South Island Sea Kayaking Association – SISKA
July 23, 2020
You will find that many of the yachts travelling up and down the BC Coast have Sea Kayaks on board. Once at anchor, the sea kayaks provide boaters with the opportunity to explore each destination and take in the wonders of the marine life along BCs coast. One of the best ways to hone your skills and be safe in a kayak is to join the South Island Sea Kayaking Association. It’s just $50 a year and well with it.
The South Island Sea Kayaking Association – SISKA – is a non-profit organization dedicated to sea kayaking on Vancouver Island, particularly in the Greater Victoria area.
SISKA’s goals:
• To target all skill levels and both sexes of active sea kayakers in the Greater Victoria area.
• To focus on information, education and safe paddling for all levels of paddling skill from beginner to advanced – through Paddle Canada and other recognized national groups.
• To provide opportunities for paddlers to get together on and off the water to share their passion for sea kayaking.
• To be actively involved in “issues” pertinent to sea kayakers e.g. safety, environmental concerns, access and parking concerns, etc.
They hold monthly (September to June) meetings/presentations. Members are offered lectures, clinics, paddling trips, and Paddle Canada certification courses
SISKA was formed in 2008 by like-minded kayakers to promote safety and skill on the water and to increase knowledge associated with the sport of kayaking. We also champion community causes relating to kayaking. Mostly though, we love to get together and go paddling. All skill levels will find a comfortable group to paddle with, while being provided with opportunity to step out of that comfort zone a bit and grow those skills.
Last year they had 441 paddlers join us on 42 paddles for a total of 255.10nm. So far in 2020 they have had 224 paddlers join us on 34 paddles for a total of 145.57nm.
They hold a regular monthly meeting on the 4th Wednesday of the month. The meeting usually involves a short business meeting followed by about an hour presentation by a guest speaker, and they have had some great ones. The formal part of the meeting starts at 7pm but they encourage you to come early to socialize with others who share your passion for paddling or browse our extensive library of books and DVD’s relating to kayaking, the weather, and camping. Guest, are welcome. You can find information about our upcoming meeting by viewing our Calendar. Meeting are not held during the summer when everyone is too busy paddling and in December.
It is great to see many activities and services resume as BC’s Restart program has moved into Phase 3 and more restrictions are gradually eased.
Over the past month, in line with this, SISKA successfully resumed small group club paddles in various areas with the help of our volunteer leaders, and they have been very well-received.
On South Vancouver Island they are fortunate to be able to easily enjoy sea kayaking, a wonderful recreational activity focusing attention on marine environment, promoting fitness and wellness in equal measure.
