[Former Member]

Hi Sarka,

Very valuable information, Thank you very much!

Regards

Svetozar

[Sarka Lhotak]

Hi Svetozor,

I just came back from the Broughton’s.

Challenging part there is to get across the Johnstone strait ( 4-5 km crossing) as it is often windy with waves. The next challenge is to get through either Blackney passage or Weynton passage which have dangerous rips and whirpools.

We did the Wheynton passage going back to Telegraph cove at the low tide slack (Alert bay), it was not too bad but hard work to go against a strong current and somewhat disconcerting as whirlpools suddenly emerge in front of your kayak. On the way north we started from Kaikash creek at the lowest tide, so got to Blackney passage about an hour after low tide slack. There was a current there and eddies but managable.

Add to that a possibility of a cruise ship going through these passages (mostly Blackney, moving slowly, smaller wake) but also straight down Johnstone strait at high speed creating a very large breaking wave. You can listen to the shipping traffic on Channel 71 to know if a big ship is coming.

To avoid all this you can take a water taxi at Telegraph cove to get over the Johnston strait and the passages.

There are lots of commercial groups paddling there so be prepared to share a campsite. Kaikash creek is a large campsite with orcas parading there every evening.  There was a humpback there as well plus lots of humpbacks in Queen CHarlotte strait.

Hope this helps,

Sarka

 

[Former Member]

Would anyone be interested in a rolling practice? As I am new to rolling I would need someone beside the kayak until I can manage to get over a number of times before doing it on my own. This would save perhaps numerous wet exits. My schedule is quite variable but if my workplace does not request my presence I would be happy to make time to roll.

[Former Member]

I will join you.

[Former Member]

Mike Gilbert is an excellent trainer and can be contacted through the club member list. After your training I would be quite happy to go out and practice. My schedule varies all of the time so I can be contacted through my email rmeraw@gmail.com or text at 604-417-8873.

[Kapila Jayaweera]

Let me know if anyone likes to join this paddle before the BBQ event.

Kapila

[Former Member]

Thank you Harley, I’ll be contacting Dave.

[Clark Perry-Bater]

I forgot one more thing. If you camp at Grace Harbour, there is a very easy 1 km trail up to Black Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen, so wild! Very nice for swimming, too. A mother loon tried to chase me out of the lake, undoubtedly protecting her chicks! Part way up the trail, maybe only 100-150 metres from the campsite, on the right, is a beautiful little waterfall. You’ll probably hear the waterfall from the trail.  That’s where I got fresh water to filter to drink.   -Clark

[Clark Perry-Bater]

Hi Sandra! My wife and I paddled in Desolation Sound for the first time last July. We had a great time, including a few challenges:

1. We launched at Okeover Inlet on a dropping tide. There is a very small marina with a boat launch ramp, but there are signs everywhere telling kayakers not to use the ramp. So we had to use the VERY rocky beach and by the time we finished loading our boats, I was standing in shoulder-deep water cramming our gear into the hatches. We could not find one bit of beach between the rocks to load our boats! So try not to launch at a low tide. If you have to, there is a better spot below the campground parking lot about 100 metres up the beach to the north.

2. As we paddled up the inlet (North), we encountered a bit of a headwind, even though we were told 3 days later as we paddled into a stronger headwind on our return that the prevailing wind in the inlet is a southerly, regardless of what the wind conditions are on the west side by Lund (which was a strong NW wind when we were there). So we ended up paddling against the wind both ways on Okeover.

3. You asked about currents. We only paddled as far as Grace Harbour (the first campsite on Okeover Inlet in the marine park.) Just before we turned right at Kakaekae Point to go up the harbour, we noticed a fairly strong current (1-2 knots or more, depending on the tide cycles) coming through the narrows beside that point. So if you plan to go through there, it would be a lot easier on an ebbing tide.

4. You said you plan to make a stop en route to Cumes. We found Grace Harbour to be a lovely campsite, as long as you don’t camp on the tent pad on the left before the outhouse. It was pretty stinky! We camped up the hill to the right – a bit of a climb with all our gear, but it was worth it. We stayed 3 nights! Of course, the water in the harbour is great for swimming – so warm!

So good luck, have fun, and may the wind be always at your back!    – Clark Perry-Bater

[Former Member]

Would be awesome if someone was willing to put on a rolling clinic 🙂 I would sign up

failing that, Dave at http://www.kayakcourses.ca/

does lessons.

[Former Member]

Hello everyone,

1. I am planning a trip for the last week of August, 5 days / 4 Nights with two friends and I to the Broughtons. I have read a bunch of blogs online as well as the “Wild coast 3” book by John Kimantas, which is an amazing source of information. We plan to launch our Kayaks at Telegraph Cove, camp on Flower, Cedar/Owl and Hanson Island. I was wondering if anyone has been an this area and would share some personal experiences and recommendations regarding the place.

2. I have been paddling for the past 4 years and have been on a multi day trips before at the Southern Gulf Islands and Broken Group. I am comfortable with wet exits and rescues and have done a introductory course with wet exit. I would love to learn how to do the roll and was wondering if I could hire or join someone in a pool/open water to help/guide me.

Thank you very much in advance!

[Kevin Amos]

See you then.

[Admin S. Jensen]

Hi Sandra, I went to the homepage of the website and typed in Desolation Sound in the “Search” window — results included this “Destination Info Sheet”:

Sunshine Coast – Desolation Sound

Hope this helps!

Susan, SKABC Webmaster

[Sandra Waddle]

Hi! I am trip planning for a short desolation sound trip. I plan to go from Okeover provincial park area to Curmes Islands, with one stop along the way.

Is there anything important I should know? What are currents like in desolation sound? Wind patterns? Anything else?

Thanks!

[Former Member]

Ocean Paddler mag out of the UK sells one: http://www.oceanpaddler.co.uk/sea-kayakers-aide-mémoire

[Author]

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