Kayaking near killer whales on Saturna Island: what paddlers need to know
Saturna Island sits at the heart of some of the most productive killer whale habitat on Canada’s Pacific coast. East Point, at the island’s northeastern tip, is one of the finest land-based orca viewing spots in the country. Boiling Reef, just offshore, concentrates fish and draws feeding whales reliably enough that locals time their summers […]
Why Saturna Island is One of BC’s Best Sea Kayaking Destinations
If you are looking for a sea kayaking destination in British Columbia that combines world-class paddling conditions, extraordinary wildlife, and an unspoiled natural environment, Saturna Island deserves to be at the top of your list. Tucked into the southern end of the Gulf Islands, Saturna is the least developed and least visited of the Southern […]
SRKW Interim Order and Sea Kayakers
Please note: This article was written in 2019 and the regulatory framework it describes has changed significantly. The Interim Sanctuary Zone no longer exists under that name, approach distances have been updated, and a shoreline corridor for human-powered vessels is now in place. For current information please read our updated guide: Kayaking near killer whales […]
Boiling Reef Rescue by Hovercraft
Pictures taken by Louise Peramaki Easter 2019, Saturna Island
Boating Hazards at Boiling Reef, East Point
Recent rescue scenarios at Boiling Reef prompted me to get this article out quickly. Just this past Easter Sunday two people using a small inflatable boat who had drifted beyond their control were rescued from the reef by Hovercraft thanks to the emergency call-out by some onlookers. A sailboat stranded on the reef and at […]
Deer Group Paddling Tales – Part 2
The Deer Group Islands are in the south east corner of Barkley Sound off Bamfield, British Columbia. A previous article told the story of humpback whale encounters that we made during the second day of a multi-day kayak camping adventure in this gorgeous area. This is Part 2 of our trip. The next day is […]
Deer Group Paddling Tales
The Deer Group Islands are in the south east corner of Barkley Sound off Bamfield, British Columbia. They are less known and harder to get to than the neighbouring Broken Group of Islands. We love the Deer Group Islands for their ruggedness, arches and narrow sea caves that you can access by sea kayak or […]
Saturna Kayaking Resources
We have put together several sources of information for you to make your Sea Kayaking trip safer and more enjoyable. Some of the below information updates automatically while other information is linked to open up in a new window when it was available for us to do so (otherwise it will take you off our […]
Saturna Island Winter Paddling
Temperatures have cooled, we see more rain and wind but less small boats out and about. Yes, winter is approaching. While the weather pattern has changed dramatically, we can still have a great time kayaking our gorgeous coast. Get out more this winter. Paddle safely year-round. Top Tips for Winter Paddling: Dress for the occasion: […]
Saturna’s Currents Decoded
Understanding sea kayaking currents around Saturna Island is essential for safe trip planning. If you haven’t already, our article Saturna’s Tides Decoded connects closely with this one. The general direction of flood (feathered arrow) and ebb tidal streams around Saturna Island are shown in the image. Ebb and flood currents between Saturna and Pender Islands […]
Saturna’s Tides Decoded
The following information, observations and conclusions are from the perspective of a Saturna Island based Sea Kayaker and Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayaking Instructor and compiled to the best of her knowledge and experience over the past five years. Tides move up and down, currents move side to side. Tides are actually long-period waves that […]
The Sea Kayaker’s Self Defence
No, this is not going to be a martial arts class… more like a lesson in self defense when wind and weather play more than you planned for. Your forward stroke is your Number 1 safety stroke and if you do it badly, it can hurt through injury over time or because you cannot move […]
Marine Weather Workshop Report
Let’s face it: talking about the weather can be a dry or wet subject. Not so at the April 14th Marine Weather Workshop with Tony Merry from the Pender Island Squadron. 13 eager students gathered in the Community Hall on Saturna Island to talk about the weather. The weather man brought some good weather humor […]
Why wear your PFD
During the past five years of living on Saturna Island, enjoying water sports and running a sea kayaking business, my husband Fred Shadian and I have witnessed many paddlers not wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) or lifejacket when on the water. To some it feels unnecessary or uncool to wear a PFD, but the […]
Local Marine Weather Workshop on Saturna Island with Tony Merry
We are hosting a one day Local Marine Weather workshop with our favourite weather teacher Tony Merry (Canadian Squadron Instructor of the Year). Tony was a Canadian Airlines pilot for a couple of decades and a sea kayaking tours and rentals business owner on Pender Island and successfully navigated a sailing trip from Vancouver Island […]
Kayaking with Orcas
It is Sunday night on Cabbage Island. Midnight! Tomorrow, Monday, will start within seconds. I should be sleeping… I can’t. My mind is stirred up. Today was a great day. No. It was beyond great. Today was an unbelievable day! I close my eyes and I can see them again, the gentle giants, as they […]
FAQ
Why is Saturna Island a great place to learn sea kayaking?The right conditions in a beautiful setting: Saturna Island is a beautiful location to visit and offers a variety of sea states to practice kayaking skills. From beginner’s level on flat water to more challenging waters and strong currents; there is some real “hands-on / […]
Tips and Adventures
Kayaking Skills on Saturna Island
Saturna Island: A Sea Kayaking Paradise We are excited to be offering Paddle Canada Certified Sea Kayaking Courses on Saturna Island and surrounding areas. Check out our 2019 Sea Kayaking Courses. We are a family owned and operated sea kayaking company that loves to kayak the Southern Gulf Islands. Our goal is the help you […]
Contact
Email Fred@KayakingSkills.com Text us at 604-725-8897. Texting is the most reliable way to reach us on Saturna Island. We will respond within 24 hours. Fred is happy to help you to find out more or register for your Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Course, Tour, Adventure or Clinic on Saturna Island.