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

Submitted by Amanda M

Apparently there is a lot of math involved in kayaking.

This was a key take away I had from the SKABC Current course that took place on Mayne Island on July 19 - 21, 2024.

Taught by George Prevost, with assistance from Katya, Richard, and Don, this training provided the essentials of what kayakers need to know to safely paddle in current. Over the course of the weekend we learned through lectures, exercises, demonstrations, and practice.

The weekend started with a short paddle in Active Pass. We hung out in the eddy beside the main current, while watching boats flying through the main channel. This short excursion served as a prelude to the content we would cover and let us experience what it feels like to travel in moving water.

The rest of Friday was spent in an outdoor classroom, where George explained the connection between tides and currents and how it is all related to the moon cycles. We learned the basics of safely moving through current. We talked about the green arrow, whirlpools, boils, and eddy lines. We talked about where the current is the fastest (on the outside of bends), how to cross an eddy line, how to get across channels, and how to ferry.

And we did math. Lots of math. We learned how to use published tide and current charts to find the closest reference stations. We used that info to calculate currents for secondary stations. We learned about the rule of thirds which describes how current builds over time and used that info to estimate when it would be safest for a crossing.

On Saturday our classroom moved to the water where we practiced what we learned. We paddled in the current, figured out how to ferry across a channel (such a strange sensation!). We repeatedly crossed eddy lines to ingrain the need to have the right edge up when crossing that line (moon the current). This was a lesson I almost learned the hard way. We learned how to safely travel against the current by hugging close to the shoreline. We traveled against the current, including one point where we paddled up a hill of water to get to the beach. Later that night, we went back to the whiteboards for more math and theory.

On Sunday, we packed up and got back on the water. We spent the day practicing the skills we learned the day before, while adding new ones like moving through a standing wave. You could really see an improvement in everyone’s skills and comfort level.

I found this training invaluable. Growing up in Ontario where the water isn’t affected by the moon, currents and tides have never been intuitive. This course helped to demystify the topic and empowered me with the skills to be a more confident paddler.

One reason why it was such a great course is that George is a fantastic instructor. This isn’t a surprise as he spent 41 years in the classroom teaching grade 7. George created a space where people felt comfortable learning new skills, and taught the content in a way that made it easy to understand. The course was structured to scaffold learning with each lesson building on the last. Theory was discussed on land before getting into conditions in the water, and then the skills were demonstrated before we gave it a try. I also genuinely appreciated the growth mindset that was on full display - mistakes weren’t something to be ashamed of but a great way to learn.

Aside from the content and learning, it was also a delight hanging out with other members from the club - Helen, Matthew, Heather, Roy, Susan, Don, Kayta, Richard and George. We had an epic appetizer potluck on Friday night, dinner at the pub on Sunday, and drinks at Brian's house while waiting for the ferry.

In between we shared many laughs and many more stories from other paddling trips. I left feeling inspired to sign up for more club trips and trainings.

Much gratitude to SKABC for offering this course. I foresee much more math in my future paddling trips!

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More photos from the 2024 Currents Course (submitted by Katya Y and Susan J)