Nanaimo Paddlers

This is a video of a paddle one of our members was on down in Baja. Looks amazing, with such beautiful scenery. I’m sharing this as it also emphasizes the importance of knowing the skill level of the paddlers you are with, especially when faced with an unexpected event, in this case, a paddler with a heart attack. Putting a rapid response in place, towing the paddler to where he could get medical help, was everything.

La Bufadora Heart of Stone - Full length Video You can look at a map for months, run the numbers, and plan every d...

A windsock (also called a wind cone or wind sleeve) is a tapered textile tube designed to indicate wind direction and provide a basic estimate of wind speed.

A visual reference of estimated wave height while on the water:

-if your paddling partner's kayak 'disappears’ behind a wave, but you can see the rest of the paddler that is 1 ft waves situation

-if you can see just the head of your paddling partner, that is a 2 ft waves

-if you don't see the partner, but you can see his/hers paddle tip, that is 3 ft waves situation

-if you loose sight of your partner/group that is a 4 ft+ situation

“If you have a distant horizon the waves are less than one meter (3ft). If your horizon is the crest of the wave immediately in front of you, the waves are over a meter.”

Nanaimo Paddlers has been nominated!

With only one week remaining to nominate a leader, steward, or innovator within BC's paddling culture, the 2026 Paddle BC Awards nominations have been rolling in!

Share this post if you've been nominated and visit paddlebc.ca/paddle-bc-awards to submit a new nomination today!

Paddle Canada

Nanaimo Paddlers did a multi-day camping trip to the Broken Group Islands. Launching at Secret Beach, they paddled through the Stopper Islands, crossing over to Lyle Point. Handrailed along the shoreline, then amongst the Pinkerton Islands where they stopped for lunch. Afterwards, they crossed over paddling between Prideaux Is and Nettle Island. Then made their way past Jacques Island until they reached their destination, Gibraltar Island. It was a scramble to the beach to pick out where to erect the tents, then the kayaks were unpacked and tents went up. Once that was done, it was time to relax with a favourite beverage. After dinner, everyone had a chance to relax and make plans for the following day, which included circumventing Gibraltar Islands, Dempster Island, taking in the beauty of the rugged coastline and caves. Then it was over to Jacques and Jarvis Island before making their way back to Gibraltar Island. The following morning, after checking the weather report, nine of the twelve paddlers decided to pack up camp, learning that rains and wind were forecast for the following morning. The nine paddlers made their way back to their launch site, stopping for lunch along the way. They were glad to leave a day early rather than risk having to pack up in the rain and possibly paddle in strong winds. The other three paddlers enjoyed paddling down around Turret Island, through Dodds and Willis. The following morning, they were up bright and early to pack up. The rains were steady and the winds lighter than expected. They arrived back at Secret Beach before lunch, and they were glad they stayed the extra day.

JUNE 2026 NEWSLETTER 📣📣📣

With the Board and Newsletter Editor taking the summer off, this is the last newsletter until September. Keep an eye on Meetup for upcoming trips and day paddles, and have a safe and fun paddling summer.

June 2026 Newsletter With the Board and Newsletter Editor taking the summer off, this is the last newsletter until September. Keep an eye on Meetup for upcoming trips and day paddles, and have a safe and fun paddling summer.