Description
What:
A SISKA Energizer paddle from Amherst to RAFTUP Portland Island Island Hop to Portland Island's Gorgeous Arbutus Point
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
Paddlers taking part in this paddle are required to have PC Level 1 or equivalent experience. For information about PC Levels click here.
The total distance of this paddle is estimated to be approximately 12.25nm.
When:
Sunday, April 06th, 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 Alan Campbell For more information about this paddle email Alan Campbell
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:
Launching from the beach at the end of Amherst Avenue in Sidney we'll paddle past several of the nearby small islands on our way to and from Portland Island, one of the jewels of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This area is rich in history so we'll take time occasionally to appreciate how the current land and marine areas have evolved to their current uses.
There is a light all-day ebb forecast with tide levels sufficient for launching and landing. Since there are several points and channels along the way where currents can intensify, we'll stop as a group from time to time to make sure everyone is prepared to handle upcoming conditions, marine traffic etc.
The crossings from Fir Cone Point on Coal I to Pym I, and from Knapp I to Goudge I are regular ferry lanes, so we will only cross as a group once safe passage has been confirmed. We'll noodle around Portland I counter-clockwise from inside Hood I to Arbutus Point at the NE tip and enjoy the wonderful views as we have our lunch break.
Afterward we'll continue counter-clockwise around Portland I, inside Chads I and along the shore past Kanaka Point to Brackman I before crossing Shute Passage again, this time to the south end of Knapp I to assess the ferry and marine traffic situation. Once clear, we'll cross to Goudge I and follow Iroquois Passage through the islands to the Tsehum Harbour entrance, then across the mouth of Roberts Bay and along the shore back to Amherst Beach.
Plan B:
If forecast winds for the day are too strong to safely complete this paddle, it will either be abbreviated or moved to another Saanich Peninsula launchsite, depending on predicted wind strength and direction.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle please email Alan Campbell
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 20. There is room for 6 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 RAFTUP Portland Island Island Hop to Portland Island's Gorgeous Arbutus Point
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
Paddlers taking part in this paddle are required to have PC Level 1 or equivalent experience. For information about PC Levels click here.
The total distance of this paddle is estimated to be approximately 12.25nm.
When:
Sunday, April 06th, 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 Alan Campbell For more information about this paddle email Alan Campbell
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:
Launching from the beach at the end of Amherst Avenue in Sidney we'll paddle past several of the nearby small islands on our way to and from Portland Island, one of the jewels of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This area is rich in history so we'll take time occasionally to appreciate how the current land and marine areas have evolved to their current uses.
There is a light all-day ebb forecast with tide levels sufficient for launching and landing. Since there are several points and channels along the way where currents can intensify, we'll stop as a group from time to time to make sure everyone is prepared to handle upcoming conditions, marine traffic etc.
The crossings from Fir Cone Point on Coal I to Pym I, and from Knapp I to Goudge I are regular ferry lanes, so we will only cross as a group once safe passage has been confirmed. We'll noodle around Portland I counter-clockwise from inside Hood I to Arbutus Point at the NE tip and enjoy the wonderful views as we have our lunch break.
Afterward we'll continue counter-clockwise around Portland I, inside Chads I and along the shore past Kanaka Point to Brackman I before crossing Shute Passage again, this time to the south end of Knapp I to assess the ferry and marine traffic situation. Once clear, we'll cross to Goudge I and follow Iroquois Passage through the islands to the Tsehum Harbour entrance, then across the mouth of Roberts Bay and along the shore back to Amherst Beach.
Plan B:
If forecast winds for the day are too strong to safely complete this paddle, it will either be abbreviated or moved to another Saanich Peninsula launchsite, depending on predicted wind strength and direction.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle please email Alan Campbell
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 20. There is room for 6 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.