Hi VCKC Kayakers and Canoeists,

It's time to take a tour of the Gorge Waterway and the Inner Harbour on SUNDAY AUGUST 29 2021.  (originally advertised as Sat Aug 28).

We'll launch at the VCKC clubhouse beach and paddle through the fabled Tillicum Narrows - The current tables indicate a light ebb current in the morning (pushing us through) - then, onwards to the Inner Harbour.  After an underside view of the Johnson St Bridge we will follow the shoreline around to Songhees Point to our rest stop (note: no washroom facilities). 

After a coffee break and a stretch we'll cross over from Songhees Point to Laurel Point (watching for seaplanes!) and follow the shore around through the Inner Harbour (keeping a watch for seaplanes, pleasure craft, other kayakers, harbour ferries, and rogue seals) - it's quite a different view from the water - before turning back up the Gorge Waterway towards the clubhouse. The current at Tillicum Bridge will still be ebbing, but should be slowing towards slack current by the time we get there.

Depending on time, weather, and people's energy, some or all of the tour group may chose to continue past the clubhouse up into Portage Inlet and back ... this "add on" is completely optional and will be finalized once the group arrives back at the clubhouse after the foray into the Inner Harbour.

Paddle Route: 

An objective of the trip is practicing safe paddling in the Inner Harbour, following the Port of Victoria traffic rules.

 Tillicum Narrows Current Prediction

Paddlers will need to be comfortable paddling under the Tillicum Bridge with an outbound (from the clubhouse to the Harbour) current of up to 1.5 knots (ebb).

This trip is open to sea kayaks and solo or tandem canoes.

The VCKC clubhouse has toilets but our planned rest stop does not. 

Registration Note:  All registrants will first be added to a waitlist, with final registration confirmation approximately 1 week in advance of the trip. If the trip is over-subscribed a lottery style random draw will determine the order of who is offered space on the trip.  Click on the "Join Waitlist" button to register.

Paddle Distance:  approx. 10 km (5 nm )

Capacity:  12 boats

Trip Leader: Craig Thomson

Skill Level and Experience:  Relaxed

Participants will have certification (or equiv skills) of:

Paddle Canada Kayak Basic

or 

RCABC Canoe Lakewater 1

If you are unsure about the suitability of your skills, equipment or clothing, please contact a trip leader for advice prior to the paddle date.

If forecast winds exceed 8 kts the trip may be cancelled.

The Plan (please read carefully):

Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 9:30 am

Please arrive at the VCKC clubhouse by 8:45 am.  

We anticipate being back to the launch by 2:00pm

What to Bring

Safety Gear:  Boats must carry the following safety equipment. 

• PDF for each person (worn)
• whistle
• bailing device e.g. pump or bailer
• throw rope
• paddle float (recommended for kayaks)
• painter on both ends (canoeists only)
• spare paddle (canoeists only)

No lunch stop is planned ... there will be a brief stretch / hydration stop at Songhees Point (no washroom facilities).

Be sure to bring sufficient water & snack to sustain yourself.

What to Wear

This is a nearshore ocean paddle. As a minimum you will need to wear synthetic based clothing such as polypropylene, nylon, or wool. 

Parking

Lucky members will find parking in the lot beside VCKC, but it's often busy so be prepared to park along Gorge road (sometimes quite a ways down the road)

If you need to borrow a club boat, once confirmed as registered for the trip, please contact:

Kayaks:

kayakbooking@vckc.ca

Canoes:

canoe@vckc.ca

Please do not try to reserve a club boat until you have received a "registration confirmation" email from the club's email system.

Trip Contacts

Craig Thomson

Email: seakayak.craig@gmail.com

Text: 250.213.2507