Description
What:
A SISKA Energizer paddle from Amherst to Portland Island Amherst to Portland Island circumnavigation
Skill Level:
This paddle is rated as an Energizer Paddle because of its distance and open water crossings and possible current. To understand this designation better, please read SISKA's Paddle Guidelines.
The total distance of this paddle is estimated to be approximately 11.80nm.
When:
Sunday, February 23rd, 2025. Meet at the launchsite by 09:30am to be on the water by 10:00am
Where:
We will launch at Amherst. Need directions to the launchsite? Click here.
Who:
This paddle will be led by Johanna De Leeuw For more information about this paddle email Johanna De Leeuw
Details:
Our leader will introduce the Plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements and any concerns that you may have. Please stay off the water until we are all ready. The leader may choose to enlist helpers and establish communications protocol. If you have VHF radio please bring it with you.
Plan A:
Following introductions and a beach talk we will paddle north towards little Shell and then head towards the southern tip of Coal Island (Killer Whale Point). After handrailing the shoreline of Coal, we will cross the bay and regroup at the northern tip of Coal (Fir Cone Point). We will check for ferries before crossing over to Portland Island. Currents slightly favour a counterclockwise circumnavigation so if winds allow, that is what we will do. After paddling past Hood Island and through the beautiful Tortoise and Pellow Islets, we will continue to our lunch spot at Arbutus Point Campground, taking care to not get high centered on the rocks around Turnbull Reef on the way. On our return, we paddle between Chads Island and Portland to Kanaka Bluff and and then between Brackman Is. and Portland. Here we will again check for ferries as we cross back towards Sidney. We will not be touching on Piers Island as the attached chart shows, but rather head straight for the passage between Knapp and Pym Islands. We will continue through the passage between Goudge Island and Swartz head, past Fernie Island and Curteis Point, reflecting on all the construction that has happened there since 'The Curve of Time' was written. It is a short paddle from there back to Amherst in Sidney. Total distance is approximately 11nm.
Plan B:
If weather in inclement, we will circumnavigate Coal Island.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle please email Johanna De Leeuw
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 12. There is room for 4 paddler(s).
Note: Preregistration of any SISKA paddle is mandatory and any required waiver(s) must be completed prior to the day of the paddle. The paddle leader will turn away any paddler, member or non member, that is not already on the paddle manifest with a signed electronic waiver on file
Note:
Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes.
Please bring a lunch / snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a themos of something warm.
All participants are expected to have read, and to comply with SISKA's Policies and Procedures
SISKA strongly encourages members to follow the latest provincial guidance regarding Covid-19. The latest BC guidance can be
found at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof.
A SISKA Energizer paddle from Amherst to Portland Island Amherst to Portland Island circumnavigation
Skill Level:
This paddle is rated as an Energizer Paddle because of its distance and open water crossings and possible current. To understand this designation better, please read SISKA's Paddle Guidelines.
The total distance of this paddle is estimated to be approximately 11.80nm.
When:
Sunday, February 23rd, 2025. Meet at the launchsite by 09:30am to be on the water by 10:00am
Where:
We will launch at Amherst. Need directions to the launchsite? Click here.
Who:
This paddle will be led by Johanna De Leeuw For more information about this paddle email Johanna De Leeuw
Details:
Our leader will introduce the Plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements and any concerns that you may have. Please stay off the water until we are all ready. The leader may choose to enlist helpers and establish communications protocol. If you have VHF radio please bring it with you.
Plan A:
Following introductions and a beach talk we will paddle north towards little Shell and then head towards the southern tip of Coal Island (Killer Whale Point). After handrailing the shoreline of Coal, we will cross the bay and regroup at the northern tip of Coal (Fir Cone Point). We will check for ferries before crossing over to Portland Island. Currents slightly favour a counterclockwise circumnavigation so if winds allow, that is what we will do. After paddling past Hood Island and through the beautiful Tortoise and Pellow Islets, we will continue to our lunch spot at Arbutus Point Campground, taking care to not get high centered on the rocks around Turnbull Reef on the way. On our return, we paddle between Chads Island and Portland to Kanaka Bluff and and then between Brackman Is. and Portland. Here we will again check for ferries as we cross back towards Sidney. We will not be touching on Piers Island as the attached chart shows, but rather head straight for the passage between Knapp and Pym Islands. We will continue through the passage between Goudge Island and Swartz head, past Fernie Island and Curteis Point, reflecting on all the construction that has happened there since 'The Curve of Time' was written. It is a short paddle from there back to Amherst in Sidney. Total distance is approximately 11nm.
Plan B:
If weather in inclement, we will circumnavigate Coal Island.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle please email Johanna De Leeuw
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 12. There is room for 4 paddler(s).
Note: Preregistration of any SISKA paddle is mandatory and any required waiver(s) must be completed prior to the day of the paddle. The paddle leader will turn away any paddler, member or non member, that is not already on the paddle manifest with a signed electronic waiver on file
Note:
Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes.
Please bring a lunch / snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a themos of something warm.
All participants are expected to have read, and to comply with SISKA's Policies and Procedures
SISKA strongly encourages members to follow the latest provincial guidance regarding Covid-19. The latest BC guidance can be
found at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof.