[Heather Harbord]

As for the Gorge entrance, if the paddlers are worried, paddle in on a flood, paddle out on an ebb, avoid large tides. Yes, currents can run up to 5 knots max, but there’s no big whirlpools or standing waves and I always could find back eddies to help me if padding against the flow.

 

Of course the waves thrown by yachts using this busy channel could be a danger while you’re paddling the inshore eddies.

 

Navionics has tides for Whaletown and the Gorge. Always fun to check the height difference which drives the currents at the entrance to the Gorge.

 

Mike Moore, former Captain of Misty Isles

I asked Mike about this question because he has lived on Cortes for several decades and is a former Navigation Officer with the Coast Guard, a commercial diver and sea kayak guide.

So, check the tide levels at Whaletown and the Gorge and plan to paddle in on the flood and out on the ebb.

[Nick Heath]

I’m visiting the private Gambier cabin again this week Wed or Thu or Fri to try to complete the stove install. Full day.

Looking for a crew mate!

Leave by small boat (no weather protection) from Richmond or W Vancouver.

Various jobs to be done from grouting tiles to firewood & levelling tent sites. Outside & inside.

Nick H treasurer2 at skabc.org

[Former Member]

Does anyone have any information about current levels in the entrance to Gorge Harbour on Cortes.  I can’t find anything that says there is an an issue, but I read someone’s paddling blog that indicated the current in the little entrance way can get up to 5 knots.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,  Stan

[Nick Heath]

Whatever you buy, be suspicious of its waterproof claim and use a waterproof radio case that still lets you operate it.  Some member have found to their cost that after a bit of use some part of the radio will leak, usually with fatal results. Good brands e.g.  Standard-Horizon,  ICOM, Cobra and others. Make sure it fits in a pfd pocket wit a case on it. It is best select a radio that accepts alkaline batteries, of which you can carry many extras, rather than relying on a rechargeable battery when there is nowhere to recharge it on a multi-day trip. Both are nice to have. Most paddlers leave their radios turned off most of the time to conserve battery power (and to avoid annoying radio chatter).

[Nick Heath]

There is no problem with landing a kayak and finding a place to camp, but please no fires and avoid the bluff area – just stick to the area near the top of the access trail. The site in not (yet) an official campsite but that process is in the works and then SKABC will build 4 tent platforms, and Bc PArks will put in a toilet, all assuming that the neighbouring 3 First Nations (site co-managers with BC Parks,  effectively) have no objection. Fingers crossed!

More or less all potential sites in Howe Sd have been scoped by BCMT. The more marginal of these or those on private land are not displayed publicly on the BCMT map, but are on a restricted ‘Planning Layer’.  I could talk with you about your plan and maybe save you some of the grind, especially concerning the finding ownership status of some sites, which can be hard to figure out. My number is in the SKABC member directory.

If you keen to check sites in other areas, this could be of great assistance!

[Former Member]

Thanks Kapila for sharing photos

some photos David

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oZL_HHQKKRO0Cy3YLOnK9sZxIadxpMfL/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qM7IaX3z3ephVaBlhOJGACwLY1TICV-M/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A8FSUY9RkpbNBvhq9i5pJ8L3vZuOnrzh/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xnn-wdMCJhdTOlY3RqNO28mX4IM4–7o/view?usp=drivesdk

 

 

 

[Kapila Jayaweera]

I highly recommend Standard Horizon HX 890 radio. This is a newer model than HX870. Actually HX870 is more advance version that HX890. They remove several features from  HX890 which kayakers almost never needed.

Few thing I like about HX890 (I believe HX870 has same features)

Radio floats. You still have to tie down to your PFD or it could float away from you.

Large screen.

Built in GPS (you could track down your trip if you want then download coordinates to your computer. Nice feature I used few times. It could eat up your battery so has to be used carefully)

Comes with AAA battery case. Can use 3xAAA batteries.

Digital calling feature

MMSI – Can program your own MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) # to this radio. This can use for calling another radio by adding their MMSI number to your radio.

Distress button. There is an distress button on the radio. If you press this button, it will send a distress signal with GPS coordinate so that you don’t have to give your location verbally.

Flash light – I hardly use

FM radio – occasionally uses

Weather channels – all radios have I believe.

I bought mine from Steveston Marine at Langley. Looks like it is on sale for less price than I bought two years ago.

https://www.stevestonmarine.com/standard-horizon-hx890nb-vhf-radio?search=hx890

Please let me know if you need more information.

[Debra Merchant]

Nanaimo Paddlers have invited SKABC members to their next meeting!

May 4, 2022 at 7pm

In June 2021, Dave Peters, Doug Scatcherd, Gord Allen, and Sheldon Spier, paddled from Port Hardy to Coal Harbour, via Cape Scott.

It was an enjoyable, exhilarating, tiring, and rewarding adventure.

As a team, they will share a 4 part presentation of their trip. They will begin with their preparations and end with their debrief, both essential parts to a successful and pleasant experience.

When: Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 7:00-9:00 PM (PDT)

Online Event: Join Via Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84093560442?pwd=TnRlbDFINjhrYmh0cWxNZXVEOXlvUT09
Meeting ID: 840 9356 0442
Passcode: 765150

 

[Kevin Hall]

Mike Gilbert and John Drent is being mentored for his L2 instructor certification. Six students I believe.

[Former Member]

Who is/are the instructors, Kevin? Thank you for offering 🙂

[Kevin Hall]

One spot available. Very low price for a full Level 2 course offered in the Lower Mainland and no camping (sleep in your own bed every night!). Four days, May 20-23. My wife isn’t able to attend, so her spot is now open.

Learn advanced directional control, blended strokes, maneuvering in waves and current, journeying and seamanship, expedition behaviour, introduction to rolling, advanced re-entry and rescue techniques, navigation and weather.

This is a great opportunity to upgrade or hone your skills close to home with top level instruction. Contact me directly (info in the “Member List” under the “For Members” tab when you’re logged in). I’ll not post the price as it’s much lower than I’ve seen offered anywhere else.

I’ll update here when the spot has been filled.

[Heather Kirk]

Two touring paddles, both in pristine shape, both 220 cm, ideal for a taller paddler.

1. Nimbus Chinook, quill paddle design, carbon fiber shaft and blades, used 3 times. Designed to be easy on the shoulders on longer touring and expedition trips, or for a person with shoulder issues. $400.

2. Paddle made by Wave, U.S. company, carbon shaft with plastic blades. Good for playing in rock gardens or a good second paddle. Gently used. $125

Please text 778-868-2078 or email annabengall@gmail.com

[Charles Maundrell]

I think it fits on the smaller side. I am 6′ 2″ and about 195lb and its a bit tight on me around the middle. The middle of my stomach now is (41″) and found its just a bit too snug to be comfortable. Hope that helps give you an idea.

[Former Member]

May be interested for my husband. Is Large accurate in the wetsuit. If he wears a large size jacket would it be the same”. He’s 5’11” and 195lb

[Charles Maundrell]

Classic Mens MEC Farmer John Wetsuit-$50.00

***Used a handful of times. Good for a taller medium size paddler. Large Size.

Located in South Surrey

[Author]

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