Kayaking Gabriola Island

Recently I did a trip to Tofino, BC and on the way I stopped over at Gabriola Island for some rest and relaxation.

Gabriola Island is one of the Gulf Islands along the West Coast of British Columbia.

Gabriola is a small island with a population of only 5000. There is basically one main road that will take you around the whole island in about twenty minutes.

It is ideal for relaxing, walking the beaches and essentially doing nothing, which was exactly the plan. It is a beautiful and tranquil place with an easy going atmosphere that is full of artists of all kinds.

The trip consisted of several stops including Gabriola, Tofino and then Vancouver for a couple of weeks. My vehicle was completely full and at the last minute I decided to leave my inflatable kayak behind as there was truly no room to bring it. Going to Gabriola and not kayaking would be nuts so I rented kayaks this time instead.

Kayaking Gabriola

The weather was beautiful and sunny although fairly windy and the water was quite choppy outside of the inlets.

I checked out the two main kayak rental companies on the Island and settled on Jim’s Kayak Shack which was located at the Silva Bay Resort and Marina on the south end of Gabriola Island.

Jim was friendly and a true easy going resident of Gabriola Island. He has well over fifteen years of experience paddling around the waters of BC and had a lot of knowledge. We picked out our Necky kayaks (mine a long pink one!) and suited up. The wind was a little too strong for my comfort level so I decided to stay within the inlets which were very calm.

The shoreline of Gabriola Island is beautiful… nature at its best. Untouched beaches, beautiful forests and amazing views. I kayaked slowly around the inlets careful to stay out of the way of the motor boats… of which there were quite a few.

The water in this area happened to be very clear and alive with sea life. As the day progressed I decided to venture out a little further but quickly realized that with the strong wind my paddle strokes were taking me nowhere and causing me to feel tired.

Choosing to stick to the shoreline and the sheltered inlets made for a relaxing and beautiful experience. After a few hours I had seen a fair amount and had a good workout while not feeling over tired. Time to head back to shore and eat!  Gabriola Island happens to have a fantastic wood fired oven pizza place that is worth the stop for lunch or dinner.

All in all a great day. I would like to go back again when the water is a little more calm so that I can venture out a little further and see more of what the waters around Gabriola have to offer.

For more information on great kayaking destinations to explore see our Kayak Travel section.

Father’s Day Kayaking Trip

This past father’s day my brother Robin and my Dad came up from Vancouver to stay with me for the weekend and Robin and I took my Dad on his first ever kayaking trip. He was a natural and it was a ton of fun.

I brought my Sea Eagle FastTrack with me and the Zoik AlterEgo since I was in the process of testing it out. My brother Robin teaches whitewater kayaking in Squamish, BC and brought up his hard-shell kayak.

We loaded the inflatable kayaks in the car with all the gear and attached the hard-shell to the roof and headed to Kalamalka Lake in Oyama, BC. The whole week before had been rainy so we were not sure how the weather was going to hold up. Luckily the rain stayed away and the sun even peaked out every now and then.

The lake was choppy and as usual a brilliant green blue colour. Kalamalka Lake is always a favourite kayaking destination for me as the water and the scenery are truly stunning.

We got the inflatable kayaks inflated, suited up and took to the water. Robin showed off with his Eskimo rolls… something I have yet to gain the courage to try. My Dad learned the proper kayak strokes and literally took off in the FastTrack while I trailed a little behind snapping a million pictures with my waterproof camera.

The nice thing about being out on the lake when the weather isn’t so hot is that we had it all to ourselves. It was peaceful yet exhilarating and the hours passed by very fast.

After a few hours the wind picked up and the water got really choppy. Punching through the waves was a lot of fun and amazingly my Dad made his way back to shore like a pro.

The whole day was a great experience and I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful and adventurous family who all love the outdoors as much as I do! I hope all the other Dad’s out there had a wonderful father’s day.

View more of our kayaking pics on Flickr.

Kayaking As an Eco Friendly Choice

Besides being a lot of fun and a good workout, kayaking is also an environmentally safe way to not only enjoy the water but also to travel on the water.

With increased development, population and motorized vehicles on the water, many lakes and rivers have become very polluted.  A body of water does not simply stand still, it is a living thing that has a delicate ecosystem and is a habitat for all sorts of aquatic life including for many plants and animals.

There are many reasons why clean water has become much harder to find, but one reason that is known to not only pollute the water but greatly disrupt the ecosystem is the use of motor boats.

Motor Boat Problems

Unfortunately it is quite common for motor boats to leak oil and gas. When these substances leak into the water combined with the oil and gas that ends up in the water from cars, there are significant disastrous results.

What Happens When Oil and Gas Leak into the Water?

Besides the obvious harmful effects of the oil and gas being absorbed by the aquatic life it also causes the body of water to be overfed with certain nutrients. This changes the ecosystem of the water and causes the lake or river to age at a much faster rate than normal.

All rivers and lakes go through a natural aging process where over time they change from water – marsh – swamp – dry land. This process is called Eutrophication and normally takes thousands of years. However with man’s carelessness this process is being sped up by leaps and bounds.

If you do use a motor boat it is important that it is properly maintained. It is also important that the trailer and motor is checked before launching in a new body of water in order to remove all aquatic weeds. A very expensive problem is the introduction of foreign plants and weeds into different waterways because of boat owners who do not clean the bottom of their boats properly.

What happens when motor boats use excessive speed?

Another major problem with motor boats is that when they use excessive speed in water that is too shallow it causes major damage and erosion to the shoreline. This problem is evident in many lakes but the effects will be more obvious in smaller lakes. In time this will completely ruin not only the quality of the water, but the condition of the shoreline, and all life and vegetation surrounding it.

When a motor boat uses excessive speed it disrupts the rooted vegetation and stirs up sediment and bottom nutrients. This completely disrupts the waters ecosystem and results in increased turbidity.

The ecosystem of every body of water is a very delicate balance and when one part is disrupted, the entire system will be upset.

How does the ecosystem work?

The ecosystem of a lake works as follows:

• The plants use sunlight, water and nutrients from the ground as well as carbon dioxide and oxygen to grow.
• Animals then eat those plants and those animals may be eaten by other animals.
• Bacteria then decomposes turning dead plants and animals back into simpler compounds which then can be used as nutrients by plants.
• For all of these things to happen there must be Oxygen.
• Decomposition is vital because without it the body of water would fill up with dead plant and animal material.

If any one of the above steps is affected by water contamination or shore erosion, the whole system is disrupted. Hence the importance of finding safer methods to enjoy the water… such as kayaking.

Why Kayaking?

Kayaking is a self-powered mode of transportation that requires no gas, no oil and does not use excessive speed. Therefore it is a great eco-friendly way to get out and enjoy the water.

There is no destruction to the water, no harmful damage to the shoreline and there is no threat to the ecosystem or the aquatic life. Plus it is fun and a good workout. It is a win – win situation.

Although you may be able to travel further distances at a much faster rate in a motor boat, kayaking offers the advantage of being able to explore areas that motor boats could not access as well as really enjoy the living environment without scaring the ducks, birds, fish and wildlife away.

In my experience, kayaking allows you to really connect with nature and ride with it… a feeling that I have never had while riding on a motor boat.

In Conclusion…

In conclusion if you do find yourself using a motor boat, keep the safety of the environment in mind and keep the boat well maintained and its speed down a notch or two.

However I strongly encourage you to adopt the kayak or an inflatable kayak as a favourite mode of transportation on any body of water. This will help keep the water that we all want to enjoy clean, safe, alive and in existance for a very long time.

Paddling for Core Fitness

Last year I went to a massage therapist who also happened to be a fitness trainer and a super elite athlete… the kind of extreme athlete that does week long races by foot, kayak and bicycle. He had such a wealth of fitness knowledge and over the course of several sessions I learned a lot about my own fitness level.

As someone who has always been physically active I thought I was in decent shape. I am definitely not an elite athlete but then most of us aren’t, nor want to be. My massage therapist told me that I was weak (he was very blunt). I argued that I was not weak at all and that I hiked, kayaked and did some weight training.

However even though I did have some muscles it was my core that was weak and consequently I had no “real strength” as he put it. At that point I got a major lesson in the importance of core fitness and learned that lucky for all of us kayakers, paddling is an excellent way to really work out the core muscles.

What is the Core?

Your core is between your ribcage and your hips and contains about thirty different muscles. These muscles bridge the gap between your upper and lower body and work together with every single move you make.

If your core is strong it will support your entire body. A strong core will give you strength as well as stability, balance and support for your back, hips and joints.

If however your core is weak, your body will not function at its best and it is quite likely that you may suffer from all sorts of different aches and pains.

Although the overall fitness of the entire body is important, it is the core that takes first place as the single most important muscles to work out.

Core Workouts Do Not Have to be Boring

The core does get a slight workout from doing aerobic type exercises but from what I have learned it is imperative to do other exercises that focus specifically on the core muscles.

Normally when you think of working out your mid section boring sit-ups and crunches come to mind. However there are numerous other activities that you can do that are way more fun and still provide a major core workout. Paddling happens to be a great way to build your core strength.

Paddling for Core Strength

If your exercise is not fun then you will not likely stick with it. If you enjoy the water and love being outdoors then paddling such as kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddling are excellent recreational activities that mainly work the core muscles.

It may seem like paddling works mainly your arms, shoulders and back but in truth if you are doing it properly the major strength with each stroke comes from your core. Certain types of paddling such as whitewater kayaking and stand-up paddling offer extreme core workouts. However it is just as possible to really work those muscles from easy flat water kayaking across a lake.

One thing I like best about kayaking or other types of paddling is that you can work hard and then take breaks. You can paddle at a steady pace and really work your muscles then when you feel exhausted take a break (assuming you are not in the midst of a raging river or rocky ocean swells). Then you can start up again and continue your workout. This type of interval training is known to be an excellent way to build up your strength.

For the warmer months of the year, kayaking is an exceptionally fun activity that greatly benefits your core muscles and if you really love it you may even continue well into the colder months.

Tip: It is easy to get lazy while doing flat water kayaking and let your arm and shoulder muscles take over the strength of the stroke. I was famous for this which I think was why my core was not as strong as it should have been. It is important to learn the proper stroke and really stay focused on keeping your core engaged with every paddle stroke you take.

With consistent core training you will find as time goes on that your core will become much stronger, your muscles will become tighter, and your waist will become leaner. Every move you make in your normal day to day life will become stronger and more balanced.

Other Types of Core Workouts

Besides paddling there are other options as well that focus on your core muscles. Each of the below activities will also help to strengthen your middle muscles and keep you fit and healthy:

• Pilates
• Yoga
• Hiking
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Exercise ball training
• And many specific core training exercises

If you like the water and enjoy being outside, try to make paddling a part of your regular fitness routine for improved core strength. By combining a core workout with your regular aerobic type exercise you will notice great results very quickly. Besides feeling stronger and more balanced, the numerous physical and mental health benefits are 100% worth it.

Make the Core a Priority

All too often the core muscles get neglected because it can seem very difficult to build them up. However with numerous different activities to choose from that engage the core muscles, any person of any age can benefit from a stronger mid section, more balance as well as greater overall stability.

As I have now learned it is the key focus for most athletes and needs to be a priority for all of us “regular” people as well if we want to stay young, healthy and strong. Lucky for us, paddling is a great core fitness workout.

Learn more great kayaking tips and advice.

The Paddling Chef – For Paddlers Who Love to Eat

I just came across a really fantastic cookbook titled ‘The Paddling Chef: A Cookbook for Canoeists, Kayakers and Rafters’ that I thought I would share with all of you who also love to paddle.

As a graduate from the University of British Columbia I get a quarterly magazine sent in the mail with university and graduate information. I was skimming through it over breakfast one morning and noticed a write-up about this book. As I love to kayak and I very much love good food it really piqued my interest.

The book was written by another UBC graduate named Dian Weimer who combined her love for paddling and her love for cooking and good food to come up with some easy and fantastic recipes that can be whipped up quickly during any kayaking, canoeing or rafting trip.

Personally I am all about bringing food with me on all kayaking trips. Even if I am just out for a couple of hours, I need my snacks! This book is ideal for those who love to paddle and want to stop for a nice picnic along the way or eat great food during multi-day paddling trips.

The Paddling Chef offers over 100 recipes that have been tried and tested by Dian and her friends. The flavors and recipes vary and include everything from:

• Indian
• Chinese
• Japanese
• North American recipes
• as well as a section on wild foods

If you are wondering how you are going to manage to bring along the food that is required for the meals, not to worry as Dian has also included valuable planning and packing strategies and techniques.

Some examples of recipes from the Paddling Chef are:

• Lavosh
• Chicken and Red Onion Salad with Feta Cheese
• Salmon Frittata with Onions, Mushrooms and Green Peppers
• Cheese Tortellini Salad with Chicken and Vegetables

Can you imagine eating this well while out enjoying the great outdoors? The Paddling Chef was nominated for the 2009 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards and is available at Amazon.com -The Paddling Chef.
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Kayaking Safety Protocol

I live close to Okanagan Lake which is 135 km long, 4-5 km wide and has a surface area of 351 km. This lake is extremely popular in the summer months with locals and tons of tourists. It is FULL of speed boats, sail boats, kayakers, wakeboarders, water skiers, etc.

Although I prefer a less populated and noisy waterway, I do kayak this lake often as it is so close to where I live.

This summer Lake Okanagan has proved to be deadly for many unfortunate boaters and kayakers. There has been so many drownings, accidents and deaths that it has prompted me to write a short post on kayaking safety protocol.

PFD’s Are a Necessity

Most of the deaths have been because people were not wearing a lifejacket. The number of boaters and kayakers who have sadly died on Lake Okanagan this year because they were not wearing a lifejacket is staggering. In fact the numbers have been so high that the police are now patrolling the lake and handing out very expensive tickets to those who are not wearing a PFD.

No one ever thinks that they are going to fall out of their boat, tip their kayak or have some kind of freak accident while enjoying the water… but it happens and most of the deaths could have been prevented had they been wearing a lifejacket.

Speed Boat Terror

The other type of accident that has occurred too many times this years is kayakers have been literally run over by a speed boat. As someone who is used to kayaking around speed boats, this absolutely freaks me out.

As kayakers we have no control over the other boats we are sharing the water with. Unfortunately some speed boat owners seem to forget that they share the water with others. In the past two weeks alone, two completely innocent kayakers were hit by speed boats that were driving recklessly on Okanagan Lake. One person is still in critical condition, the other has major injuries.

Both boat owners stated they did not see the kayakers… witnesses have said that the boat owners were looking behind the boat as they were towing people behind them (possibly towing a water skier or something like that).

What Does this Mean for Us Kayakers?

I have had many instances where I have been worried that a speed boat doesn’t see me. You cannot rely that the person steering the boat is paying attention and watching not only what is in front of him but also what could be behind the waves.

My advice would be to pay attention to what is around you at all times and steer clear of motorized boats long before they ever become an issue. If you choose to venture out into speed boat territory… meaning out in open water then make it a priority to stay out of their way. Fact is they are far more powerful than our little kayaks and if a speed boat is coming right at you it can be very difficult to get out of the way in time.

If you are unsure if a boater sees you then the protocol is to wave your paddles up in the air to hopefully catch their attention.

Sometimes if I feel a little uneasy about the amount of boaters on the water I may stick closer to shore where the power boats are not allowed to go over a certain speed. Also a bright colored PFD can really help you to stand out in the water.

Bottom line… whether you are paddling in a hard shell kayak or an inflatable kayak have a great time but please paddle safely! All of these accidents are upsetting and when you can’t control the actions of others then it becomes even more important to take your own safety precautions.

Find more kayaking safety tips and keep your paddling trips happy and accident free.

Kayaking Kalamalka Lake in my FastTrack

I had the very enjoyable experience yesterday of kayaking down Kalamalka Lake in my new Sea Eagle FastTrack.

Kalamalka Lake or Kal Lake for short is just over 21 km in length and is found about 4 km south of Vernon in the Central Okanagan in BC.

What makes Kal Lake special is the colors. This lake is just stunning and depending on the time of year the lake can range from deep blue, to turquoise to indigo to bright green. The extreme colors of the water is from light scattering, caused by the precipitation of calcite. It is truly a site to see and reminds me a little of the beauty of kayaking in certain areas of the Rockies like Lake Louise and Banff.

I was always told that the name of the lake meant “lake of many colors”. However I have just learned that in fact that is incorrect and it was actually named for the Okanagan Indian Chief who occupied its northern shores… a fascinating fact likely only to those who live in the area.

This was the perfect setting to take out my new Sea Eagle FastTrack which was designed to glide quickly through flatwater. I have to admit it was quite thrilling. With the beauty of the water and the fact that my new inflatable kayak was gliding so gracefully through the water with speeds that even surprised me… it was exhilarating.

I paddled among geese, ducks, loons and even a shy turtle who wouldn’t let me take his picture. I discovered small secluded beaches, an old abandoned cabin and even discovered a new park that I didn’t know existed. One thing I love about kayaking is there is so much to explore from the water that may not be possible to see or find from the shore.

As my arms began to grow tired after a couple hours of paddling I took a deep breathe and admired the nature all around me. Even though I look forward to moving from this area in the near future, there is no denying the natural beauty within the Southern Central part of B.C.

My next goal is to paddle from one end of Kal Lake right to the crowded beach at the very far end and back up the other side which I have never done. Easily doable if I have the right snacks and provisions with me… such as a seat cushion.

With the extra rigid drop-stitch floor in the 385 FastTrack that helps with tracking and speed I discovered my poor bum got really sore by the end of the outing. An extra soft cushion for my seat is going to be a necessity for longer paddles.

I very often dream about the different lakes, oceans and rivers that I would like to explore all over the world. Yesterday reminded me that sometimes it is nice to simply appreciate the beauty in your own backyard.

Check out the colors of the water below. It seemed like every few minutes the water changed color.  Absolutely beautiful!

Benefits of Kayaking

Whether you are new to kayaking or an experienced paddler, sometimes it is good to remind ourselves why we started, or are thinking of starting this recreational sport. There are so many benefits to learning to kayak and keeping those benefits fresh in our mind can help us stay motivated as well as to feel good about ourselves.

Some of the Greatest Benefits of Kayaking Are:

The Outdoor Experience (lowers stress)

We all get busy and usually our jobs will keep us indoors for most of the day. Between balancing work, family, pets, obligations and all the responsibilities that make up life, it can sometimes be difficult to discipline ourselves to set aside the time to get outside with nature. It is so important for our well being to experience the peacefulness and/or the rush of paddling on the water. Being outside, being one with the water, taking in all that nature has to offer has been proven to significantly lower our stress levels and leave us with a feeling of peacefulness and accomplishment. In my opinion it is pretty hard to top the outdoor experience.

Builds Core Strength

Many people have the misconception that to paddle a kayak you need strong arms and shoulders. While it is true that paddling will build up your arm and shoulder muscles it is really your core that will get the most workout. Power in paddling comes from the torso from trunk rotation first, then leg pressure second and the arms are actually third. Sitting so low in the water it is our core that becomes the power source of maneuvering the kayak. Having a strong core will help us with just about everything we do in life and can very much help to protect and support the rest of our body.

Breathe Fresh Air

Depending on where you live you may just about never get the opportunity to really breathe in some fresh air. Our cities and towns are more polluted than ever from vehicle pollution, factory pollution, chemical sprays, etc. etc. It’s scary to think about. One thing about being out on the water is that usually it is in a more open and natural space where the air is circulated better and the trees are providing fresh oxygen. There is nothing like arriving at a beautiful lake nestled amongst a forest or being out in the ocean to allow us to really gulp in some fresh air. This is extremely important for our health.

Wildlife Viewing

How often do you get to see a moose grazing the edge of a lake? A hawk or an eagle soaring just overtop your head? Deer watching you from within the trees? How about dolphins swimming around your kayak? Depending on where you are, all of these things are not only possible but very common. Each place will have its own thriving wildlife community and often we don’t get the pleasure of seeing these animals, much less sitting silently to watch them within our normal daily lives. Being out on the water in a kayak affords us the luxury of excellent wildlife viewing. Some of my most amazing kayaking trips have been filled with wild animals living in their own habitat. Because I have been in a boat that has no motor, I have been able to watch them without scaring them. There is no better experience and it will definitely enrich your life!

Spending Time with Friends, Family, Partners or Your Favorite Furry Friend

Kayaking can be a great bonding experience no matter who you are with. Especially if you are in a tandem kayak together it allows everyone to work together for a common goal and enjoy all of the benefits of kayaking together. It can be a very special time to spend with children, with friends, family members or your dogs (please see post on Kayaking with Your Dog). Kayaking is something that everyone can enjoy no matter what the age and will create memories that will last forever.

Explore Destinations Not Accessible or Seen by Land

There is so much to see by water. So many hidden spots, nooks and crannies, places you could never get to by land or even know they exist. If you are into boating (on motor boats) a kayak can allow you to leave your larger motor boat behind and explore areas you would never have seen otherwise. If you are traveling abroad, a kayak gives you the freedom to see so much more and to have a much more complete traveling experience. From my own personal experience, I have been able to kayak up a river in Kauai and go within the rainforest jungle where no one can get to by car. I have seen waterfalls, hidden hikes not accessible by foot, canyons, wildlife and lush foliage that are practically impossible to explore if not in a kayak. The opportunities for exploration are endless and very exciting.

The Thrill of the Rush

Depending on what type of kayaking you plan on doing, you may get a real rush from the experience. I find flat water paddling to be extremely peaceful and great exercise. Whitewater paddling can be much more of a thrill. To have to focus so completely on maneuvering yourself and the kayak attached to you within the rapids can be an absolute rush. Also if you happen to have the opportunity to surf ocean waves in a kayak while in a tropical setting, the feeling is unreal. The thrill of the rush keeps you feeling young, exhilarated and alive! Who wouldn’t want that?!

Good For the Environment

Can you imagine a more perfect ride? Being outside, being one with your kayak, enjoying the scenery, the wildlife and the fresh air. To have a mode of transportation that can take you through any water condition anywhere in the world, without a motor to pollute the environment. Motor boats exude a high amount of pollutants in the air, not to mention noise pollution. With a kayak you rely on your own strength, your own core to transport you through the water. There is no noise, no pollution – just pure environmental bliss.

Knowing that kayaking can provide all of these benefits to our lives, it is simply a matter of setting aside the time to enjoy them. Kayaking is also a very economical sport, especially with inflatable kayaks. There is not much upkeep, no gas tank to fill and once you have your inflatable kayak and your gear, they can last you for years. So get out on the water and start reaping the benefits.

Read our comprehensive reviews of inflatable kayaks to learn which kayak will best suit your lifestyle.