Description
What:
A SISKA Relaxed paddle from Oak Bay Marina to Gonzales Bay
Skill Level:
This paddle is rated as a Relaxed Paddle because of its modest pace, relatively safe environment and social component. 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 6.70nm.
When:
Sunday, October 25th, 2026. Meet at the launchsite by 09:30am to be on the water by 10:00am
Where:
We will launch at Oak Bay Marina. Need directions to the launchsite? Click here.
Who:
TBA
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:
Launch from the small beach area along Beach Drive, just to the south of the boat ramp and behind the furthest west wharf of the Oak Bay Marina (https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3jA72EaysJ2URet8). Parking is along Beach Drive. There are washroom facilities at the Oak Bay Marina.
Paddle out around the breakwater between Turkey Head and Mary Tod Island then handrail along the coast past Gonzales Point, through Enterprise Channel, into McNeil Bay, then around Harding Point before ducking into Gonzales Bay where we will stop for our lunch break at Gonzales Park (there are picnic tables and washrooms) - hopefully there is some beach to work with :*) Retrace our route along the coastline back to our launch point.
Tides @1000hrs are predicted to be 2.1M (7') rising to 2.8M (9') by 1400hrs. Using the currents at Race Passage as the nearest primary station, Baynes Channel current runs 75% of Race and Enterprise Channel runs 50% of Baynes. With this in mind, we can expect favourable conditions both ways through Enterprise Channel :: slack at 1050hrs, max flood @1320h (~ 1 knt), with slack again at 15:30hrs.
Note: Due to the potential for current and exposed coastline the minimum skill experience /requirement for this paddle has been set at Paddle Canada Level 1. Drysuits or farmer John/Jane wetsuits are required equipment for this trip.
Anyone with questions can contact the trip leader by email: cst4420@telus.net or txtmsg: 250.213;2507. Note: Craig will be away until October 7th, and may not respond to email or txtmsg until his return.
Plan B:
TBD - depending on wind forecast
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
Registrations for this paddle are not open at this time.
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
A SISKA Relaxed paddle from Oak Bay Marina to Gonzales Bay
Skill Level:
This paddle is rated as a Relaxed Paddle because of its modest pace, relatively safe environment and social component. 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 6.70nm.
When:
Sunday, October 25th, 2026. Meet at the launchsite by 09:30am to be on the water by 10:00am
Where:
We will launch at Oak Bay Marina. Need directions to the launchsite? Click here.
Who:
TBA
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:
Launch from the small beach area along Beach Drive, just to the south of the boat ramp and behind the furthest west wharf of the Oak Bay Marina (https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3jA72EaysJ2URet8). Parking is along Beach Drive. There are washroom facilities at the Oak Bay Marina.
Paddle out around the breakwater between Turkey Head and Mary Tod Island then handrail along the coast past Gonzales Point, through Enterprise Channel, into McNeil Bay, then around Harding Point before ducking into Gonzales Bay where we will stop for our lunch break at Gonzales Park (there are picnic tables and washrooms) - hopefully there is some beach to work with :*) Retrace our route along the coastline back to our launch point.
Tides @1000hrs are predicted to be 2.1M (7') rising to 2.8M (9') by 1400hrs. Using the currents at Race Passage as the nearest primary station, Baynes Channel current runs 75% of Race and Enterprise Channel runs 50% of Baynes. With this in mind, we can expect favourable conditions both ways through Enterprise Channel :: slack at 1050hrs, max flood @1320h (~ 1 knt), with slack again at 15:30hrs.
Note: Due to the potential for current and exposed coastline the minimum skill experience /requirement for this paddle has been set at Paddle Canada Level 1. Drysuits or farmer John/Jane wetsuits are required equipment for this trip.
Anyone with questions can contact the trip leader by email: cst4420@telus.net or txtmsg: 250.213;2507. Note: Craig will be away until October 7th, and may not respond to email or txtmsg until his return.
Plan B:
TBD - depending on wind forecast
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
Registrations for this paddle are not open at this time.
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