About the SKGABC


SKGABC Fall Guides Exchange
Gabriola Island, BC
Sept 25-27, 2009

HOST: Gabriola Sea Kayaking, Baja Kayak Adventures, Wildheart Adventures, and Jim's Kayaking
MEETING PLACE: Gabriola Island, BC

 

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SKGABC News

  • *NEW* 2010 Fall Exam Dates: Level Two and Three exam dates posted More...

  • *NEW* 2010 Fall Exchanges: Porteau Cove / Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak More...

  • *NEW* 2010 Annual General Meeting: November 3rd, 2010, Nanaimo, BC More...

  • 2010 Spring Exam Dates: Level Two and Three exam dates posted here

  • 2010 Spring Guides Exchange: Salt Spring Island, BC. Hosted by Island Excapades Click Here for more details Attend for the chance to win a Werner Performance Core Paddle!

  • 2009 AGM: 10:30am, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo BC, Nov 4th, 2009. Click Here for more details
    AGM Minutes and Reports Posted in the Members Section.

  • 2009 Fall Exchange - Gabriola Island, BC
    The fall exchange was held Sept 25-27, 2009 on Gabriola Island, BC. The exchange was hosted by Gabriola Sea Kayaking, Baja Kayak Adventures, Wildheart Adventures, and Jim's Kayaking.Photo's now posted

  • Technical Guides Manual
    The SKGABC has produced a manual for guides of every level. For more information Click Here

  • 2009 Fall Exam Dates
    Fall 2009 Level 2 and 3 exam dates are now posted. Please click here for dates and locations

  • 2009 Spring Exchange - Quadra Island, BC
    The spring exchange was held May 1st to 3rd, 2009 in Quadra Island, BC. The exchange was hosted by Discovery Island Lodge and Spirit of the West. Photo's and More Info

  • 2008 Fall Exchange - Ucluelet, BC
    The fall exchange will be held October 3-5th, 2008 in Ucluelet, BC.  The exchange will be hosted by Majestic Ocean Kayaking and Rainforest Kayak Adventures. More info

  • 2008 AGM:  10:30am in Nanaimo, October 19, 2008 - Click here for more details

  • Class 4 Waters Endorsement
    The SKGABC has recently created a new endorsement that allows guides to work in class 4 waters. More info

  • Sea Kayaking BC Study
    The SKGABC and Tourism BC teamed up with Malaspina to create an extensive study on the sea kayaking sector in BC. Please log into the members section to access the full report.

 

For older news, please click here

 

If you have a question about the SKGABC, please contact us!



 


Fall Guides Exchange
Sept 25-27, 2009
Gabriola Island, BC

Thank you to everyone who made this event a success! Almost 50 participants gathered to spend time under blue skies (albeit a little windy) to camp at Descanso Regional Park and paddle on Gabriola Island. Thank you to Gabriola Sea Kayaking, Baja Kayak Adventures, Wildheart Adventures, and Jim's Kayaking for organizing this event.

Friday evening began with a showing of This is the Sea 3 at the Roxy Theatre.

After a hearty breakfast cooked up by Wildheart Adventures, Saturday morning was filled with a wide range of dry land sessions:

  • Outdoor Education for Guides with Sarah Osberg
  • 'Bikinis and Briefs - Interpretation - with Al Schaffer
  • Hands on Hypothermia treatment practice - with Alision Harle
  • A presentation by the BC Cetacean Sightings Network - Caitlain Birdsall

    Saturday Afternoon shifted to the waters of Twin Beaches where dozens of guides headed out on the water:

  • 'Guides do it better upside down' - Rolling Clinic with Matt Bowes and Jen Smith of Gabriola Sea Kayaking
  • Begining to advanced stroke practice - with Kate Hives
  • Rescue practice - with Lenny Allison
  • A Greenland Rolling clinic with Mike Jackson

    Saturday evening was a social affair, with individuals gathering for a beach BBQ, eating at the Surf Lounge, and finally many dancing the night away at a Five Alarm Funk concert at the Gabriola Community Hall.

    Sunday Morning broke sunny and calm. Baja Kayak Adventures cooked up a blueberry pancake breakfast, then we carpooled to Gabriola Passage:

  • Moving water: Eddy Turns, Bracing, and boat handling - Peter Yates
  • and on-land sessions with Hillary and Ryan Masson, and Jen Smith

    A special thank you goes to Nikki Rekman (www.rekman.ca), who brought some amazing demos for people to enjoy. Many had the chance to try out Kokatat Drysuits, Werner Paddles, and Boreal Design kayaks.

    Thank you to Atlantis Kayaks who sent along several beautiful boats for people to try.

    For more photo's, visit Matthew Bowes Flicker site.


    Rise and Shine - Meet and Mingle for Breakfast - Photo Liam McNeil

    Caitlin Birdsall discusses the Cetacean Sighting Network - Photo Richard Pullano

    Discussion following a hands on hypothermia session with Alison Harle - Photo Richard Pullano

    Some of the dozens of boats to hit the water at Twin Beaches - Photo Richard Pullano

    Kate Hives leads a stroke session - Photo Joscelyn Sorbara

    Matt Bowes and Jen Smith demonstrate the progression of learning to roll - Photo Joscelyn Sorbara

    The peanut gallery watching a session - Photo Matthew Bowes

    Mike Jackson demonstrating a static brace during his Greenland rolling session - Photo Matthew Bowes

    4 stoves, and 3 guides - cooking up pancakes and coffee - Photo Liam McNeil

    Fall Guides Exchange
    Sept 25-27, 2009
    Gabriola Island, BC

    This year’s fall exchange promises to be another great event. From newcomers to seasoned veterans, there will be something for everyone. Come share stories, skills, humor, and experiences.

    Sessions will range from rescue and paddling skill workshops, to dry land knowledge based training.

    Pre-registration, while not essential, is nice so we can plan for approximate numbers. To sign up to lead a session, or for more info, please email Matt & Jen at Gabriola Sea Kayaking: info@kayaktoursbc.com

    We encourage everyone to come ready to camp (camp fees are covered by exchange cost), however, Gabriola Island has many other accommodation options available: See Gabriola Island Accommodations.

    CPR Recertification (details TBA) – space may be limited, so please preregister! Contact info@kayaktoursbc.com

  • When: Sept 25-27, 2009
  • Cost: $75 - covers camping, several meals, and logistical costs
  • Kayaks: Bring your own boat, OR, available from Matt & Jen at Gabriola Sea Kayaking (Pre-register to reserve a boat)
  • Where: Gabriola Island - Descanso Bay Regional Park / Campground

    View Larger Map
  • Getting Here:
    Gabriola Island is serviced by BC Ferries (click for BC Ferries Schedule). Descano Bay Park (campground) is only 1km from the Gabriola Island Ferry terminal (easy to walk). On arrival on Gabriola Island, follow the traffic up the hill, take the first left onto Taylor Bay Rd, then drive/walk approximately 1 km and turn left at the Descanso Bay Regional Park Sign. Or, PADDLE over from Nanaimo (stay out of the way of the ferry (3.7 Nautical Miles))!

    SCHEDULE

    Friday, September 25

    • 1:00 - 5:00 CPR C Rercertification - (you must pre-register for CPR info@kayaktoursbc.com)
    • 4:00 - 7:00 Registration and Camping set-up
      • Location: Descano Bay Regional Park Office
    • 8:00 - 10:00 Paddling Films at the Roxy Theatre

    Saturday, September 26

    • 8:00-9:00 Pancake Breakfast – Baja Kayak Adventures
    • 8:00-9:00 Registration - Descano Bay Park
    • 9:00 - 12:15 Workshops (dryland)
      • Fisheries - Colin Masson of Baja Kayak Adventures
      • Human Dimensions of Wildlife - Jen Smith
      • Outdoor Education For Guides - Sara Osberg
      • BC Cetacean Sightings Network - Caitlin Birdsall
    • 12:15 – 1:00 Lunch (provided)
    • 1:15 – 5:00 Workshops (on water/dryland)
      • "Guides do it better upide down". Rolling. - Jen & Matt
      • Capsize & Recovery: basic & advanced techniques
      • Paddling Skills: bracing, edging
      • Kayak Fishing - Kate Hives
    • 6:00 -7:00 Dinner - (Suggested Restaurants: Skols Pub, Suzy's, or Rasberry's Jazz Cafe)
    • Saturday Evening Social Night!

    Sunday, September 27

    • 8:00 Breakfast - Wildheart Adventures
    • 9:00 Sessions
      • Current Fun: Gabriola Passage - 4.5kn Flood
      • Tidepool Interpretation - Hilary Masson
    • 12:00 Noon - Wrap-up

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