has made significant contributions not only to SKABC but to the sea kayaking community as a whole.
Nomination guidelines: The club strives to recognize unique individuals each year -- someone who hasn't won before! The list of past recipients is below. Nominations are being accepted now - the deadline is October 15, 2023. Awards will be given at the November 6 Annual General Meeting.
Email Susan Jensen (see member list) to submit your nominations. Thanks!
History of The Silver Paddle and Orca Awards:
These Silver Paddle Award award winners were selected by the club executive to recognize and say a huge thank you for a member's volunteer efforts over the years!
Past Silver Paddle Award Winners:
2021: Philip Kubik
2019: Sue Johnson and Calvin Sam
2018: Graham Lorimer, Bob Salo, Steve Best, Chantal Ethier
2017: Roy Smyth, Inge Zegel, Bruce Pickwell, Randy Chatterjee
2015 Silver Paddle Recipients: Mick Allen, Shirley Brunke, Simone Avram
2014 Silver Paddle Recipients: Karin Hartner, Nick Heath, Rob Leeson
2013 Silver Paddle Recipients: Richard Jensen and Susan Jensen
2009 Silver Paddle Recipients: Bob Maher and Maureen Benzon
2008 Silver Paddle Recipients: Gayla Shulhan, George Prevost, Kallie Cunningham and Peter Kearney.
SKABC instituted the Orca Award as a way to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the kayaking community as a whole. Nominations for this award are sought from all club members before the Annual General Meeting. The challenge is choosing one person from a large group of people who have made a difference.
Past Orca Award Winners
2021 Orca Award: Steve Best
2018 Orca Award: Nick Heath
2007 Orca Award: Cindy Dopson
2006 Orca Award: Tony Clayton
2005 Orca Award: Rick Davies
2004 Orca Award: Ray Pilman
2003 Orca Award: Harald Riffel
A huge thank you to these recipients. We hope to continue the tradition of presenting Orca and Silver Paddle Awards in the future.
