[Former Member]

Hi all,

I’m looking at buying my first drysuit and came across the Level Six Emperor model. I like the fact that it is a Canadian company.

Just wondering what your thoughts were on this drysuit?

Thanks

[Former Member]

Hello all,

I’m looking for a Nimbus Telkwa to buy.

Please let me know if you have one or hear of one being sold.

 

Thanks

[Former Member]

For those interested in source data about BC Parks openings: http://bcparks.ca/covid-19/

Very similar information is also available at the Recreation Sites & Trails BC site: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/camping-hiking/sites-trails/alerts

The Howe Sound sites which SKABC is maintaining in partnership with RSTBC and BC Marine Trails are open for day paddle visits as of May 14. They will be open for overnight camping on June 1.

[Former Member]

Hello friends – our 2020 trips schedule fizzled on the launch pad, but there is finally some light on the horizon.

All our trips scheduled for April and May have been cancelled. The exception is Brian Pegg’s “Indian Arm with an Archaeologist” trip in mid-June. That trip is reduced to 6 paddlers and only one spot remains.

We still have June, July, August, and September, but our trip leaders have to sort through their schedules and priorities (as will you) as the province and regional authorities widen the safety guidelines in June and beyond.

BC Parks have opened for day use. It is still possible for you to do “buddy trips” with people in your bubble or with club friends maintaining social distancing. The good news is that there are many opportunities accessible from the Lower Mainland. Please visit the Howe Sound sites. It is literally wilderness on your doorstep.

Any trips to the west coast of Vancouver Island are still discouraged. All the communities out there are still locked down due to limited hospital and clinic capacity. None can afford an outbreak of any size.

The same goes for the north of Vancouver Island, the Central Coast, North Coast, and Haida G’waii.

Trip leaders, please discuss with trips2@skabc.org as we move forward.

[Former Member]

Many, many discussions out there revolve around on-the-water handling and performance. I offer these considerations often left out:

(1) A lighter boat is better. If you want to get the most out of your boat, moving it around by yourself has to be easy as you can make it. That includes on/off your vehicle, carry to/from shore, and getting in/out of storage. You will use your boat a LOT more if all of these off-the-water activities are not a pain.

(2) Find a boat that works with your body mechanics. Finding a seat and cockpit that are comfortable is critical, but just the beginning. Is everything easily within reach when you’re settled in your cockpit? Can you flip your rudder up and down easily without having to learn a new yoga pose so you can twist to reach your lines? Does the boat respond when you sweep or draw, or do you feel like you need to be 4 inches taller to make that work?

These are things that trying out a lot of boats will give you some insight to.

[Roland Stefani]

If you are having challenges finding someone to repair your dry suit, I was pleased with the work done by Greg Knowles of Comox Kite Repair.

They installed dry socks on my dry suit which is designed for wind surfing, i.e. the feet are exposed and get wet when in use.   The resulting dry sock install looks like it’s from the factory.  .. In fact, the manufacturer, who will not do modifications to a kayak style drysuit, recommended Greg.  The down-side is that the Comox location is not exactly local, so I used priority post to deliver the suit to them.

The contact information can be found at http://www.ComoxKiteRepair.ca

If you need a repair, don’t delay.   Last year he had a significant backlog of work.

[Wayne Gooch]

 

The CLC Shearwater Sport offers the perfect combination of lightweight, sharp West Greenland handling, effortless cruising speed, and an extra-large cockpit for comfort.

Watertight bulkheads and flush-mounted deck hatches are standard, so many builders go camping in their Shearwater Sports.

Both Kayaks were built in my garage last winter 2018-19. the one with the Saple (darker wood) was only used once on Powell Lake. Since building these two, I have built three more Stitch and Glue kayaks, and I am running out of room to store them. Each kayak cost about $2000 Canadian for materials,( freight and US exchange)included. Approximately 100 hours labour for each Kayak.Willing to sacrifice at materials cost in order to make space. For more information check out Chesapeake Light Craft at http://www.clcboats.com  “Shearwater Sport”

Asking $2,000.00 each Kayak or 2 Kayaks for $3,900.00

Contact: Wayne Gooch gwayne176@gmail.com

778.848.2229

[Quirine Schuyff]

I’m very interested in a refresher course. I actually just pulled my book out yesterday to do a review for myself. (Before my course with you which is coming up!)

Nice of you to offer!

Quirine

[Mike Gilbert]

Hi everyone.  Hopefully everyone is doing well and staying healthy.

Couple of items to mention.  As Past President for Paddle Canada I can let you know that more information about running courses and clinics will be coming down the pipeline as of next week.  Stay tuned.  Currently everything is cancelled until May 31st.

Next, congrats to Katya and Bruce for obtaining their VHF-DSC(M) Radio certification.  They did their course on-line which was super easy (once I got Zoom figured out) and lots of fun.  Getting individual testing done was also fairly easy and quick.

My next VHF-DSC(M) Radio certification courses take place on Saturdays at 1:00 – 4:00PM.  The next dates are May 23rd and 30th.  Then June 6th and 13th.  If you are interested let me know.  Cost of the course is $145.00 plus $10.00 for mailing the manual out to you (unless you would like to pick it up from my place in Richmond).  The $145.00 pays for the manual, a 3 hour presentation; a 1 1/2 hour personal time slot for getting the testing done and you ROC certification upon successfully completing the course.  If you can only make it for another date or time please let me know and I will try to accommodate your request.  These courses are all to be done on-line.

Lastly, for those who already have their VHF-DSC(M) ROC but would like a refresher, let me know and I will try to accommodate these requests at no charge for club members.  It seems we get our ROC (which is good for life) but sometimes need a quick refresher to get back into the groove of using your radio properly and appropriately.  Let me know if this is of interest to you.

Cheers.  Mike G.

[Former Member]

Hi All,

I’m looking to purchase my first sea touring kayak (used) but I’m struggling as I haven’t tried very many boats. I’m mostly familiar with the Deltas and love them but they certainly aren’t the cheapest out there. I’m 5’4″, 130 lbs and reasonably fit though my paddling experience is limited. Not enough opportunity without your own boat!

These are my current options and all look to be in good condition. I’ve included all the gear I would need to purchase in the price.

• Delta 17 – $2700
• Necky looksha elite – $3000
• Current designs Storm GT – $1850
• Seaward Infinity 15.5 – $1975

Thanks in advance for the advice! And if you know of anyone wanting to sell a good boat let me know.

Alecia

 

[Former Member]

Hi all,

I’m looking for a used sea touring kayak minimum 15 ft up to 17 ft and 60 lbs or less. I’m 5’4″ 130 lbs so it can’t be too big but need storage for week long trips.

Please let me know if you’re selling or notice some good deals!

email: a_lannan@hotmail.com

Thanks in advance!

Alecia

[Ted Lam]

Please join me on Saturday May 9, from Deep cove 6:00Am back in the late afternoon, no time set. Pace at 2 to 2.5 Nm/h, lots of time to enjoy the trip. We can help each other but still KEEP 2 METER APART.

Weather will be warm 23 C, but the trip will be against current all time. High tide 7:00AM, low tide 2:00Pm. Might face wind on return trip, not to worry, i know the way.

[Carole Fitzgerald]

Need an extra paddle for my kayak, looking for decent used one.
thanks:)

[Sherron Soo]

Hi Daniel, I’m currently living on Gabriola and can help you with sourcing oysters and clams but not crabs just yet.  Also once Covid restrictions are lifted I would be open to going paddling.   I’m new to living on the island as well, my email is sherron28@yahoo.com.

[Former Member]

Grant narrows info for anyone interested,
as very difficult to find any info

 

“”””Thank you for your email. Yes, unfortunately, we are on lock down due to COVID 19.

Please take care and stay safe.

Respectfully,

Denise Horvath
Office Manager
Katzie Development Limited Partnership”””

[Author]

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