South Island Sea Kayaking Association

06/07/2026

Rod took some photos of today's fulfilled KayakFest down at Gyro Park, Cadboro Bay. We had rain showers this morning as folks were setting up but then the sun came which helped make the day a success. Lots of exhibiters, tents, members and visitors attended. Thanks to all that helped and to those that came down to check it out.

06/01/2026

Kayakfest 2026 and Gear Swap

SISKA Kayakfest Saturday June 6th Cadboro Bay Gyro Beach
9am-3pm

There is still 2 spaces available for the following clinic: Register at [email protected] (for SISKA members only)

On-water Greenland & Euro blade stroke session (1pm)

Waitlist being taken for the following :

Talk about Currents around Vancouver Island and include paddling on the west coast, includes Tofino, in addition to South Vancouver Island. (11am) Register at [email protected]

Kayak decklines: replacement or adding decklines to kayaks that do not presently have them. (9am to completion) Register at [email protected]

Relaxed group paddle at 1pm. Registration is now open, and can be found on our website calendar.

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No registration required for the following, open to all:

Plus join us for much more:

Come hang out, learn a few things, and connect with your paddling community.

We’ll have free demos, hands-on clinics, and beachside browsing.

Try out a new kayak, chat with experienced paddlers, and pick up tips whether you’re planning your first outing or your next big trip.

Bring your lunch and a mug. Coffee and light snacks provided.

Demos by our members: (9am start)

How to pack your kayak for a multi-day trip
Greenland paddle display + discussion
Quick, practical kayak repairs you can do on the fly
Gear Swap: (9am-12pm)

bring your gear and some cash Community Displays/Demos

BestCoast Outfitters
BC Marine Trails
Stellar Kayaks
Trak Kayaks
No pressure, no cost — just a great day to learn, explore, and enjoy being around kayaks

05/31/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPsUBNBCJ/

New to the BC Marine Trails website & map: Community Routes!

These routes are submitted by members, for members.

Contents include: highlights, route map, photos, difficulty, length, First Nations Territory, skill level, duration, and more!

Routes also appear on the BCMT Member Map under 'layers' toggle on and off to see submitted routes.

Check out existing routes and submit your own today: https://www.bcmarinetrails.org/route/

05/31/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CM91i5LiL/

Spending time on the water this summer? ⛵

Starting June 1, new management measures are in place to help protect the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales.

Key measures in and around Gulf Islands National Park Reserve include:
🔹 Keep your distance (until May 31, 2027): Stay 1,000 m away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet.
🔹Vessel Restricted Zones (June 1–November 30):
No vessels or fishing (with some exceptions) are permitted in restricted zones located near Saturna Island and Pender Island.
Human­powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, etc.) may use a 20 m shoreline transit corridor.
🔹Voluntary speed reduction (June 1–November 30):
Reduce speed to no more than 10 knots in Tumbo Channel, when it is safe to do so.

By following these measures, you’re helping protect critical habitat and support the recovery of this endangered species.

Learn more and get management measures maps, by visiting: https://ow.ly/hep350YTA8W

05/28/2026

At last night's May Monthly meeting (last one until Sept) Jacques Sirois spoke to us about "News Update from Historic Victoria
Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary". Jacques is a naturalist, birdwatcher and kayaker, he has been promoting the revitalization of historic Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary. He and the organizations he is part of have been responsible for maintaining or rehabilitating some of more sensitive bird environments in the CRS area. A very interesting and well done presentation.

05/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BC2tRcmx7/

05/26/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KsY6noKdL/

05/14/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14ZyTPe48b5/

Caitlyn Puglas is a member of the Mamalilikulla First Nation Guardian team (so is her dad David, along with seven other Guardians). Guardians are highly trained professional environmental stewards, and Caitlyn is no exception.

She recently obtained her commercial diving certification and along with Guardians from other First Nations has been sampling kelp to better understand changes in habitat and abundance and the impacts of climate change on this important cornerstone species.

“Being a Guardian and doing this kind of work is so important,” says Caitlyn. “The ecology of our coast is fragile and highly sensitive to environmental impacts. It’s good to be part of a team doing our part to protect it.”

Mamalilikulla Traditional Territory encompasses much of the Broughton Archipelago. ​Find out more on visiting the Territory respectfully: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/dcc3ae7f9fe9471190859b63bd77eb38