South Island Sea Kayaking Association

09/02/2026

SISKA Monthly Meeting - September 23, 2026

Kayaking French Polynesia

12 SISKA members traveled to Tahiti lead by Norm Smyth

Meeting Starts at 7:00pm at Unitarian Universalist Community Of Victoria Building 5575 West Saanich Road, Saanich

Twelve from Victoria met up in Tahiti to explore French Polynesia in January 2026. Eight participated in a ten-day small ship cruise through the exotic Society Islands, visiting Tahiti, Morea, Bora Bora and more, while two did it by road trip. Then, all twelve bounced their way across Tahiti’s high mountains and deep valleys in two 4X4 trucks. Nine then met up with Exhibition Engineering owner Matt Edwards who escorted them on eight days of kayaking and exploring the stunning and laid-back Marquesas Islands of Nuka Hive, Hiva Oa and Tahuata. Two ended the trip with a few days in the Tuamotus.

Our meetings start at 7:00pm however, folks that have gear they wish to sell/swap are invited to show up at 6:00pm to set up, doors open for everyone at 6:30pm.

09/02/2026

Rod sent this in....

09/02/2026

Yay! Really.

09/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19NbBwwdhx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Investing in the people who strengthen our paddling community At Champion Adventures & Coaching, we believe that the future of sea kayaking depends on people who are willing to keep learning, challenging themselves, sharing knowledge, and supporting the development of others. Personal &am

09/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/169UHY9Yey3/

There’s a lot of coast in British Columbia to explore. We’re here to help you find your way to it.

09/01/2026

Young Man Killed by a Lightning Strike while Kayaking. Paddling Magazine

Loved ones of 18-year-old Michael Aiden Vargas share he died while doing what he loved–hanging with his dad on the water. Vargas, who went by Aiden, was an avid angler and a high school senior. He was kayaking with his father on Blackwater River in Milton, Florida, on May 31 when he was struck by lightning.
“The storm was coming in, and we could see the docks, you know. We were almost there,” Michael Vargas said in an interview.
Before he could reach the shore, Aiden was struck by lightning and fell into the water. Michael Vargas and other bystanders immediately began looking for Aiden, but his body didn’t resurface. Authorities were called, and a multi-agency search began.
“I heard a very large lightning strike, so loud that it was ear piercing and scared me,” a man nearby where the strike occurred told Pensacola News Journal. “Like 20 minutes go by and I see 10 to 15 cops walking the shore and some went by on a boat. They let us know there was a lightning strike and didn’t say much else
Emily Powell with the Florida Climate Center says lightning is more random than other severe weather events. It gives very little advance warning, striking quickly and sometimes far from where the storm seems the worst.
“Once convection is triggered the thunderstorms can develop really rapidly,” told Pensacola News Journal. “Also, what catches people off guard is the lighting can happen at the periphery of the storm and strike 10 miles away.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports lightning can strike as far as 25 miles out from a thunderstorm. Because of lightning’s unpredictability, NOLS recommends paddlers should watch the sky diligently for approaching or developing clouds that could indicate thunderstorms and get off the water before the storm arrives. If you wait to move until you hear thunder, you may run out of time to reach safety.

08/31/2026

It is great to see an old friend back on the water.

08/27/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GWoQD5eKd/

Did you know that BC Marine Trails members can see live Site Condition Reports through the member map?

From the most up-to-date conditions, hazards, infrastructure status, fresh water updates, photos, and more, Site Condition Reports are a game changer for your trip planning.

Become a member today to elevate your expedition game: https://www.bcmarinetrails.org/membership

08/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18sQG4XPGb/