NEWS

Check-in frequently for the latest SKGABC news and events.

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!

Be Whale Wise
Marine Wildlife Guidelines for Boaters, Paddlers and Viewers (Revised 2006)

Guidelines:

1. BE CAUTIOUS and COURTEOUS:  approach areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity with extreme caution. Look in all directions before planning your approach or departure.
2. SLOW DOWN: reduce speed to less than 7 knots when within 400 metres/yards of the nearest whale.  Avoid abrupt course changes.
3. KEEP CLEAR of the whales’ path.  If whales are approaching you, cautiously move out of the way.
4. DO NOT APPROACH whales from the front or from behind. Always approach and depart whales from the side, moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the whales.
5. DO NOT APPROACH or position your vessel closer than 100 metres/yards to any whale.
6. If your vessel is not in compliance with the 100 metres/yards approach guideline (#5), place engine in neutral and allow whales to pass.
7. STAY on the OFFSHORE side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore.
8. LIMIT your viewing time to a recommended maximum of 30 minutes.  This will minimize the cumulative impact of many vessels and give consideration to other viewers.
9. DO NOT swim with, touch or feed marine wildlife.

Bow and stern-riding porpoises and dolphins:

1. DO NOT drive through groups of porpoises or dolphins to encourage bow or stern-riding.
2. Should dolphins or porpoises choose to ride the bow wave of your vessel, avoid sudden course changes.  Hold course and speed or reduce speed gradually.

Seals, sea lions and birds on land:

1. BE CAUTOUS AND QUIET when around haul-outs and bird colonies, especially during breeding, nesting and pupping seasons (generally May to September).
2. REDUCE SPEED, minimize wake, wash and noise, and then slowly pass without stopping.
3. AVOID approaching closer than 100metres/yards to any marine mammals or birds.
4. PAY ATTENTION and move away, slowly and cautiously, at the first sign of disturbance or agitation.
5. DO NOT disturb, move, feed or touch any marine wildlife, including seal pups.  If you are concerned about a potentially sick or stranded animal, contact your local stranding network where available.

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