[Reed Clarke]

That’s cool. We can sit out there on the water, waving at people back home.

[Former Member]

Just after hanging up from you, i found a bigger block:

12″ x 9″ x 3″

Martin 604-254-0361

[Reed Clarke]

In the past, Rod at Orca Boats has been willing to sell blocks of the grey minicell foam. He uses it in the construction of his wooden canoes and kayaks, and usually has it on hand. I haven’t seen him in a while, so there could be changes. Last time I visited, he was living in Coquitlam.

Website address: https://orcaboats.ca/

If you live near Burnaby, I also have a box of scraps that might contain something the right size. You’re welcome to look through it. As long as you’re not trying to walk off with my foam kayak seat, you can have a chunk for free. (I have no idea why I keep all these little pieces. Hoarding is such a disease!)

Cheers, Reed Clarke

[Maureen Benzon]

I am pretty sure deep cove outdoors sells them. They used to sell blocks that had adhesive on one side. You can save on postage and combine the shopping with a paddle from deep cove 🙂

Delta kayaks sell thigh braces that should fit most boats

If you are looking for padding, I presume you are learning to roll. Let me know if you are heading towards deep cove and would like some company. I paddle every Sunday. At the moment not far because I am having issues with my shoulder, but rolling practice is always an option.

Maureen

[Yekaterina Yushmanova]

Wondering if anyone has some minicell foam blocks that they no longer need. I will be happy to buy it from you. Thought I’d check here before buying online and paying for shipping.  Looking for 3-4” thickness. Need to add some padding around my hips and knees. Thanks! Katya 604-600-3738

[Nick Heath]

There is now a webcam set up for viewing current sea and weather conditions for the SE area of the Sound, off Lions Bay. As I understand, the camera is mounted at Copper Cove pointing N towards Hood Pt (Bowen I) & Gambier.

See: https://www.howe-sound.ca/

[Nick Heath]

Hey Carole, I’ve replaced lines before – not difficult- but I’d be happy enough to come and help. Previous advice all good except nylon line stretches more than polyester line and you don’t want stretchy, just like you never want bungie cord for the deck lines. Their purpose is to be able grab the boat firmly in any rescue situation. I installed the reflective line on one of my boats. It seems gimmicky until one dark night you see its reflection while walking around the beach, just before falling over your hauled-out kayak!

[Nick Heath]

Hi Sandra,

I’ve paddled Pitt Lk several times. There’s stuff to watch out for incl: possible high winds, moderately heavy power boat use, extensive shoals on W shores (passable at HW), tidal movement and, in Springtime, high water levels – meaning smaller camp  areas. Good info on BCMT website (but I am biased…). All the safety conditions for ocean paddling apply here, except the water is considerably colder than our ocean. Bears are likely to be active, especially at the main boater site, Raven Ck.

No paddling or access to Coq Lk.

[Former Member]

I had issues with my current designs fiberglass. The suction cups wouldn’t stay attached and I had to apply 3m clear film to get the suction to work.

You can try western canoe kayak they may have suction options.

[Ted Lam]

Hi Carole,

Just to add a touch,

Please check with Coast outdoor if they have reflective deck line in, it is better to see your boat in the dark than the just black color. I checked with them twice in the winter but they ran out.

If you need this idea, buy a few feet of black nylon tube, 5/16 diameter, i found it in Canadian tire, automobile section. Slide each chunks in to the rope where your self rescue hand can grap, usually 4 locations around cockpit, along the side of the boat.

Last, if you don’t have help, use a small pair of vise grip, pull hard and clamp the rope (just use enough force so you don’t damage the rope) at the loop before the last loop so when you tight the end rope, it does not get too loose after all.

Last, last, if you still need to show you, i can come, but it has to be the first week of May.

PS. i have a same boat as you have, in white. It found me, i never know how good it was until i went all the way to Nanaimo to buy it. Love it very much like a trophy.

[Former Member]

Hi Sandra

I have paddled Pitt lake a number of times and it’s a great place. As with any long lake it can have high winds which seems the normal. As well Pitt lake is one of the largest tidal lakes so current is present at the mouth of Pitt river

Checked 2 weeks ago and the water was way down so tide makes a huge difference visiting the Marsh area. Compared to last year the water was so high it was amazing

But my only warning is power boaters if you are not going into the marsh. I unfortunately have little respect for cabin owners and power boaters in that area. Had a very negative experience with power boaters stopping at landings to letting dogs pee and poop off leash. And having to chase dogs away from doing this on the corners of the tent just no morals.
As well many of the marine parks are littered with trash from power boaters. But we did see a poor parks operator doing maintenance and cleaning up litter.

But a amazing area if the water is really high and you can explore all of the marsh

 

 

[Clark Perry-Bater]

One more thing – I think Pitt Lake is subject to strong winds (like Indian Arm), due to topography and thermal circulation on a sunny day. Just a heads up.

[Clark Perry-Bater]

Hi Sandra, as far as I know, Coquitlam Lake, as part of the Greater Vancouver watershed, is off limits to paddlers or any other people.  I think there are locked gates, etc. barring access to the lake and surrounding hills. I’ve never paddled past the narrows at the south end of Pitt Lake, so I can’t help you there.   -Clark

[Sandra Waddle]

Hi! I am thinking of doing a a 3 day kayak camping trip with a friend. We are looking at Pitt Lake as it looks like it is has campsites and may be a nice paddle. Has anyone done this trip?

Also, does Coquitlam Lake have camping? It does not look like it from the marine trails website but thought I would check.

Happy paddling,

Sandra

[Former Member]

Thanks for the responses everyone … Muchas Gracias 🙂

[Author]

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