[Richard Magill]

I tried to edit my post, and now it isn’t showing up in the thread though it says that I’ve responded.  I’m not sure if you can see this or not.  sorry of I double posted.

I second the InReach mini II, but disagree with Laurel on the suggestion of using an older InReach or Spot as a cheaper alternative.  The 1st Gen InReach mini doesn’t have anywhere near as good a battery life as the second gen, it uses the older USB mini as opposed to the newer USB-C charging cable, and it isn’t compatible with the Garmin Explorer app for your phone (though it does use the Garmin Messages app).

As for the Spot, I’ve used it as well.  Not as reliable in getting messages through and even the ones it does transmit, it will be much slower in transmission.  I once sent my wife two check ins, 2.5 hours and 15km apart, and my Spot unit sent the second checkin as if I hadn’t moved at all.  Scared her to death because it was getting dark and she thought I was still 15km from the take out.  Also, the GPS signal receiver is MUCH weaker than the InReach.  Often something as thin as a water proof box, the hull of your kayak if you keep it under a hatch (which isn’t recommended), or thick cloud cover will block it.  One other thing.  No above mentioned unit is fully waterproof so be sure and get a waterproof bag or case for whatever unit you get, but the Spot units are worse about getting water damage than the Garmin’s.  By far!

Long story short… fork out the dough to get an InReach mini 2.  You’ll be glad you did.

I’ve never used Zoleo, and I think there are a couple of other companies out there claiming to do the same thing…. they might be a cheaper option.  I even heard a rumour that the Apple 16 would have a satellite texting option.  Haven’t heard that one confirmed, though.

[Former Member]

We use a Garmin InReach Mini2.  It allows you to send and receive text messages, both custom and standardized, as well as check weather/wind forecasts, track your route, mark waypoints etc.   You can work directly on the unit itself, or use the Garmin app on your phone for ease of typing if you prefer.  It is expensive to purchase ~$440 sale price on amazon) and there is a monthly fee (~$20 for the base plan) but it’s money well spent for your safety in my opinion!  You can suspend your monthly plan at no charge if you don’t paddle during the winter months, or you can buy a discounted annual plan.   If you want a less expensive option, consider an older version Spot or InReach.  They don’t have as many options for communication but you can at least send a message for help, or with some models a pre-scripted message such as “I am OK but will be late” or things like that.  Having used both Spot and InReach I prefer the InReach, but its strictly personal preference as I think both options are good.

[Bob Maher]

I paddle on Stave , Pitt and Alouette lakes regularly and there is no Cellular or VHF service for emergencies on any of these lakes.

Does anyone have suggestions what is available for emergency communications for these areas, that is reasonable in price?

 

Bob Maher

[Admin S. Jensen]

The club’s Fall Fling at Cates Park is Saturday Sept. 21. Sign up for a paddle in Indian Arm, the pizza dinner or both.

Register for a paddle by Thursday pm. Sign up for the dinner by Friday pm.

We ask that if you’re able to bring a small potluck item to complement the pizza. We have the picnic shelter starting at 5pm. More details are on the website — see the Events List to sign up.

[Kevin Amos]

Sign up for our annual trip down the Harrison River. If you are lucky you might see salmon going to spawn and the thousands of eagles looking for a feast.

https://www.skabc.org/events-2/harrison-river-2a/

If you have never been before check out the video from last year.

Video from Harrison River Trip

If you need to rent look at our retail partners like Middleton Boats

Discounts for Members

If you want to make it a camping trip checkout the Kirby Park Campground where the paddle takes out.

Kilby Park Campground

Hopefully you come out for this unique trip.

[Steve Best]

A camper who stayed at Zorro Bay earlier this summer has reached out to Recreation Sites and Trails BC, saying that they seemed to have left behind some valuables (no specifics given). If you have found anything, please let me know at s2smarinetrail@skabc.org.

[Former Member]

Hi, not N Burnaby but Jericho Sailing Center in Kitsilano is about $600 for the year for 2 memberships with boat storage. &50/month is pretty cheap

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I’ve contacted all the coops and associations in Burnaby and Port Moody. But there is just no availability.

But I’m not giving up and trying it here. I’m looking for someone here in north burnaby that’s willing to rent me a spot or looking for a group of people to share a self storage since they are insanely expensive to rent it on my own.

[Admin S. Jensen]

Our September SKABC meeting will provide time for announcements, to recap summer activities, and share progress on Simson Provincial Park. This portion of the meeting will be about 30 minutes. After that, breakout rooms will open up to allow folks time to chat and catch up.

Hope you’ll join us! A Zoom link is below and you can always find it on the home page of the website.

When: Monday September 9 at 7:30 pm

Join Zoom meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86178446125?pwd=5n6b7nmc3KhkaqjlpPCgS5ofZFT8Rf.1

Meeting ID: 861 7844 6125

Passcode: 304600

[Kevin Amos]

Third Beach Clean Up
Saturday, September 21, 2024
10:00 AM 11:30 AM
Third BeachThird Beach Parking LotVancouver, BC, V6G 3E2Canada (map)

On Saturday September 21st, Surfrider Foundation Vancouver will be cleaning up and sorting the waste collected at Third Beach for International Coastal Cleanup Day, and we need your help! Our cleanups are a fun and easy way to get involved and give back.

https://vancouverbc.surfrider.ca/events/third-beach-clean-up

[Susan Jensen]

Hi members, if you enjoyed a summer kayaking trip, you’re invited to share about it at the September 9 club meeting.

The focus will be to tell other members “Why go?” to this destination and share a snapshot of your experience. Hopefully you’d be able to screenshare a chart/map and a few photos.

Please reply on the forum or email me at webmanager2@skabc.org to get on the schedule. Thanks so much!

[Cynthia Kennedy]

Looking for a fall adventure? One that is both rewarding, and fun? From September 27-30 (Fri-Mon), BCMT will be hosting the fall edition of our Gerald Island Ivy pull!

The mission is to eradicate invasive English Ivy and protect this beautiful ecosystem.

VOLUNTEER — Gerald Island Invasive Species Removal

This is the same weekend as the conservation efforts at Simson Park South Thornamby Island Sunshine coast for SKABC. See the trip list to sign up.

If you’re free that weekend we need your help to protect our coast .

[Richard Magill]

It is indeed 236.586.5309.

 

[Former Member]

Hi Richard,

I’m back from my trip. Is the kayak still available?

Lindi

[Helen Clement]

HI Everyone,

I am new to the club this year and have not been involved as I have been out of town and not paid attention to the trip details.

Is anyone leaving Friday evening or Saturday morning and have room for me and no kayak?  I would like to return either Sunday or Monday. I think I may be too little to late but fingers crossed I can still get to this amazing place with you.

 

Thank you in advance,

604 362 2652  Helen Clement

[Author]

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