[Mike Gilbert]

Ofcourse you can join in Edwin.
The idea is hopefully a few people come out so we can partner up.

[edwin torillo]

May I come. I only have myself.

Edwin

[Mike Gilbert]

When:  Sunday, September 13th – 0900 – 1300 hrs

Where:  Sasamat Lake – Lot F for parking

Who this is for:  Tips and pointers for all…

For those who have a roll and are looking to refine it or move on to a new roll.

For those looking to get their roll – practice with a partner.

For those wishing to practice solo or assisted rescues – refining known / practicing new.

Let others know if you plan to attend or bring a partner.  Last practice before leaving for Mexico!

 

[Phyllis Mallett]

Thank you for the given information.

Phyllis

[Quirine Schuyff]

Brechin is most convenient for sure.

[George Prevost]

The Brechin Bay Boat Launch that Kevin mentioned in his reply is a great option.  The boat launch is a convenient start for a paddle over to Newcastle – it’s where you would put in if you’re wheeling on and off the Departure Bay/Horseshoe Bay ferry – and the parking lot is reserved for people using the boat launch.  The parking is cheap and there has always been lots of space available whenever we’ve been there, even on the Labour Day long weekend.  You can unload very close to the ramp and there’s a separate section just for kayaks so you don’t have to worry about competing with power boats.

[Jon Leighton]

I’m afraid I don’t know anything about parking in Nanaimo, but are you committed to taking your car?

My perspective: everything is easier if you leave your car at Horseshoe bay and wheel the kayak on abd off.  It’s much cheaper, you don’t have to book and the put-in at Departure Bay is easy too.

Jon

[Kevin Amos]

See details about Brechin Bay Boat Launch here
https://www.nanaimo.ca/transportation-mobility/driving/parking/paid-parking

[Phyllis Mallett]

Hello,

I plan on arriving in Nanaimo by 1pm to paddle over to Newcastle Island.  I’ll be driving up from Victoria.

Where is recommended parking and launching for this trip?

Any others parking there around this time to paddle over with?

Thank you,
Phyllis.

[Kapila Jayaweera]

I am planning to go for rolling practice at Sasamat Lake this Friday August 28th morning.

I will be at the White Pine beach parking lot F around 9:30am, then use kayak cart to carry my boat to the beach.

Practice time is about two hours with breaks.

Exact location:-

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cBUKYv7TwRhaUgzK9

Please bring Kayak cart, wet or dry suit, spray skirts etc.

Having goggles, nose plugs and earplugs would be helpful when learning to role.

This is more about rolling though If anyone wanted to come and do their self/assisted rescue practice are welcome to join.

Please not that I am not a qualified instructor when it comes to rolling or rescue but I could help for those who have done some rolling lessons and wanted to improve their skills.

Please posted on this forum or email me if you are planning to attend. My contact information can be found on the member list page.

Thank you.

Kapila

[Quirine Schuyff]

How bizarre how bizarre.
Ken, surely you can put this on a raft and tow it back for future SKABC BBQs??!!  😉

[Dawn Lessoway]

Looks brand new. Another coastal mystery – won’t fit in my kayak. 🤷‍♀️😅

[Ken Bigelow]

Someone has dropped off a BBQ at the Zorro Bay rec site. Looks like it is brand new. Free to anyone who can pick it up.

[Amanda Mitchell]

I am late to this conversation, but I absolutely love my Sea to Summit Telos TR2 tent. The first weekend I used it I basically couldn’t stop talking about all of its features.

Why I love it:

• 2 person, but really it’s perfect for 1 – especially with my wide mattress
• it is tall inside
• There are 2 large vestibules
• the tent and the fly come in separate stuff sacks, which makes it easier to back in a kayak, distribute between more than one person, and if your fly is wet, your tent stays dry
• You can put up the fly first, and then the tent inside.
• you can just set up the fly and the groundsheet (I got the larger one that completely covers the vestibules)
• you can set the fly up on it’s own and use two hiking poles to create a sunshade
• The stuff sacks become extra pockets inside the tent, and the pole bag clips into the top of the tent and is designed so you can put your headlamp in and it creates a soft glow
• There are also built in pockets
• All of the guy lines are reflective
• I got the extra gear loft which is awesome to put wet paddling gear in or jackets
• You can air out the tent by rolling up the fly
• You can open the vent in the fly from the inside
• All of the straps for the pegs are easily adjustable, which is perfect for when it rains
• It is very light
• And I got it on sale

not sure how available it is anymore, but I do love it – like most Sea to Summit gear!

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/backpacking-tent/sea-to-summit-telos-tr2

[Cynthia Kennedy]

in case you haven’t seen this update at BCMT
PROHIBITED ACTIVITY ORDER: Shell Beach Campground and Day Use
Issued: August 14, 2026
Ends: September 30, 2026

Pursuant to Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, the following activities are hereby prohibited by order of the Superintendent, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada:
Camping and recreational day use at Shell Beach campground and day use area on Princess Margaret (Portland) Island, from September 8th to 30th, 2026.
Travel along the Princess Margaret Trail between the Princess Bay dock and the Kanaka Bluffs trail junction, from September 14th to 30th, 2026.
For the purpose of this order, “camping” means to occupy, reside on or camp on, or erect or use any structure at Shell Beach at any time, and includes sleeping in the open air. The outhouse facility will not be accessible during the closure.
The portion of the Princess Margaret Trail between the Princess Bay dock and the Kanaka Bluffs junction (see associated map) will remain open from September 8th to 13th, 2026.
The purpose of this order is to complete mitigation work to protect the natural and cultural resources of the national park reserve.

[Author]

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