[Mike McHolm]

Hi Corey,
I paddle every weekend from Granville Island into English Bay (and from Jericho in the summer) if I’m not out of town paddling somewhere else. I typically launch Friday-Sun between 3:30 and 5:30 and go out for a couple hours. I roll every time I paddle and am happy to practice wet exits and assisted rescues, towing, general safety etc.

https://www.youtube.com/user/mmcholm1/videos

You can find my contact info in the member directory.
Cheers,
Mike

[Yekaterina Yushmanova]

For those looking to do something fun and meaningful this weekend: Fraser River Clean Up organized by FraserRiverKeepers is happening this Saturday!

Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Please bring sturdy shoes, a water bottle, gloves (if you have them), and come prepared for the weather. Safety vests, gloves, pickers, and garbage bags will be provided. Please meet us at the end of Gill Road in Chilliwack; attendants will be there to help you park and direct you to Cleanup Central.<br class=”” /><br class=”” />There will also be a volunteer appreciation BBQ, so please bring your appetite and a reusable container for beverages! To show our appreciation for your hard work and dedication, we will also be holding a volunteer raffle draw with amazing prizes!

Here is a link to the event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1557620097638320/

[Nick Heath]

We’re adding this info and related web links to the BCMTNA map today.

[Kevin Amos]

https://www.meetup.com/Sea-Kayak-Association-of-British-Columbia-SKABC/

 

[Former Member]

Was wondering if there is anybody or  any groups of people that go paddle around the lower mainland on most weekends, whether it’s around Deepcove or a day trip around the Pasley Islands or up even a single overnight trip somewhere and a day just geared towards rolls and safety procedure’s . Ive been doing alot single trips alone , but would be nice to have like minded people around as well. Just thought I’d ask!

<li style=”text-align: center;”>FYI. I’m 27,  and I’m pretty eagar and up for anything,  I have some decent gear ( dry suit, VHF radio etc.) And paddle a Nimbus Telkwa or Seaward Quantum

Cheers!

[Admin S. Jensen]

Thanks Peter K for passing this along:

Join HSC for the Spring Equinox Paddle

Sunday March 25th – fun day of paddling, good company and traditional glass of bubbling juice on the water.

Meet at the club at 10am, launch on 10.30, destination – Dundarave or if the weather is ok – Westbay; say 5 to 8 km return trip

Return around 12.30-ish. Light snacks will be served at the clubhouse after the paddle.

NOTE to co-op members: three modernized Nimbus fiberglass and Kevlar kayaks are available – give them a try. Picture is attached 😁

RSVP to kayak@hollyburnsailingclub.ca

Cheers,
Aimee Lumb
Communications Officer
Hollyburn Sailing Club

[Chris Dennis]

Sixteen people have shown a real interest in the Bunsby Islands trip from June 23 to July 1. Seven plus the leader have already agreed on dates and logistics.

I need a trip leader to step forward and lead a second trip for the remaining interested people.

Please give me, Chris Dennis a call on 604 418 8462 and let’s find a way to build a second trip.

[Bob Salo]

Just talked to Parks Canada.  Talked to a lady that didn’t know about the Broken Islands and  then put me on hold twice to get the answers I asked?

1. You need an annual Parks Pass.  Buy online and receive it in the mail before you go. You need to carry the pass.

2. If you don’t reserve a campsite you are out of luck.  Don’t know what would happen then?  We are going in May when it is not busy, so getting a spot should not be a problem?

3. Per person/per day camping fee is$9.90

 

Also – Secret Beach parking is $10.00/day and launch fee is $15

[Former Member]

Hello Reed,

I also sent you an email. I also have the time and flexibility.

Chris

604 440 3294

[Former Member]

Passing along an invitation from Hollyburn Sailing Club’s Kayak Captain:

HSC’s “About to be Spring” Paddle and testing of co-op’s renovated and new kayaks.

March 11th (Sunday) at 10:15 AM. Kayak launch at 10.30 am. Estimated return between 1 and 2 pm.

Target destination: Sandy Cove or Caulfeild Bay. RSVP to kayak@hollyburnsailingclub.ca.

[Nick Heath]

Thanks, Nancy. Good catch! Overcrowding at sites has been a problem and I guess Parks Canada are trying to address it.

[Nick Heath]

Yup, Nancy!

Conserve energy! (pesky, annoying, incompetent bureaucrats can’t draft things with any care or bother to respond to questions until prodded by the Press). Thank goodness we still have a Press!

[Nancy More]

Does this mean that I no longer have to pull out my soapbox and write a letter?    One more thing off my To Do list for today!

[Nancy More]

Good morning, I stumbled on a change to camping in the Broken Group last weekend and thought others might be interested.    You now need a National Park Pass, a camping permit, and a reservation.    The info below is from the Parks Canada Website.  https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/visit4c/activ4
<h3>National Park Entry Pass</h3>
All visitors to Pacific Rim NPR are required to have a valid National Park Entry Pass at all times while they are visiting the national park reserve. The exception is youth (17 years of age and younger) who have free entry into all of Parks Canada’s places. This means that in addition to requiring a valid Broken Group Islands Backcountry Camping Permit, all visitors 18 years of age and older are also required to have a valid National Park Entry Pass.

The revenue from national park entry fees remains within the Coastal BC Field Unit to support the services and facilities that all visitors enjoy (including campsite facilities and amenities, visitor safety, signs, programs, etc.). The Broken Group Islands Backcountry Camping Permits do not include the national park entry fees, so you need to have a valid camping permit and a valid National Park Entry Pass at all times.
<h3>Backcountry camping permits and fees</h3>
Anyone camping in the Broken Group Islands must have a backcountry camping permit. Backcountry camping permits are $9.80 per person per night from May through September. Backcountry camping permits are only available through the Parks Canada Reservation System. No spaces will be available for stand-by (first come first serve).

To reserve call 1-877-RESERVE or visit http://www.reservation.pc.gc.ca. Reservations are available on January 8, 2018 at 8 a.m. PST. Payment can be made by VISA, MasterCard, or American Express.

When making a reservation, have the following ready:

• Preferred camping dates – first choice and alternate date
• Preferred camping locations – preferred and alternate islands
• Point of access location; where you will begin paddling from
• Number of campers in your group (maximum group size is 12)
• Email address to send confirmation and information to
• Means of payment: Visa, MasterCard or American Express

 

I have no idea how fast they will fill up, but I’d book early.

[Nick Heath]

Danielle Jang of the Port Authority issued this clarification yesterday:

“Below is some information and clarification on the proposed amendments. Let me know if you have any questions on this or need further information.
Thanks,
Danielle”

“Ensuring the safe navigation of all vessels through the waterways in our jurisdiction is of paramount importance to the port authority. Over the last few years, we have been working with industry partners, including the Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA), the Fraser River Pilots (FRP) and the broader marine industry, to formalize existing best practices and procedures for marine vessel traffic control and safety in the Fraser River.

The purpose of the Traffic Control Zone 4 (TCZ-4) Vessel Traffic Procedures, subsection (c) Tier 2 Vessel Regulations including Fishing and Pleasure Craft, is to ensure operators of non-motorized vessels, including kayaks and paddleboards, are aware of the hazards and risks of collision in this area that are unique to river waters and narrow channels and comply with existing Canadian Law. Under the Canada Shipping Act<http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._1416/page-3.html#docCont>, Collision Regulations, it is stated that “a vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway,” such as is the case in the Fraser River. The port authority considered this existing law in the development of the Fraser River Traffic Control Zone.

We recognize that there have been some concerns regarding these procedures, and as a result of public feedback we have already received during the 30-day public comment period, we will be providing further clarification within the Port Information Guide concerning paddle boarders and kayakers, specifically as it relates to operating in and around the TCZ-4. In the image below of the Fraser River safe boating guide<https://www.portvancouver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/SafeBoating-FraserRiver.pdf>, the red lines indicate the deep-sea vessel transit route. Clarification will be included in the guide to illustrate that the TCZ-4 procedures apply only within these red lines. Non-motorized vessels can still cross the TCZ-4, but are advised that this is a deep-sea vessel transit route and it is not safe to cross when a deep-sea vessel is transiting, as a larger vessel cannot deviate from its course or come to a full stop in a short distance.

Language will also be added to the procedures clarifying that in cases where the TCZ-4 borders on the shoreline, operators of vessels not suitable to transit within the deep-sea vessel route in the TCZ-4 shall navigate as close to the shoreline as is safe and practical. These practices and procedures are in line with international best practice, including those described in the Collision Regulations.”

This seems to be a case of poor communications on the part of the Port Authority  – inadequate care taken in drafting regulations  and lack of proper outreach to its community. But they know how to waste everyone else’s time!

[Author]

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