[Maureen Benzon]

We printed ID decals last year and they have been distributed among members to hand out to fellow members. If you have a stash not yet distributed, please let me know how many so we know if we need to print more, or if we still have plenty in reserve.

Thanks, Maureen

reply to safety2@skabc.org

[Kevin Amos]

Dear Paddling Club & Team Members,
Spring is around the corner – and that means GEAR UP FOR SPRING is back at Western Canoeing & Kayaking!
This exclusive members-only promotion is your chance to get fully outfitted for the upcoming paddling season with special pricing, big savings, and a chance to win a $100 WCK Gift Card.
When & Where In-store only -WCK 1717 Salton Rd Abbotsford March 2 – March 31, 2026
Available to CLUB & TEAM MEMBERS ONLY
Member-Only Deals Bring your Gear Up coupon and save on select gear:
● 15% OFF ALL GEAR (some restrictions apply—see fine print)
● Wood Dragon Boat Paddles (Grey Owl) — $65
● Carbon Dragon Boat Paddles (Blackwater) — $249
● All Blackwater SUPs — 50% OFF (others as marked)
● Norse Kayaks — 15% OFF (in-stock only) –
● Clipper Canoes & Blackwater Kayaks — 10% OFF (in-stock only)
Bonus! Every coupon used also enters you into a draw to win a $100 WCK Gift Card. The Fine Print (aka the important stuff)
● Coupon required for discount and draw entry
● Items must be paid in full and picked up by March 31, 2026
● Discounts apply to retail pricing only and cannot be combined with other promotions
(including free shipping)
● No discounts on: Thule, Zaveral (ZRE), Bixby, ePropulsion, trailers, big canoes,
electronics, special orders, or online purchases
● In-store shopping only
Your coupon is below — don’t forget to bring it!
See you in the shop,
The Western Canoeing & Kayaking Team

 

Click on the links below to access your coupons: ● For Mobile: Save the coupon on your phone

https://westerncanoekayak.com/content/WCK-Gear-Up-Coupon-2026-print-me.pdf

 

 

[Quirine Schuyff]

Good to hear Darlene! Too bad we can’t carpool as we are so close! Hopefully we will get a few more on board!

[Maureen Benzon]

This very much depends upon the trip and the trip leader and the make and style of the kayk

Generally, less than 16′ is a bit small for an ocean kayak, but we have some 15′ that are very adequate. You MUST have sealed hatches or a secure form of bouyancy, and a smaller kayak may battle to keep up with the longer boats. A skeg or rudder is a good idea. 17′ with sealed hatches front and back would be considered a good ocean kayak for overnight trips.

Let’s take this off line. Feel free to phone me 778-71271035

[Charles Constantine]

Thank you, Maureen.

For my clarification, I do not need to be using the much longer sea kayaks to join in?

Thank you

Charles

[Maureen Benzon]

I agree that tandem kayakers should practice rescues. Whether assisted by another kayaker, or just the two in the tandem (self rescue).

We will be posting at least 4 rescue practices when the water gets warmer. Bring your tandem or single and come out and practice with the group.Joining the group practice will also give single kayakers confidence to help a capsized double.

Training is currently working on the schedule for 2026 and we hope to get the dates up soon

Charles welcome! I hope to see you on the water sometime soon 🙂

 

 

[Charles Constantine]

Hi Bob,

I linked up with SKABC last fall.   I have two solo kayaks that my partner and I use very often – 10.5 – 11 ft sit in kayaks.   Primarily we use them in lakes, and a couple of times near shore at ocean beaches.   We go out quite frequently – 2-3 days per week I’d say through the season.

I am looking for safety teaching for solo kayaking.  I know the tandem self rescue doesnt apply, but this does refresh my need to look into this safety teaching.

Could you perhaps point me in the right direction?

Thank you very much

Charles Constantine

[Bob Maher]

Someone was asking about “Self Rescues for Tandem Kayaks”.

All Kayaks are subject to the same hazards: Wind, Waves, Weather Change, Currents, Hidden Stumps (just under the water), Rogue Waves, other Boats, Waves from Power Boats but Tandem Kayaks can take on Hundreds of Pound’s of Water when they Capsize.

How to do a Tandem Kayak Self Rescue

–       Go To Google    “Tandem Kayak Rescue”

–       Click on Video  “Tandem/Triple Kayak Brace/Rescue Drills”

[Darlene Brown]

I’d love to join for the day and help out as necessary and/or directed!  Unfortunately carpooling not an option for me this event.

[Quirine Schuyff]

I will be there for the day. If anyone would like to join me and carpool I am happy to take 4 passengers for a cozy ride, or 3 for a more comfy ride.

Feel free to contact me!

[Rob McIntyre]

Bringing this post back to top of mind for those of us interested in paddling, the north and Canadian pride.

[Rob McIntyre]

Paddle Expo 2026 is back on May 3 at Main Beach, Cultus Lake (the big paddling community demo day run by our good friends at Western Canoeing & Kayaking).
We have the opportunity to attend and promote the club – Let’s show up strong, support a great local retailer, and help grow the paddling community.

We need a few volunteers:

Setup + takedown of our 10×10 tent
On-water / beach-side rescue demos (simple, safe, crowd-friendly techniques)
When: Sunday, May 3 — 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Where: Main Beach, Cultus Lake

If you can spare an hour or the whole day, jump in – Coordinate with your friends and come as a team! The more the merrier = lighter workload + more fun

Reply here with what time windows you can cover.

[Yoel Guttmann]

https://orangecanoe.ca/   can replace gaskets. (single/pair) $80/$120

As mentioned by others, DIY wrist gasket replacement is highly satisfying and super easy.   https://seaskin.co.uk/shop/   is an excellent source for affordable gaskets.

[Duncan Bray]

I came here to say the same (including I did mine myself!). It was much more painless than I was expecting, just had to take my time.

[Jody Baker]

Coast Outdoors in Northvan will do it. I just did it myself and it was much easier than expected.

[Author]

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