Description
What:
A SISKA Energizer paddle from Amherst to Portland Island
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, September 14th, 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 Dave Chater For more information about this paddle email Dave Chater
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:
This will be a slightly longer ENERGIZER paddle at just over 12nm. Leaving our launch beach we will proceed through the Little Group of islets and to the eastern tip of Coal Island. After reaching Charmer Pt on Coal Island we will noodle along the northern shoreline of Coal until we reach Fir Cone Pt. After Fir Cone Pt., we will head between Pym and Knapp Islands before heading across Shute Passage to Hood Island, just off Portland Island. We will then noodle the eastern shoreline of Portland and then round Arbutus Pt to land at our launch point on the west side beach near the campground. After lunch, we will head along the west shoreline of Portland Island and then again between Pym and Knapp Islands to make our crossing just off Swartz Bay and through the islands near Canoe Cove Marina before we cross over the mount of Tsehum Harbour and back to our launch beach at Amherst.
We can debrief our paddle at The Roost ( E. Saanich Rd and McTavish Road)
Plan B:
If the winds negate the option of paddling the larger crossings over to Portland Island, we can find some more protected albeit shorter paddles in and around the islands around Coal Island and Swartz Bay.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle please email Dave Chater
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 12. There is room for 2 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
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, September 14th, 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 Dave Chater For more information about this paddle email Dave Chater
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:
This will be a slightly longer ENERGIZER paddle at just over 12nm. Leaving our launch beach we will proceed through the Little Group of islets and to the eastern tip of Coal Island. After reaching Charmer Pt on Coal Island we will noodle along the northern shoreline of Coal until we reach Fir Cone Pt. After Fir Cone Pt., we will head between Pym and Knapp Islands before heading across Shute Passage to Hood Island, just off Portland Island. We will then noodle the eastern shoreline of Portland and then round Arbutus Pt to land at our launch point on the west side beach near the campground. After lunch, we will head along the west shoreline of Portland Island and then again between Pym and Knapp Islands to make our crossing just off Swartz Bay and through the islands near Canoe Cove Marina before we cross over the mount of Tsehum Harbour and back to our launch beach at Amherst.
We can debrief our paddle at The Roost ( E. Saanich Rd and McTavish Road)
Plan B:
If the winds negate the option of paddling the larger crossings over to Portland Island, we can find some more protected albeit shorter paddles in and around the islands around Coal Island and Swartz Bay.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle please email Dave Chater
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 12. There is room for 2 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.