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

Posted on May 2, 2026May 10, 2026 by Ruth Daber

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.

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.

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.

Deer Group Paddling Tales

Posted on February 24, 2019March 23, 2019 by Ruth Daber

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 similar craft only. You may find yourself in water vapour clouds of fog temporarily, followed by clear skies, an ideal playground for navigating with a compass.

During this trip we heard whales at night and saw them from afar from the beach. Having paddled all day today, we are surprised that we have not seen any whales since we got on the water, only some splashing across the channel, some one or two nautical miles out on the water prior launching. What a tease! This way-too-far-away spectacle lasted throughout a relaxed breakfast.

Tired toward the end of today’s long and exposed paddle in stirred up waters and stiff winds, we pull in at a sandy beach for a last breather and deserved rest. Earlier this afternoon we paddled around the exposed southern part of Edward King Island. This section offers beautiful fresh air, good size swells, waves and stunning scenery, which become even more dramatic as winds pick up. At this beach we are also able to collect firewood for the night. I pack my kayak as full as possible with small and medium size pieces for our fire. Bending forward with my head down while stuffing the stern hatch with wood of different shape and size, I hear Fred shout: “There, there, behind the rock.” I look up, see the rock that Fred points at and ask, “What is it?” “A humpback, a humpback. Right behind the rock.” “Wow.” We look out in anticipation, waiting, looking, turning to the areas nearby and staring at the unbroken water surface. We were out on the water all day without any whale sightings that we so treasure. When we encounter whales, we make sure we stay well out of their way and respect guidelines to protect the animals and us. Humpback whales especially may not be aware of your whereabouts. We walk along the water at the beach. A large tail sweeps up for a second, then disappears behind a wooded headland area. Trees are blocking our view. We run across to the other side of the narrow section of the island to try and get a glimpse of a whale emerging on the other side. We move, carefully watching our step across driftwood, rocks and seaweed patches that are accumulating to decompose and make fertilising compost in some months. We wait, we watch. We see a hump, then a little more whale, then it disappears into the horizon. Lucky us. Laughing and giggling, feeling euphoric we climb back across rocks and logs to the kayaks to continue the task at hand: pack firewood and reach camp at daylight. We get busy, clipping hatch covers into place, spray skirts on and get ready to launch for the last 30 minutes of paddling today and to arrive before sunset. Good timing, calm seas, a beautiful sky with saturated shades of orange in variations of cloud patterns set a dramatic background for this sunset scene. Once more, the humpback passes our rock, tail up and out, diving and surfacing the hump and dorsal fin, then gliding right back into the water, repeating its movement as we notice a second whale join in. The distance is 100 feet maybe. Our private humpback show from the beach is special. We observe the two whales swimming out and away toward Wizard Islet, a rock formation with a navigational light along our route. We lift the loaded kayaks onto the water, hop into the cockpits and fasten the spray decks into place for a last short paddle to our base campsite. Happy with the encounter we had, we paddle on a somewhat calm sea with light winds. Fred says: “Nice, though some breaching and jumping would have been even nicer.” It does not take long till some noises carry our way; they sound like a motorboat that travels with a steep angle at high speed and keeps slapping onto a flat-water sea, splashing loud and bold. The repeated pounding has us turn and search the horizon. And then we see them: black large shapes shooting out of the water, then crashing back onto the sea. From some distance we try to make out humpback parts that emerge and slap the water: two black panels with white shapes crash and slash forcefully again and again onto the sea. We watch in awe for fifteen minutes. Joy and excitement once again make our hearts tingle. The sun moves close to the horizon now, we leave the scene to get on our way home to our camp, every so often turning back for another glimpse of breaching and splashing whales. What a spectacular humpback show!

The whale sounds dissipating, our camp is now visible, we look forward to reaching our beach where we will build a fire, make dinner and secure our gear for the night. We pull up the boats, unload firewood, Fred builds the fire, I cook a warming stew with ginger spices. Happy and exhausted, we celebrate the day’s paddle with its adventures, whales, sea lions, the big swells around Edward King Island, the deserted romantic beach that we had lunch at and the caves and arches we had explored. It has been a successful and eventful day. A warming fire and a hot chocolate are the perfect way to complete it.

Gazing into the glowing coals, we exchange fond memories of the previous year when a humpback whale was visiting our narrow channel between this very beach and the small island across. The noise of excited seagulls screeching and flying wildly about, scooping up prey, the surface of the sea stirred up with small silver shimmering fish jumping out of the water and the humpback scooping up fish in slow motion with its mouth wide open. Two nights in a row at our dinner time we had this special visitor show up and dine next to us.

Read Deer Group Paddling Tales Part 2.

If you like to join us this year for a five-day sea kayaking expedition in the Deer Group, let us know so we can make arrangements before our summer schedule fills up.

Ruth and her husband Fred teach sea kayaking courses for various skill levels on Saturna Island and the Deer Group Islands. Level 2 courses take on expedition style for five days with overnight camping, conducted at the Deer Group Islands or circumnavigating Saturna Island. Call if you like to learn sea kayaking, enhance your skills, join a paddling adventure or find out more about their programs.

Saturna Island Winter Paddling

Posted on November 23, 2018June 22, 2019 by Ruth Daber

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 20^th, 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!

Why wear your PFD

Posted on May 25, 2018May 25, 2018 by Ruth Daber

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 best paddlers in the world wear their PFD, and they are supercool. Here are some considerations for the next time you make the choice to wear or not to wear your PFD while out on the water.

Transport Canada states: You are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) on board for each person on a watercraft. This includes human-powered craft.

PFDs are designed to be warn for the duration of a water-based activity. A well-designed PFD allows for comfort and sufficient mobility during activities such as sea kayaking. Lifejackets have extra floatation on the front and are designed to turn an unconscious swimmer face up to enable breathing. Choose a bright color PFD if you want to be seen.

Transport Canada: A lifejacket (or PFD) is your best defence against cold-water shock. Research shows that unexpected immersion in cold water is a serious risk to life if a boater is not wearing a flotation device. This is true despite the boater’s experience, closeness to shore, and even swimming ability.

A sudden fall into cold water can seriously affect breathing, nerves, and muscle strength. A lifejacket gives you thermal protection as well as keeping you buoyant.

Most recreational boaters who die on the water each year in Canada are not wearing floatation devices, or are not wearing them properly.

A PFD should fit correctly and all buckles fastened, straps tightened snugly. Periodically it needs to be tested by walking into shallow water while wearing it and verifying sufficient buoyancy. Also check for any wear or tear to ensure it works when you need it to.

Learn more about choosing lifejackets, PFDs, keeping children afloat, care for your flotation device and more.

Water temperatures around Saturna Island vary with seasonal weather patterns and within local areas due to shore shape, water depths, winds and mixing of currents. Surface water is normally warmer than lower lying layers. Even in the hottest summer months, expect the water to be cold. Environment Canada collects water temperature data of buoys which vary mostly around 8 to 13 degrees Celsius.

This graph illustrates the minimum and maximum water temperatures around Vancouver Island through the year (averages of the past 10 years).

This is cold water. If you have ever gone for a swim at a medium to high tide at Lyall Harbour beach (Saturna Island) during a late afternoon after a hot sunny day that heated up the exposed mudflat during the recent low tide, you can appreciate much warmer temperatures. Do not be mislead though to expect this kind of warmth 10 metres or 20 metres out from shore, in open water, deeper water or currents. It is realistic to experience a degree of cold shock response in the event of unexpected capsize / falling off your boat in our surrounding waters.

Hypothermia 1-10-1 principle:

1 minute – to get your breathing under control. Cold shock response: an initial deep and sudden gasp followed by hyperventilation that can be 6-10 times greater than normal breathing. The cold shock response will pass in about 1 minute. You must keep your airway clear and above water to avoid the risk of drowning. Concentrate on calming yourself and control your breathing. Wearing a lifejacket / PFD during this phase is critically important to stay afloat and be able to breathe.

10 minutes – of meaning full movement – gradually cold water incapacitation sets in when you will lose the effective use of your fingers, hands, arms and legs. These minutes are critical to establish a position that keeps your airways above the water. And if you need to use a device to get outside help (for example by VHF radio, mobile phone or a SPOT device), do so while you have the use of your hands and fingers. If you are in the water without a PFD or lifejacket, drowning is likely when cold water incapacitation sets in.

1 hr – before you become unconscious due to hypothermia. Even in ice water it could take 1 hour before becoming unconscious due to hypothermia. At this point you will want to make contact for outside help if not yet done and get yourself into a position for optimum heat conservation. As an individual you would bring your extremities close to your chest, as a group, provided all wear PFDs, you would huddle together, legs down. Moving less, saves energy that can be used for heat creation from inside.

When taking KayakingSkills.com courses, you will learn to capsize in a controlled manner, learn to control your breathing while in the water and re-enter your kayak in a timely manner. It is a good idea to regularly review and practice re-entries to be as prepared as possible for the case of accidental capsize. KayakingSkills.com’s courses are open to all level paddlers who want to be better prepared for the unexpected.

Your survival chances when exposed to cold water over a period of time, will depend on water temperature, your clothing, your body mass index and whether you are male of female; a situation where being a woman and having a few extra pounds maybe a slight advantage. Without PFD your chances are slim.

Here is a link to the 1-10-1 principle as taught by “Baby it’s Cold Outside”, a free online course.

Fred and I both have deepened our understanding of dealing with cold water immersion through this outstanding course information. It gives insight into how to handle a hypothermic victim for best survival odds.

Why wear your PFD? Your PFD can save your life. But it won’t work if you don’t wear it. Buckle up!

KayakingSkills.com teaches Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayaking Courses. We cover essential water safety skills and knowledge during our one day, two day and multi-day courses.

Kayaking Skills on Saturna Island

Posted on May 11, 2017January 13, 2019 by Fred Shadian

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 and your family become more safe and skilled on the water.
Come and join us for an adventure of a lifetime.

We are currently offering Sea Kayaking Skills Courses.

Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayaking Course:
Aim: Basic Kayak introduces the novice to paddling a kayak in calm sheltered water.
Rescue techniques at this level incorporate the use of a paddling partner and it is essential for all
Basic Kayak certified paddlers to travel on the water with others who have been trained in the techniques of assisted rescues.
Course Length: 1 Day

Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea Kayaking Course:
Aim: Level-1 provides the skill and knowledge necessary for day-long sea kayaking trips in sheltered waters (non-wilderness areas).
Successful completion of Level-1 indicates competence to paddle a sea kayak within a sheltered bay in the company of one or more paddlers with Level-1 or greater skill and knowledge.
Prerequisites: Paddle Canada Basic Kayak skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge.
Course Length: 2 Days

Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayaking Course:
Aim: To provide the skills and knowledge for proficient kayaking in moderate conditions,
on overnight trips along a moderately exposed shore with frequent easy landing opportunities.
Prerequisites: Paddle Canada Level-1 Skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge.
Course Length: 5 Days

Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayaking Instructor Certification Course:
Aim: To provide a national certification in the instruction and administration of the Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayak skills course.
Prerequisites: At least 16 years of age.
Paddle Canada Sea Kayaking Level-1 Skills Certification.
Current Standard First Aid / CPR (14 hours) or Wilderness First Aid (16 hours)
Course Length: 2.5 Days

Paddle Canada Kayak Rolling Skills
Aim: To understand the basic mechanics involved in rolling a kayak, and to develop the ability to roll a kayak confidently in calm conditions.
Prerequisites: Must be able to perform a controlled and calm wet exit.

Instructor: Fred Shadian
Paddle Canada Basic Instructor
Paddle Canada Level 1 Instructor
Paddle Canada Level 2 Instructor
Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC: Level One Guide
Wilderness and Remote First Aid CPR/AED Level C
VHF Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime)
Pleasure Craft Operator
Teaching Martial Arts since 1989