Category Archives: Marine Safety

Sea Kayaking on Saturna Island with Kayaking Skills

Sea Kayaking for Beginners: What to Expect on Your First Paddle

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Somewhere in the first few minutes on the water, something becomes apparent. This feels special.

You are low on the ocean, connected with it. The water stops being something you look at, or travel on via a ferry or large boat. It is right there, inches below you, and you are moving with it. You glide past a rock face. You glance down and see a vibrantly purple sea star clinging to a rock wall a few feet from you. Behind you, without warning, a river otter surfaces, and vanishes the moment you catch a glimpse.

Sea kayaking opens a dimension that most people have never experienced. Not a boat on top of the water. Not a beach, or even swimming. Something in between, quiet, close to the water, and connected in a way that is hard to describe until you feel it.

If you are thinking about your first guided sea kayak tour or considering a Paddle Canada Basic Skills course, this guide is written for you. No experience required. No gear required. Just curiosity and a willingness to show up. Take a small leap of faith that you will enjoy this, and you will.

A Word of Honesty First

Sea kayaking looks easy. And in the right conditions, with the right guidance, it is wonderful. But as accessible as it may be, it can lead people to underestimate it.

Every year, people with no training buy poorly suited kayaks, head out onto water beyond their skill level and equipment, and find themselves in situations they are not able to handle. Inadequate gear, lack of skills, and unexpected conditions are a combination that can have serious consequences.

We are not saying this to frighten you. We are saying it because guided experiences and proper instruction exist for good reason, and starting with experienced people around you is the single smartest decision a new paddler can make. Everything after that gets to be about wonder.

Before You Arrive

Parking
Please park at the diagonal parking across the road from the community hall, about a five-minute walk to our dock (not on the concrete dock, pub, or café parking). We appreciate your cooperation, as this keeps access clear for everyone, including emergency vehicles.

Height and weight
When you book, we ask for your approximate height and weight. This is so we can make sure we have a kayak and PFD (personal floatation device, similar to a life jacket) that fits you properly and suits your needs. It is required information that helps us prepare the right setup for you.

The waiver
FareHarbor links a waiver to complete electronically before your tour or course. If completed ahead of time, we have this part out of the way. If you booked via a different pathway, or did not manage to complete it online, we will take care of it on arrival. It takes a few minutes.

What to leave behind
We have limited space on the dock for non-valuable items while you are on the water (i.e., your street shoes). Leave anything you do not need in your vehicle and bring what is on the “What to bring” list.

Mind your step
As you enter our dock area, please watch your footing and rough wood surfaces of dock floor and shed walls. Please wear shoes.

Let us know in advance
If you have specific concerns, fears, physical considerations, or questions before you arrive, please reach out. The more we know ahead of time, the better we can prepare your experience. There is nothing you could tell us that would surprise us.

What to Bring and Wear

Everything you need for paddling is provided: kayak, paddle, PFD (personal flotation device), etc., and sprayskirt if you choose to use one. What you bring is about your own comfort on the water.

What to wear:

  • Long-sleeve non-cotton or quick-dry shirt and pants (no tank tops for hygiene reasons, at minimum wear a t-shirt under our PFDs)
  • Kayaking-suitable shoes: feet and legs will get wet if your tour includes a beach stop (most two-hour tours do not, longer tours often do), if your shoes are too bulky, they may not work for paddling
  • Windbreaker or paddling jacket (highly recommended for windy, cooler, or rainy days)
  • Sun hat or cap with a retainer
  • Sunglasses with a retainer
  • Sunscreen

What to bring:

  • Water bottle (with clip if possible)
  • Snack if needed for longer tours
  • Phone or camera in a waterproof pouch
  • Extra dry clothes for after
  • Any personal medications, including seasickness medication if relevant

One important note: anything you bring onto the water may get wet. Plan accordingly and leave valuables behind.

Before You Get on the Water

Fitting your kayak and PFD
When you arrive, we fit you into your kayak and your personal flotation device. A PFD must be worn on the water at all times. It is required by Transport Canada to carry and by us to wear. We make sure yours fits correctly before you leave the dock. You will be in a single or tandem kayak, most likely we will have discussed this beforehand.

Safety gear
Before launching, we walk you through the safety equipment required by Transport Canada: your PFD (personal floatation device), whistle, paddle, throw rope (buoyant heaving line), and bilge pump.

kayak with safety gear mounted

Transport Canada required safety equipment: PFD, whistle, pump/bailer, buoyant rope (throw rope or tow rope), paddle.

The sprayskirt
Paddle Canada Skills course participants wear a sprayskirt which is provided. It fits around your cockpit and keeps water out of your boat. Tour guests are welcome to use one too. Just let us know. We will show you how to fit it and how to release it quickly if needed.

Communication signals
On the water, we communicate clearly and simply. We aim to stay fairly close together on the water so we can see and hear one another. We use additional signals at times, especially if wind and waves make verbal communication harder.

One whistle blast from your guide means pay attention. We may be gathering the group, pointing out something of interest, or flagging a boat or wake approaching.

Three whistle blasts mean a capsize has occurred. If anyone goes in the water, blow three times. Stay with your boat and stay with your paddle. This helps us control the situation. Keep away from any hazard and let us take the lead. That said, capsizes are unlikely.

Kayak safety signal: paddle held vertically means come to me       Kayak safety signal: paddle held horizontally above the head means all stop
A paddle held upright (vertical) means come to your guide.

A paddle held horizontally means stop and hold your position. If there is wind or current, paddle to stay where you are without drifting.

Most of the time we are close enough for regular conversation. If you find yourself farther away than feels comfortable, work your way back toward the group.

Tell us what this tour is about for you – whether to focus on scenic rock formations, wildlife, technique, or a calm and sheltered route. Within the conditions and the group’s ability, we aim to deliver the experience you are looking for.

Go / No Go
In addition to monitoring forecasted weather patterns ahead of time, before we launch, we review the weather, wind, and sea state. If conditions are unsuitable for the group, we do not go, or when possible we choose a different route that is appropriate. Safety is our priority.

Your First Moments on the Water

We launch from our dock. Before you push off, we demonstrate how to get into the kayak, the basic strokes: forward paddling and turning. You will find that basic paddling is intuitive. Most people are moving confidently within the first few minutes.

We offer tips on efficiency. Small adjustments to posture and stroke make a real difference. Sea kayaking is not about strength. It is about technique, and using your whole body rather than just your arms. Even your legs play a role.

Once you are on the water, your guide will point out an area to wait in while everyone else gets on the water. 

On the Water with Your Guide

We stay together as a group, keeping roughly one to three kayak lengths between boats. This is enough space to paddle comfortably while staying close enough to communicate and look out for each other. 2-4 people in a group is typical.

We make sure everyone gets familiar with their boat and how to move forward, stop, and turn. We move at a comfortable pace. Your guide reads the conditions, the group, and the surroundings continuously. If you need to temporarily increase your pace, your guide will let you know.

Enjoy your time on the water. Pay attention to the wonder around you.

We invite you to communicate with us. If you get tired, want more tips on technique, feel anxious or uncertain at any point, get our attention. Your safety and comfort are our priority from the moment you arrive to the moment you return to the dock.

The guide carries a towline and VHF radio for emergency use.

Returning to the Dock

When we return to our dock, we will direct you one by one to get back onto the dock and let you know where to place your gear. It is a small space, and we want to make sure nobody trips over a paddle or gets in each other’s way.

You may have sea legs at this point and feel a little wobbly on the dock. Take your time and take a seat if needed. There is no rush.

If we were able to take photos of you on the water, we love to share them with you by AirDrop for iPhone users or via a download link.

Before you leave, make sure you have all of your belongings from PFD pockets, hatches, and the dock.

In Case of an Unplanned Capsize

Capsizing on a guided tour is extremely rare. We fit you in a stable, beginner-appropriate boat, we assess conditions before every launch, and we keep the group together throughout.

If you capsize, release the sprayskirt (if wearing one), slide out of the boat, and regulate your breathing, focus on staying calm. Ideally stay with your boat and stay with your paddle. It helps us assist you more quickly.

Blow three whistle blasts if the group or guide is unaware. Your guide will be with you quickly and direct you through the steps to get you back in your boat. We have several techniques for assisted re-entry and we use the one that suits the situation. We carry a VHF radio and we do not venture far from shore, which means help is always close if we need it.

The water around Saturna Island is between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius year-round. It is cold. This is one of the reasons we take the precaution we take, and why dressing appropriately matters. Getting wet is not a disaster when you are prepared for it.

Wildlife and Wonder

This is where the other dimension opens fully.

When we encounter wildlife around Saturna Island we ask you to slow down, stay calm, and become an observer. Seals, river otters, seabirds, the occasional bald eagle overhead. Most of the wildlife in these waters is shy. Fast movement and loud noises will send them away. Stillness brings them closer.

There is something special about drifting along and a seal pops its head out of the water to check you out, or watching an otter go about its business a few metres from your bow. These moments are not guaranteed, but they can happen.

A note about resting seals and sea lions
If we see seals or sea lions resting on rocks, we let them be. They use rocks to absorb warmth and regulate body temperature throughout the day. We aim to give them enough space to do this undisturbed. They startle easily and sometimes unavoidably; our aim is always to observe from a distance and let them rest.

If an animal does come close while we are on the water, stay calm. Follow your guide’s lead at all times. We do not feed wildlife and we do not encourage animals to approach.

A note about whales
One of the questions we hear most often is: when are the whales coming? Saturna Island is one of the best places in BC to watch whales from shore, particularly at East Point.

On our typical paddling routes, encountering a whale on the water is extremely rare. If we are that fortunate, there are specific rules we follow. The most important one is to keep our distance and give them space. Whales are typically travelling, resting, or hunting and they are not interested in us. We observe quietly and stay with our group. You can read more about the rules for kayaking near whales on our kayaking near killer whales page.

A note about sharks
 We have not spotted any sharks in our paddling area.

Not a Beginner — But It Has Been a While?

With enough notice, we can arrange for you to paddle in a tandem kayak with a guide. This gives you the support and confidence to get back into paddling and enjoy the special moments on the water. Reach out and let us know your situation and we will make it work.

The Paddle Canada Basic Skills Course — A Different Kind of First Day

If you are interested in developing real paddling skills rather than a guided tour, the Paddle Canada Basic Skills course is a full day dedicated to that.

Over eight hours, you build a solid skill set including forward and turning strokes, bracing, and essential safety skills and knowledge. You will practice re-entry after a capsize and learn how to assist another paddler back into their boat. Course participants wear a sprayskirt, which is provided. We include use of a sea kayak and all safety gear with our Basic and Level 1 Courses at no extra cost.

This course does not focus on sightseeing or exploring. It is designed to build confidence and sound decision-making on the water. It is the foundation for everything that comes after. If you have paddled a few times before, Level 1 may be more appropriate for you. Reach out if you are unclear which course is right for you.

The Door That Opens

Most people do not expect how their first guided paddle will feel. The ocean has become a place they know how to enter. A recent guest said it felt like being in a movie.

If you are ready to experience it for yourself, we would love to take you out.

Our guided tours that are suitable for first-time paddlers include the Scenic Saturna by Sea Kayak three-hour tour, the Sunset Golden Hour two-hour evening paddle, and the Sea Star Watch Paddle two-hour tour focused on the remarkable intertidal life of Saturna’s rocky shores. All are suitable for beginners and all include everything you need.

Book a guided tour Learn more about the Paddle Canada Basic Skills course

Your Questions Answered Before You Go

Physical Ability and Fitness

Am I strong enough or fit enough to kayak? You do not need to be an athlete to enjoy sea kayaking. We keep the pace to suit everyone in the group and we teach you techniques that makes kayaking a whole-body movement rather than just an arm workout. If you can sit comfortably and move your torso, you can paddle.

What if I cannot keep up with the group? When you book, let us know if this is a concern. We keep a pace to suit everyone in the group, and, where needed, we can match you with a guide in a tandem kayak for more efficiency and confidence.

I have a bad back, a bad shoulder, or limited mobility. Can I still paddle? Please reach out before booking and tell us about your specific challenges. The details help us find a suitable solution. Kayaking techniques works with the larger muscle groups and the whole body, which means many people with physical limitations paddle comfortably once they find the right movement. We want to make it work for you if we can.

I am concerned about my size. Can I still kayak? We ask all customers to provide their approximate height and weight when booking so we can make sure we have a suitable kayak and PFD ready for you. Once we have your measurements, we can give you a clear answer.

What if I get tired halfway through? We check in regularly throughout every tour and encourage open communication about how everyone is doing. Let us know if you feel tired or pain while paddling. We will adjust the tour accordingly. The guide also carries a towline for emergency use.

Safety and Capsizing

Will I tip over? We fit you in a kayak that is appropriate for a beginner, stable, and not easily tipped. Capsizing on a guided tour is rare.

I am not a strong swimmer. Is that a problem? No. You will be wearing a correctly fitted PFD at all times on the water. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to paddle with us safely.

What happens if I capsize and cannot get back in on my own? We will get you back in your boat. We use several assisted re-entry techniques and choose whichever suits the situation. We also carry a VHF radio should we need outside assistance in an emergency situation. Before you launch, we walk you through the basics of re-entry.

Is the water cold? Yes. The water around Saturna Island is between 8 and 11 degrees Celsius year-round. This is why we have safety checks, why we dress appropriately, and why we do not take unnecessary risks with conditions or routes. Getting wet when you are prepared for it is manageable.

Practical Comfort

What if I need to use the bathroom? Right next to our kayaking dock is a BC Ferries waiting area with two bathrooms, accessible most of the time. We recommend visiting just before launch. Tours with a beach break may include a beach with an outhouse. For other nature breaks in the field, they are just that. We carry toilet tissue and a trowel for the group and practice Leave No Trace principles.

What if I get seasick or motion sick? If you tend to get seasick on boats, it is worth taking medication before your tour as a precaution. In our experience, kayaking affects people differently from larger vessels and many people who feel unwell on ferries or powerboats are perfectly comfortable in a kayak. That said, everyone is different. We carry a first aid kit, but please bring any personal medications with you.

Can I wear glasses? Yes. We recommend using a retainer so they stay secure on the water. Salt water splashes may require a clean after the paddle. For capsize practices during the Basic Skills course, we can hold your glasses while you get wet with intent, or a suitable retainer will do the job.

What if it rains? Heavy rain may be a reason to reschedule. Light rain is not a safety concern and can be a beautifully immersive experience on the water. We are a small business and if we can accommodate a reschedule to make your first time on the water more comfortable, we will always try our best.

Wildlife and Environment

Will we see whales? Saturna Island is known as one of BC’s premier whale-watching destinations, particularly from the shore at East Point. On our typical paddling routes, encountering a whale on the water is extremely rare. If we are that fortunate, we follow a set of rules: keep our distance, stay quiet, give them space, and raft as a group if safe to do so.

Are there sharks? We have not encountered any sharks you might be thinking of in our paddling area. Strictly speaking, dogfish are a type of shark. They are small and they prey on small fish, squid, and crustaceans. If you fish in the waters surrounding Saturna Island, you may catch dogfish before anything else.

What if a seal or sea lion gets too close? We have not experienced aggressive behaviour from marine mammals in our area. We do not encourage wildlife to interact or approach, and we do not feed animals. If something does come close, stay calm, look to your guide, and consider whether there may be a young animal nearby that it is protecting. Follow your guide’s lead.

Anxiety and Control

What if I panic on the water? Let us know before launching if you have concerns or traumatic experiences with watersports. If you need to speak with us as we go, get our attention. If we see that you are struggling, we will come to you. There is no situation on the water that we have not encountered before, and your safety and wellbeing are our priority.

What if I fall behind or get separated from the group? We aim to keep everyone together throughout. If you fall behind without anyone noticing, use your whistle if verbal communication is ineffective and until you have our attention.

What if the weather changes while we are out? We monitor weather and conditions continuously as we paddle and always have a plan B in mind. If conditions change in a way that affects safety, we will adjust our route or return to the dock. Your safety is always the priority.

Have a question that is not answered here? Visit our FAQ page or get in touch and we are happy to hear from you before you book.

Sea kayaker watching a killer whale dorsal fin at safe distance, Southern Gulf Islands BC

Kayaking near killer whales on Saturna Island: what paddlers need to know

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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 around the sightings.

If you’re paddling here between May and November, there is a small chance you may encounter killer whales on the water. That possibility is part of what draws people to this area and it comes with real responsibilities. This article explains what the rules are, what they mean practically for kayakers, and how to conduct yourself if whales appear while you’re on the water.

The legal framework: two layers of protection

Killer whale protections in Canadian Pacific waters come from two separate pieces of federal legislation, administered by two different departments.

The Marine Mammal Regulations (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) are permanent, year-round rules that apply to all cetaceans in Canadian waters. They require all vessels including kayaks to maintain minimum approach distances from whales, porpoises and dolphins at all times.

The Interim Order for the Protection of the Killer Whale (Transport Canada, issued under the Canada Shipping Act) creates additional, stronger seasonal measures from June 1 to November 30 each year. This is where the Vessel Restricted Zones and enhanced approach distances originate. The Interim Order is renewed annually and the specific boundaries and distances can change from year to year.

For the most current regulations before any paddle, always check the DFO 2026 management measures page and the Transport Canada Interim Order directly. These are the authoritative, updated sources.

Approach distances: how close can you get?

From June 1, 2026 onward, vessels including human-powered vessels must stay 1,000 metres away from Southern Resident killer whales in southern BC coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. (Before June 1, 2026, the distance requirement is 400 metres from all killer whales in this zone.)

Canada has now formalised the 1,000 m SRKW approach distance as a permanent amendment to the Marine Mammal Regulations, taking effect June 1, 2026.

For all other killer whales including Bigg’s (transient) killer whales, and for humpback whales and other cetaceans, the Marine Mammal Regulations require:

  • 200 m from any whale, porpoise or dolphin that is resting or accompanied by a calf
  • 100 m from other whales, porpoises and dolphins

There is no exemption from approach distances for human-powered vessels. The 1,000 m rule applies to kayaks equally.

Vessel Restricted Zones: where kayakers need to pay close attention

From June 1 to November 30 each year, Vessel Restricted Zones are in effect in the waters off Saturna Island around East Point, Boiling Reef and towards Narvaez Bay, and separately in waters off Pender Island. No vessels may navigate in these zones during this period, with limited exceptions.

The exception that applies to kayakers: human-powered vessels may transit through a Vessel Restricted Zone, but only within a corridor of 20 metres or less from the shoreline. This is a narrow strip roughly the combined length of four to five single sea kayaks, hugging the rocks and kelp line.

Management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales, Gulf Islands region, including Vessel Restricted Zones off Saturna and Pender Islands. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 2026.

Map: 2026 Management Measures to Protect Southern Resident Killer Whales — Gulf Islands. © Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Reproduced for non-commercial purposes. Source: pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca. This map is updated annually — always verify current restrictions at the source before paddling. This is the Saturna Island relevant map.

Paddling that corridor (actually the entire area anytime) requires judgment. The shoreline along East Point and Boiling Reef is exposed, rocky, and subject to winds and strong tidal current. The corridor was established specifically because earlier restrictions left paddlers no shoreline option and pushed them into open water near the international boundary and strong tidal flows, creating genuine safety hazards. That change came about through direct consultation between DFO, Transport Canada, local paddlers, and kayak instructors including members of the Saturna Island community who knew the water and were able to describe the problem clearly. If conditions make the corridor unsafe on a given day, do not enter it. The rules do not require you to paddle somewhere dangerous.

In Tumbo Channel, on the north side of Saturna Island, a voluntary speed reduction zone asks all vessels to reduce speed to no more than 10 knots when safe to do so, from June 1 to November 30. As a kayaker you will be well within this, but it is worth knowing when other vessels around you may or may not be complying.

Which whale is which

Three species of large cetaceans are regularly seen in these waters during summer and fall: Southern Resident killer whales, Bigg’s (transient) killer whales, and humpback whales.

Humpback whales are visually unmistakable. Their size, the broad back and small dorsal fin, and above all the wide flukes they raise before a deep dive make them easy to identify at any reasonable distance. Unlike killer whales, humpbacks do not have biosonar and are not always aware of vessels around them. They may surface unexpectedly close, travel in unpredictable patterns, or rest just below the surface. Treat any nearby humpback as a genuine proximity risk and give them as much room as conditions allow.

Distinguishing whether a killer whale is a Southern Resident or a Bigg’s (transient) in the moment, from water level, while managing your boat, is genuinely difficult even for experienced observers. Saddle patch shape and dorsal fin profile are the key visual markers, but they require a clear, sustained look that you may not always get. Their behaviour may give more indications. For example: Southern Resident Killer Whales often travel in larger pods of ten or more. Transients mostly are seen in smaller groups, and behaving more stealthy and quietly when hunting.

The practical answer is straightforward: if you see killer whales and you are not certain of the ecotype, apply the most protective rules and treat them as Southern Residents. The Marine Mammal Regulations protect all cetaceans regardless of ecotype and the spirit of all these measures is the same: do not interfere with the animals’ behaviour.

If whales come to you

This is the question most paddlers want answered. What do you do when whales appear near you while you’re paddling legally, in the right place, following all the rules?

This can happen. Whales move and a pod that was distant when you first noticed them, may surface near you. You have not done anything wrong.

Stop paddling. Rest your paddle across your deck, if the sea state allows. Be still and quiet. A stationary kayak creates far less acoustic and physical disturbance than one that is moving and splashing. If you are in a group, unless you are spread out too much, it is recommended to raft together as a group.

Do not reposition. Do not paddle toward them to improve your view and do not paddle away in panic. Sudden movement and the sound of a paddle entering the water repeatedly is more disruptive than a quiet, stationary boat. If you need to move for safety reasons, do so slowly and deliberately.

Let them set the agenda. Whales are not unaware of you (humpback whales can be less aware). If a pod passes close, they have made a choice about their proximity. Your job is to be a neutral presence: not to engage, not to follow, not to optimise the encounter for photography. Watch. Be present and alert.

Do not position yourself in their path. This is a legal requirement under the Interim Order as well as the right thing to do. If you can anticipate the direction of travel, move clear of it early and calmly.

When the whales have moved on, note the time, your location, and the number of animals. Reporting your sighting contributes to the monitoring data that informs these regulations.

The chance to be on the water near killer whales is one of the genuinely remarkable things about paddling in the Southern Gulf Islands. It asks something of you in return: restraint, patience, and the discipline to let the moment be what it is.

For a first-hand account of what it feels like when orcas pass close to a stationary kayak, read Ruth’s Kayaking with Orcas story from Narvaez Bay.

If you witness a violation

If you observe a motorised vessel approaching whales in clear breach of the regulations, note as much detail as you safely can: vessel description, registration number if visible, colour, type, and the time and location of the incident. Report it to the DFO Observe, Record and Report line as soon as you are able. Video footage can be very helpful to verify distance and behaviour of boaters.

DFO Observe, Record and Report (24 hours): 1-800-465-4336

A note on cell coverage: signal around East Point is unreliable and you may find your phone has connected to a US carrier rather than a Canadian one. Be aware that a call to 1-800-465-4336 may not connect as expected on a US roaming connection. Log what you witnessed and make the report when you have reliable Canadian coverage. If the situation involves immediate danger to people, use VHF Channel 16 to reach the Coast Guard.

Why these protections exist

Southern Resident killer whales were listed as Endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act in 2003. The population numbers fewer than 75 animals. The three primary threats are reduced prey availability (primarily Chinook salmon), acoustic and physical disturbance, and contaminants. All three require sustained, collective effort to address.

Paddler behaviour connects most directly to the disturbance threat through physical presence rather than noise. A kayak at the wrong distance at the wrong moment, near resting whales, close to active feeding, or across a travel path, is enough to alter behaviour without producing a single decibel of sound. Be observant on the water: are the whales resting, feeding, or travelling? Your awareness of what the animals are doing shapes how you respond to their presence.

The regulations are actively evolving. Canada has now formalised the 1,000 m SRKW approach distance as a permanent amendment to the Marine Mammal Regulations, taking effect June 1, 2026.

Resources

A note on this article: Regulations change annually. We update this page when new measures are announced, but always verify current restrictions at the DFO and Transport Canada links above before paddling in this area.

SRKW Interim and Sea Kayakers Boiling Reef Saturna Island

SRKW Interim Order and Sea Kayakers

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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 on Saturna Island: what paddlers need to know.

2019 article below.

From the perspective of a Saturna Island based Sea Kayaker and Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayaking Instructor.

Sea kayaking is a great way to explore Saturna Island and the Salish Sea. BC Marine Trails connect some of the Gulf Islands for kayakers, going around the east side of Saturna. The route connects Narvaez Bay and Cabbage Island campsites that have marine access. We wanted to know if the new Interim Zone to protect the Southern Resident killer whales (SRKW) would mean an end to circumnavigating Saturna Island by sea kayak.

SRKW Boiling Reef Interim Zone – shaded

The image that I drew over a nautical chart illustrates the Interim Zone (Saturna Island portion shown only, gray shade) which prohibits general vessel traffic including kayakers between June 1st to October 31st.

Here is a link to the Transport Canada issued Interim Order.

Sea kayakers travelling around Saturna Island must pass the east side of Saturna cautiously; keeping in mind currents, shipping channels and the United States border. A previous article took a look at currents around Boiling Reef. Avoiding the Interim Zone increases risks.

I compared two likely routes from the south east side of Narveaz Bay to Tumbo Island (both locations are en route when circumnavigating Saturna). The white line is the safer shore paddle route (about 2.6 nautical miles (NM)), the black line (about 3.5 NM) that avoids the Interim Zone is less safe.

SRKW Interim and Sea Kayakers Boiling Reef Saturna Island

While it potentially only takes 20 minutes longer to travel this way, it means that about 2 NM (40 minutes paddling for a good paddler and good conditions) would be in waters that are hazardous. Keeping track of the exact location of oneself and the Interim zone while travelling in a sea kayak and avoiding the shipping lane, requires good GPS technology or advanced navigation skills. There are no markers on the water. Sea kayakers most often travel along shores.

A safety-stop at Shell Beach helps a kayaker to assess current conditions for safe paddling (especially if travelling south). Whales do not usually come to Shell Beach, but technically speaking it is in the Zone. I had one close encounter with killer whales in a sea kayak. The whales were Transients and outside the Interim Zone, close to Fiddler’s Cove. The Interim Zone at large is mostly a place for transiting in a kayak due to the strong currents that often prevail… idling for long periods is rarely an option.

Saturna Islander, David Osborne phoned Transport Canada and received an official email response addressing some of his concerns.

Find the full email. Here is an extract:

“However, marine safety is priority. If it is unsafe to comply with the rules, vessel operators are exempted to avoid immediate or unforeseen danger. If this is the case, Kayakers must transit through the area (cannot idle) and stay a minimum 400 metres from whales when safe to do so. ”

So, if you see kayakers transiting the Interim Zone, they are likely doing so for marine safety reasons.

KayakingSkills.com promote best practices regarding wildlife, i.e. to not disturb the animal’s natural behaviour or put oneself at risk and to abide by advised distances when safe to do so.

To conclude, circumnavigation of Saturna Island is possible and if it is unsafe to comply with the Interim Zone, it is appropriate to transit through it.

Read FAQs on the Interim Order here.

Happy & Safe Paddling!

Hovercraft 1

Boiling Reef Rescue by Hovercraft

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Pictures taken by Louise Peramaki

Easter 2019, Saturna Island

Currents at Boiling Reef during ebb at a spring tide

Boating Hazards at Boiling Reef, East Point

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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 several occasions over the past years, kayaks have capsized, and the paddlers were unable to re-enter without outside assistance, sometimes capsizing their peers that tried to help.

Visitors to Saturna Island are often unaware of the hazardous waters at Boiling Reef, East Point.

Look at the Nautical Chart and Current Atlas images to notice the hazards in the area. Both publications can be purchased at marine stores.

Boiling Reef, East Point Area

Unless you fully understand when to go kayaking (or boating in general), take a course first. These waters require the right boat, skills and conditions to safely navigate them. Shell Beach at East Point can occur deceivingly calm and sheltered. The current flowing between Saturna and Tumbo islands moves toward Boiling Reef at flood and ebb. A small vessel that is lightweight with a large surface area (i.e. inflatable kayak) quickly acts like a sail and becomes impossible to control in currents with enough wind added, even for an athletic person. Here strong currents, rips, eddies, waves and increase of wind effects are not obvious to the untrained eye and using a marine chart is crucial to help identify hazards.

Additional factors: Spring tides around full and new moons mean greater water fluctuation and faster currents, increasing the risk of capsize or being carried out and off to the United States. Capsize of any vessel can potentially lead to its passenger’s death by drowning or hypothermia after prolonged exposure to cold water.

When approaching a headland (i.e. Monarch Head, East Point), currents that funnel or form eddies can change significantly, also wind speed and direction, potentially resulting in a quite different sea state.

From East Point along Cliffside and all the way to Monarch Head there are potentially strong currents also, even at the occasion that Boiling Reef itself shows little indication. Our resources page has a link to current speed data for Boundary Pass near East Point.

Sea kayaks are designed with the ocean in mind but require training and practice for proper use. Some are intended to handle waves and dynamic conditions while others target forward speed on flat water and require more balancing skills. Recreational kayaks from large retail stores are typically made for flat, sheltered water and are unsuitable for venturing into areas like Boiling Reef, East Point. Some do not have enclosed buoyant compartments that displace water to prevent sinking if capsized.

Things you can do to paddle safely: take a course and learn about safe paddling conditions, gather local knowledge of areas you intend to explore, practice rescues, learn risk assessment and reading nautical charts, use the right boat and safety equipment, paddle with peers that also know how to rescue you, check weather, tides and currents, paddle in conditions that you are skilled to handle, and file a float plan with a reliable friend. Wear immersion gear and PFD, we are surrounded by cold water throughout the year. Avoid strong currents by choosing neap tides around first and third quarter moons. Use our KayakingSkills.com Saturna Kayaking Resources page.

KayakingSkills.com teach essentials of tides and currents and about hazards to avoid on your sea kayaking adventures. Our intermediate courses include rescue practices in waves and currents.

 

Winter Paddling on Saturna Island with KayakingSkills

Saturna Island Winter Paddling

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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: Sea water at shallow beach accesses will be much colder this time of the year making getting on and off the water more challenging. The air is cooler and in combination with rain or spray water, everything will feel cooler in winter. Dress for immersion, even when you do not intend to swim. Layer up and ideally wear a full dry suit. Staying comfortable while exercising in warm clothing can be challenging. You will end up sweating. Choose underlayer fabrics that breathe and wick away moisture. While the perfect solution does not yet exist, do the best you can with functional clothing pieces. We often use marino wool blend fabric layers and top them with a thin fleece underneath our dry suits. The next option is a farmer john with a padding jacket and moisture wicking upper body layers between. Neoprene booties are very helpful in winter though they certainly get wet too. Wear a polyester or wool hat to reduce heat loss from the head. These types of fabric provide warmth even when a little wet. Avoid wearing cotton full stop. Cotton is slow to dry and has a cooling effect (only desirable in hot climate and warmer waters). Before I had a dry suit, I would wear gum boots to get in and out of the kayak, multiple layers of leggings, a fleece and a rain jacket. Paddling outings are cut short if you do not have the right clothing. I highly recommend investing a little into winter paddling clothing. We use our dry suits year-round when navigating cold choppy waters away from shore and practicing re-entries.

Keep the fingers warm: make sure you have drip rings on your paddle and keep your hands outside the water most of the time. If you opt to wear neoprene gloves, make sure that they are of thick enough material to actually provide warmth and that the grip you get in them works for you. I have paddled with thin neoprene gloves that provided a cooling effect which I only realised after I took them off. Pogies are another great option. They typically Velcro fasten over the paddle shaft and you can stick your hands inside of them, fabulously protecting your hands from wind, rain and cold air.

Be seen. Even on a sunny day, daylight is limited to shorter hours with just over 8 hours between sunrise and sunset in the shortest days of the year. Best plan to be on the water in the middle of the day or even earlier. Consider bringing a watertight flashlight and a glow-stick with you in an emergency dry bag, just in case you get delayed beyond your control when out. Have reflective tape on your kayak, paddle and clothing. Wear bright colours like yellow, orange and lime green. Sea kayakers are hard to spot, especially in slight chop and if they wear dull colours. Consider that less boats on the water in winter mean less people available that could spot and help you. Assume that vessels do not see you till very close, maybe too close. Avoid collision by making yourself visible. Paddle close to shore when possible.

Check the weather and check the weather again. Gather all the data on a single sheet (download and use our KayakingSkills’ printable pdf form Saturna Island Kayak Day Trip short), especially if planning a full day trip. Look for less wind (unless you are looking for downwind paddling conditions and are skilled and fit for it), more sun and less precipitation. How much wind is ok for you will depend on your skill level. For many hobbyist kayakers winds above 12 knots feel challenging. Between Remembrance Day and March 20th, the marine weather forecast does not issue a “Strong Wind Warning” for our waters (which would be indicated at winds of 20 to 33 knots for the remainder of the year). If in doubt about the conditions, either do not go or remain in an area with easy and frequent landing options. There are windows of opportunity with sunny winter days. Enjoy the exhilarating experience of being in the fresh air on the water. It’s hard to beat!

Paddle with a partner. It is far safer to paddle with a similar or higher skill level partner. Email us to be included in our kayak group sessions. Join the Saturna Kayak Club if you are a resident of Saturna Island.

Float plan: Let someone know you are paddling, where to, and when you will be back. Make a clear arrangement with your float plan holder for the case that you are not back. Search parties in the dark are much more challenging than in daylight.

Go for shorter paddles and have an exit strategy to transition fast to getting dry and warm. Even an hour on the water feels great and you will need less time to warm up again if you get chilled or wet.

Launch and land safely: this starts with wearing the right clothing. If you try to avoid getting wet when launching and landing on a beach, you are increasing your risk of injury during these transitions. Balancing over a partially floating boat to stay dry is tempting, but not safe. Instead, wear clothing including booties that keep you warm and ideally dry. You can also launch from a dock if available. Check tides for water levels that will work for comfortable launching and landing at beaches.

Be conservative when leaving a sheltered bay: conditions around the corner may well be different. Our biggest concerns as paddlers are winds, waves and strong currents. Headlands often provide changing and challenging conditions.

Bring water, and an emergency snack, and if out for longer also pack warm liquids.

In addition to the usual safety equipment you legally must bring, make sure to always wear your PFD on the water and carry your VHF radio. I also bring a folded mylar emergency blanket in my dry bag.

Bonus tips: have some soup ready at home for when you return. All you got to do is heat it up slowly while you put away things from the trip and warm up. If you feel cold and cannot warm up easily, take a hot bath (remember to turn off that soup though till you are back to keep an eye on the stove).

Short Saturna Island shoreline paddles to do this winter – approx. total distance in nautical miles – time it takes when moving at good pace for intermediate sea kayaker (3 knots):

Winter Cove round trip – 1.5 NM – 30 min plus

Boot Cove round trip including loop around Trevor Islet – 1.75 NM – 40 min plus

Lyall Harbour around King and Queen Islets – 3 NM – 1 hr plus

Winter Cove and Irish Bay round trip – 3 NM – 1 hr plus

Boot Cove to Saturna Beach round trip – 4.5 NM – 1.5 hrs plus

Lyall Harbour to Saturna Beach round trip – 5.5 NM – 2 hrs plus (As you round various points, watch out for a change of sea state and make good judgement of your ability to paddle further prior continuing.)

Winter Cove to East Point one way – 6.5 NM – 2 hrs plus (Putting in at Winter Cove, make sure to check the currents for Boat Passage to go through at slack time. East Point take out point is a bit of a walk; a lightweight kayak pays off here. Doing this stretch one way is a good option if currents and / or winds are strong. You need to arrange transport on the other side prior going, and have some warm clothing and beverages stashed at take out. This can be a fast ride if currents are in favour.)

Saturna Beach to Taylor Point round trip – 6.5 NM – 2 hrs plus (Not many landing options. You need to qualify wind and waves before putting in and allow enough time. Beware that if winds are strong, paddling into them on the way back can be hard and slow you down to crawling speed at full effort. There is no take out option for your kayak at Taylor Point; be prepared to paddle both ways.)

If you catch a high tide at Lyall Harbour, be sure to check out Lyall Creek also. It is mystical in the wintertime when you can paddle a little into this otherwise hidden little gem.

If you love kayaking in the summertime, give winter paddling a chance. It is an amazing experience when picking the right day. Fred and I had some of the best paddles in winter. Tides are also often in favour for launching and landing.

Happy Winter Paddling!

sea kayaking currents Saturna Island

Saturna’s Currents Decoded

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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 are generally less strong, and direction varies. For detailed information it is helpful to refer to the Current Atlas (Juan de Fuca Strait to Strait of Georgia) by the Canadian Hydrographic Service — a free PDF available from DFO. The publication has 93 scenarios of current direction and flow rate for our wider area. The corresponding Murray’s Table (free download, available through 2030, last checked April 2026) connects each hour with an applicable page. Note that currents at Boat Passage and similar narrow passages cannot be properly identified this way — the Current Atlas is better suited to reading the larger patterns of tidal stream movement across the region. Thick, fat arrows indicate strong currents of 2.5 knots and above. Be very cautious in the surrounding area.

For those who prefer a digital tool, the PNW Current Atlas app (iOS) combines the Current Atlas and lookup tables in one place. Bear in mind that like the printed atlas, it is best used for reading broader tidal stream patterns rather than precise timing at narrow passages like Boat Passage, which are not marked in the atlas. The app has a free trial after which you purchase it. I have found it most helpful to have accessible on my phone.

A newer alternative is the Salish Sea Tidal Current Atlas (SSTCA) by Dr. Richard Dewey of Victoria, BC. This free resource uses a higher resolution tidal model than the original DFO atlas and covers more of the Salish Sea. For our area around Saturna Island, download Volume 1E along with the SSTCA Volume 1 Calendar Lookup Tables for 2026. Note that the SSTCA shows a discrepancy in Tumbo Channel compared to the original DFO atlas. The DFO atlas shows the channel running in a back eddy around Tumbo Island, meaning that even when the flood direction everywhere else points northwest, the channel current runs southeast — something we have observed ourselves on the water. The SSTCA does not appear to recognise this back eddy. We recommend cross-referencing both resources and using your own observations when paddling this area.

Kayakers often travel close to shore and passing through back eddies that are circular currents running in reverse direction of the main current and are not necessarily indicated in the Current Atlas. I often look at bull kelp as I paddle to help me identify the direction of such currents.

Tumbo Channel currents always run toward East Point due to an eddie forming at Tumbo and Cabbage Islands. The only time the surface water does not move that way is when winds are stronger and force the surface water the other direction. Other than that, plan your sea kayaking trip taking advantage of the tidal stream whenever it is safe to do so (i.e. travel counter clockwise around Tumbo Island).

Boat Passage at Flood Current

Boat Passage at Flood Current

Visit Boat Passage once a while from shore and view it at different flow rates. You may see a still pond and an hour later a raging river. With currents as strong as 6 knots, it can run twice as fast as the speed of an average skilled paddler. At high speeds expect turbulent water with whirlpools also. If not understood, Boat Passage can become a one-way trip ending in a rescue scenario or at best a very long wait for a turn of tidal stream flow. You can however cross many narrow passages by sea kayak during a predictable window of opportunity when tidal horizonal movement turns, called slack tide. To work out how much time you have to get through a passage, you need to know slack time as well as the maximum ebb or flood of the current before and after slack (typically around 3 hours before and after). I am going to pick an example here around a new moon when tidal ranges are great. Let’s say that you want to get through Boat Passage on Sunday June 28th, 2026, a few days after a new moon when tidal ranges are greatest, and wonder when it is safe to do so. There is no current station measuring speeds and times here; data is derived from surrounding current stations. We find the numbers close to what happens. Look up maximum ebb (into Winter Cove), slack time and maximum flood currents (toward Vancouver) and click through to currents at Boat Passage (and choose the date):

Max Ebb: 3.5 knots
Slack: 9:40am
Max Flood: 5 knots

Apply the Slack Water Rule:

Period of Slack Water (minutes) = 60/Speed of Max Current (knots)

Period of Slack Water = 60/3.5 = 17 minutes (before slack)
Period of Slack Water = 60/5 = 12 minutes (after slack)
Total Period of Slack Water = 17+12 = 29 minutes (starting 17 minutes before slack water at 9:40am, so at 9:23am)

This formula calculates how much time there is to safely get through a passage by sea kayak. Always arrive early, so that you can allow for variables and be flexible if conditions are beyond your skill level. If you are not sure it is safe, apply common sense and don’t cross till you have gained more skills as well as better judgement. Always be aware of your surroundings and other boats passing through, some of which are unable to move out of the way, if you move into theirs. Boat Passage is a very short passage and therefore travelling through it under the right conditions is fast. If you wanted to get through Active Pass, you want to be aware of the much longer distance and time needed to travel through it. If your paddling speed is 3 knots, just one knot of current against you, will slow you down to 2 knots. One nautical mile will take you 30 minutes instead of 20. While not the whole stretch of Active Pass encounters the strong currents, certain areas are extremely fast flowing with whirlpools and in addition ferry traffic and waves to look out for.

Great, now that you can figure out when to get through Boat Passage safely, think about the rest of your trip. Will you go to a destination beach and return in around six hours with the next slack time? Or will you carry on your journey to a different destination. If you are planning on going around Samuel Island, beware that the passage between Samuel and Mayne Island also has currents that can be significant for a paddler.

Tide, weather and current information relevant to Saturna Island can be found at the same link. Use this information for the Go-No-Go decision making process that we use in planning and launching a trip, considering various environmental factors.

For more on the specific hazards at Boiling Reef and East Point, including real rescue scenarios from those waters, read our article Boating Hazards at Boiling Reef.

KayakingSkills.com offers Paddle Canada sea kayaking courses at various levels, from Basic Sea Kayak Skills through to Level 2, all taught on the waters around Saturna Island where tides and currents are part of every trip. Understanding how to read and use tidal stream information is also a practical advantage on our multi-day tours such as the Samuel Island Circumnavigation and Around Saturna in 2 Days. For more on paddling technique and how a strong forward stroke helps when currents turn against you, see The Sea Kayaker’s Self Defence.

Saturna’s Tides Decoded

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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 roll around the planet as the ocean is “pulled” back and forth as the moon and sun interact with earth. The moon orbits earth and earth spins around the sun. The moon and sun both have a gravitational pull, strongly effecting large bodies of water. There is a repeating cycle as the moon orbits earth. The moon causes the majority of the gravitational pull. When sun, moon and earth align during full moon and new moon, the gravitational pull is amplified. Around two days later we experience the largest tides, called spring tides (think of “springing up and down”). This means that more water moves between low and high tides. During the first and third quarter moons, the gravitational pull is reduced, and we have smaller tidal ranges, called neap tides. Currents, also called tidal streams, are the horizontal effect of the tidal movement. While tides are biggest at spring tides, currents are also stronger as more water volume is pulled around earth. Due to the varied coastline and the many small islands in our area, slack water (when there is little to no current at the change of direction of tidal flow) does not necessarily occur simultaneously with high and low tide times, despite their correlation. The West coast of North America mostly experiences two high and two low tides of different heights each lunar day. This tidal pattern is called a mixed semi diurnal tide.

Which tidal station do I look up when paddling off Saturna Island? Primary tide stations that are relevant for Saturna Island are at Fulford Harbour on Salt Spring Island and Point Atkinson between Horseshoe Bay and West Vancouver. Saturna Island has two secondary tide stations: Tumbo Channel and Narvaez Bay and there is also Hope Bay on Pender Island nearby. I once wrote down tide predictions for Hope Bay, Tumbo Channel and Narvaez Bay, Fulford Harbour and Point Atkinson. I converted all the information into a graph and noticed that the difference and potential error margin for our purpose is too small to really fuss about (see graph). Especially when looking at Tumbo Channel, Hope Bay and Fulford Harbour: the graph looked almost identical for those three. Who knows, maybe I just picked a particularly good day to compare them 🙂

 

Keep predicted tide heights and possible variance due to wind and barometric pressure in mind when leaving your boat at the beach while going for walks or overnighting. Always secure your kayak with a rope too. High pressure systems can contribute to very low tides while low pressure systems can increase the height of a predicted high tide.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans publishes tabulated printed data annually. You can buy Volume 5 for tidal stations of Juan de Fuca Strait & Strait of Georgia or get Tide information at Fisheries and Oceans. Tabulated data is easy to write down while a graph puts numbers visually into perspective and considers that tide heights increase fastest in the middle two hours between low and high tide (roughly six hours apart); both are useful tools.

Ensure that tide times are in PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) or PST (Pacific Standard Time, which you need to adjust during daylight savings in summer). In Canada, tides are measured in metres. Many websites work in feet and generate graphs which I find easy to relate to my needs. What interests us as when launching and landing a sea kayak in Lyall Harbour, is when the tide is going to be over four to five feet (by Fulford Harbour tide station). We prefer to avoid the otherwise inevitable mud battle. Intertidal zones are illustrated in green colour on nautical charts. Looking at a nautical chart for the area, you will notice how much intertidal zone there is at different beaches (look at Cabbage Island for example). Consider this when choosing launching and landing sites, especially when packing gear for overnight camping trips and dealing with low tides.

Kayaking along rocks with a large visible intertidal zone is particularly beautiful and interesting. Sea stars, sea urchins and other sea creatures, normally hidden, become visible at low tide. Take care when crossing fragile intertidal zones, seaweeds and eelgrass that provide fundamental ecosystems for the Salish Sea.

We have summarised sources of information for tide, weather and currents relevant to Saturna Island.

Use this information for the Go/No-Go decision making process that we use in planning and executing a trip, considering various environmental factors.

Ok, so we have figured out the relevant tide stations. And we understand that greater tide ranges happen at spring tides and smaller tidal ranges during neap tides. If you are looking for less currents, go kayaking during neap tides. If you are looking for more currents to play in, look for spring tides. All this is especially relevant when navigating through small passages like Boat Passage or around Boiling Reef off East Point. Our next article will decode currents around Saturna Island.

KayakingSkills.com offer Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking skills and instructor courses at various levels. We teach essential and relevant sea- man/woman -ship. We promise to educate and entertain you. You will get hands on experience with tides and currents in our courses when planning a sea kayaking trip. We help you identify hazards to avoid and risks to mitigate for your sea kayaking adventures. Our intermediate courses include current clinics in areas such as Boiling Reef, Tumbo Island and Boat Passage.

Happy Paddling!

sea kayaking forward stroke with torso rotation

The Sea Kayaker’s Self Defence

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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 fast enough to punch through wind or current. Honestly, it sometimes is a challenge to teach the importance of developing a powerful and efficient forward stroke. “Well, I am not here to go fast.” Is a response we often hear when we mention that we teach forward stroke in detail. I enjoy comfortably exploring the shorelines and their sea life by sea kayak. I often have no interest in going fast.
It wasn’t till we paddled on a one-day trip when weather changed unexpectedly, that I wished I had been able to go faster. I will share my experience which lead to me seeking further training to become a better paddler and eventually a Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayaking Instructor.
If you have been caught out kayaking before with wind picking up unexpectedly, or strong currents you did not familiarise yourself with, you may relate to this.
On the way home, we soon realised that winds had turned enough to make a smooth ride a rocky one with headwind and confused seas. What started out as a “walk along the shore” soon became an increasingly uncomfortable place and the immediate future suggested another hour of this ordeal. Conditions slowed us down, doubling the time it normally would take. In the beginning it felt like an adventurous and exciting time in the elements. Then, wrists started hurting, my right lower arm became sorer with every stroke. Yes, I was focussing on pushing, not pulling, the instructions I knew of, but it still was merely a hard wrist and arm workout. I just was not moving as fast as I should have for the energy that I expended. In retrospect I realise that things could have turned out much worse. In those days we did not carry a VHF radio and we were dressed for “on the water” not “in the water”. A prolonged battle in bad weather accompanied by injury can lead to capsize with potential cold water shock, cold water incapacitation, hypothermia and even death if unable to re-enter and no one there to help. We got off lightly when we made it home, exhausted and sore.
Later in this early year of sea kayaking, I developed symptoms that I would classify as a tennis elbow. I stuck to very short paddle trips because I knew paddling was hurting me and even felt pain when trying to open a cupboard in the kitchen. The kayaking season ended with reduced ability to go out on the water and enjoy the activity which I so loved.
I realise that the forward stroke, which sea kayakers spend 99% of their time on the water doing, is a critical and difficult stroke to perfect. When focussing on the forward stroke form, I found it rewarding to be able to move the kayak along further with equal energy input, but better technique.
Last year during my solo sea kayaking adventure around Saturna Island, I really started to appreciate how much stronger of a paddler I had become… not by sheer force, but by technique. Instead of using the small muscles of the arms I moved the paddle through the water using the large muscles that get activated in torso rotation and even include the leg muscles. This means that more muscle mass is used and less stress is placed on small muscles, reducing strain and risk of repetitive strain injuries. I was able to push through some currents at Boiling Reef, move into challenging winds and in some more waves than I would have felt comfortable with prior to working on my forward stroke. My wrists and arms are happy they have less of a load to handle. Regarding speed I know now: every little helps. And there is still more fine-tuning to do. The forward stroke is one that continuously can and should be developed.
Winds and waves can change, no matter how carefully you plan your trip. Head winds, currents, whirlpools and following seas can be trouble you did not anticipate. Unless there is a way to avoid the bad conditions by waiting them out in a safer place, having a powerful sea kayaking forward stroke is your best defense to get you out of such trouble. It also may mean for example that you reach your destination before darkness, that you can help a paddling peer who needs a tow or that you can get to a capsized kayaker faster.
Here are some tips that I find useful for developing a strong forward stroke: 1. Set up your “paddler’s box”. This is a strong position that allows force transference into the core, shoulders, and legs by encouraging torso rotation. Imagine an invisible large ball between you and your paddle shaft with your hands in a medium wide push up position, start with holding your hands out in front of you, wrists do not bend. 2. Rotate your torso (to involve the whole body by engaging your core, hips and legs in each stroke) then 3. Plant the blade near toe distance, unwind your torso and let the paddle exit the water roughly where your hips are. Continue the rotation, plant the opposite blade near toe distance for the next stroke and so on. Avoid loading the blade with water that you then lift up as you complete a stroke (unnecessary strain). Another common mistake is to pull your arm to far.
Don’t be tempted to lean back onto the back rest. Consider it useful for breaks and resting. Your posture should be upright with a slight forward tilt and straight back. Surprisingly, we have come across multiple “experienced” kayakers that held their paddle upside down. While it is possible to move forward like this, it is by no means efficient.
Long-distance paddlers mostly utilise slower and lower forward stroke technique (low angle touring stroke) with temporary use of steeper and faster strokes in certain demanding conditions. Ensure that your hand grip on the paddle shaft is firm enough to have steady control and loose enough to remain relaxed. You can even open the hand that is in forward motion (wind permitting). This is a reminder to avoid tensing up and straining your arms.
Know your speed: keep track of the distance you cover and the time it takes. Do this several times to get an average. 3 knots (nautical miles per hour) is often used as a typical paddler’s speed. In our experience, this is a casual speed for an intermediate paddler. If you like to stop for pictures, lunch etc., add time. Also beware that getting home can be a different “paddle game” altogether, depending on wind, currents, sea state, visibility, your state and the rest of the group.
We know that launching from Lyall Harbour beach, going around King and Queen Islands (named King on the nautical chart) and back, makes up around 3 nautical miles. Do this in one hour and your speed is 3 knots.
Here are some videos that you may also find useful.

KayakingSkills’ courses teach efficient use of your body mechanics for a powerful and effective forward stroke, your best self defence when seas turn rough unexpectedly and you need to get out of trouble fast. The forward stroke is taught in all our courses, from Basic Sea Kayak Skills and Level 1 through to Level 2, where technique is progressively refined. On smaller tours there is also opportunity to work on individual technique with our instructors.

We cover essential knowledge on being safe on the water during your day and multi-day trips, including the risks of cold water immersion and hypothermia, which we will be covering in detail in an upcoming article.

Find out more about our kayaking courses or contact us with any questions.

clouds

Marine Weather Workshop Report

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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 with him too.

Here are some weather nuggets for those that missed this Marine Weather Course with Tony Merry, hosted by KayakingSkills.com:

The sun causes our weather.

We are surrounded by air which is 78% nitrogen and only about 21% oxygen.
So, when Tony fills his car tires with air, he uses 78% nitrogen 😊

Without water as vapour, liquid or solid, there would be no weather.

We looked at a surface analysis NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) printout that gives a good picture of the weather that is approaching from the Pacific. We learned to make more sense of this surface analysis with its isobars, fronts, highs and lows.

Cold fronts move faster than warm fronts and when they catch up, we end up with a TROWAL (Trough of warm air aloft).

Wind moves from high to low pressure.

Isobars are 4 mbar apart. The closer the lines of the isobars, the stronger the winds.

In the Southern Gulf Islands, the prevailing winds are South Easterlies (wind moves from whatever direction is indicated).

Buys-Ballot’s Law: “If you stand with your back to the wind in the Northern Hemisphere, pressure is lower to your left.”

Wave height is influenced mostly by wind speed, duration of wind and fetch. Fetch is the distance the wind blows over an open water surface. The largest waves will be generated when the wind speed, time frame, and fetch are greatest.

Clouds are mainly defined by the height of their base above the ground and their shape.
High clouds are composed of ice crystals, giving them a white and bright appearance. Medium and lower hanging clouds may include ice crystals, but often mostly water droplets and look greyer.
Clouds high in the sky give information about future weather tendencies, lower clouds are relevant for present weather conditions.

Whether you are inside the fog or looking at a low-lying cloud is merely a matter of perspective 😊

To determine the height of cumulus clouds, check this out: is the cloud element bigger or smaller than your 3 fingers held next to each other at armlength? Bigger: it is lower (stratocumulus). Smaller: it is higher (altocumulus).

And then there are clouds of vertical development that we need to look out for…

Hail only comes from cumulonimbus clouds. Therefore, we know what clouds were over Saturna Island on April 7th (2018), when hail fell and thunder and lightning hit Saturna Island. Though rare for thunder and lightning to be quite as close to home here, it does happen.

KayakingSkills.com occasionally hosts workshops and speakers about being safe on the water; especially interesting for kayakers and boaters. Drop us an email if you like to be informed about future events. All kayaking courses conducted by KayakingSkills.com cover a relevant marine weather overview also.