The plan is to paddle from Island View Beach (IVB) and circumnavigate James Island in a counter-clockwise direction. This counter-clockwise route takes advantage of the paddling day's light currents in this area. Since it involves two crossings of Cordova Channel (1 nm) and the total distance is 9.1 nm this is a chance for Relaxed level paddlers to step up their game into the Energizer range. If needed, frequent sandy beach landing sites are available along the way.

After launching we will head to the SW tip of James I and paddle E along the sand-cliffs at the S end of the Island, then N past the beautiful beaches and old dock on the E shore of James I, around the NE corner and continue W to the sandy beach before the NW point for lunch. Afterward we will continue around the marker at the NW tip and S down the W side of James I before re-crossing Cordova Channel to a point S of Cordova Spit and then along the IVB shoreline back to our launch site.

Tides (Sidney): LT 1006 8.2', HT 1357 9.1', LT 2115 1.5'

Currents (Sidney Channel): max ebb 0807 -1.6 kts, slack 1156, max flood 1333 +0.5 kts, slack 1540

As of Feb 22, predictions are for light N winds but, if wind forecasts closer to March 1st are too strong for us to safely complete this paddle, a more protected route will be proposed instead, ideally in the Central/North Saanich Peninsula area.

Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes. The drybag goes in your kayak with you, not in your car at the launch site. Please bring a lunch or snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a thermos of something warm. Your paddle leader will introduce the plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements. Please stay off the water until the group is ready. If you have a VHF radio please bring it with you.