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The Manitou 14 from Necky Kayaks

By Jon | Published: July 29, 2010

Ocean River's Jon Lacroix

Working in the best kayak shop on the planet (and one of the busiest), I thrive on getting people excited about the sport of kayaking. For me, as a sales person and a kayaker, the Manitou 14 from Necky Kayaks represents a go-to kayak for just about anyone getting into the sport.

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Be Whale Wise

By admin | Published: July 16, 2010
ORS staff knows seeing marine wildlife in their natural environment can be a thrilling experience.  They also know paddlers, in their excitement sometimes forget that our presence has an effect on wildlife and their habitat.  When paddlers get too close, approach too fast, or make too much noise we may be causing the animal’s unnecessary stress, sometimes even threatening their lives or even that of your own.
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Vancouver Island SUP Race Series – Victoria Results!

By admin | Published: July 15, 2010

Congratulations to all the racers and to Ocean River Sport’s own Yannick Michaud for finishing 1st in the Men’s Long Unlimited and to Ocean River Sport’s Kathleen Burton the only individual to race both the short and long courses.  Way to go everyone, see you in Ucluelet!

Unofficial Race Results!

SUPer Grom Class
Winner 1st Jolan Lacroix

Groms Class
1st Dustin Raume
2nd Larsten Matlo
3rd Jordon Clawson

Youth
1st Ian Giroday
2nd Riley Richters
3rd Aaron Przy

Men’s Short Unlimited
1st Markus Kellerhals

Men’s Short 12.6
1st Mike Matlo
2nd Zyji Jackson
3rd Craig McWilliam

Men’s Long 12.6
1st Stu Robinson
2nd Andrew Robinson
3rd Ryan Horlyck

Men’s Long Unlimited
1st Yannick Michaud

Women’s Short 12.6
1st Tara Cameron
2nd Elysia Dempsey
3rd Gillian Montgomery

Women’s Long 12.6
1st Marie-Claire Gravel
2nd Kathleen Burton

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Alert Bay Kayak & Canoe 360 Race

By admin | Published: June 29, 2010

The Alert Bay 360 is billed as a Kayak Eco Paddle and this annual event takes place on July 24th in Alert Bay BC.

The course takes paddlers around Cormorant Island in a clockwise direction. Prizes for 1st ($1000), 2nd ($500) and 3rd ($250) Mens and Ladies.  All participants are eligible for some great grand prizes, including an Atlantis WaV valued at $4,000, a Sam Johnson beaver mask valued at $2,500 and $1000 cash.

The ferry to Alert Bay goes from Port McNeill on Vancouver Island and will be very busy – go early.

Check out www.alertbay.ca for more info and for a list of accommodations and services in Alert Bay.

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Paddling the Yukon River Quest – for Woodwynn Farms.

By admin | Published: June 29, 2010

The Yukon River Quest (www.yukonriverquest.com) has been touted as the longest annual canoe and kayak marathon, and one of the toughest.  Janice Mason and her 21 year old nephew Robin have decided to take on the challenge of the river and will be on the start line at noon on June 30, 2010 for the run to the boats along with 80 other teams and individuals. They are paddling in a tandem kayak in an event that includes single & tandem kayaks, solo & tandem canoes and voyageur canoes from around the world.

The race covers 746 km of the Yukon River, from Whitehorse to Dawson City.  Their goal is to reach the city of Klondike Gold Rush fame within 60 hours of leaving Whitehorse.  Other than 2 mandatory stops (the first of 7 hours and the second of 3) the race is a continuous paddle down river.

TO DONATE: and for more details please contact Janice at jemcity@shaw.ca

Cheques made payable to Woodwynn Farms can be mailed to:  Janice Mason, #102 – 1825 Kings Road, Victoria, BC, V8R 0A3.  YOU can also donate directly to Woodwynn Farms through their website; however, amounts donated directly through website will not count toward Janice’s fundraising endeavour.

Good luck Robin and Janice, ORS wishes you safe travel!

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ORPC hosted the 11th annual Island Iron Outrigger race

By admin | Published: June 29, 2010

Considered one of the premier outrigger races on our coast, Island Iron Outrigger race saw another successful year.   Many heartfelt congratulations go out to all the paddlers competing on Saturday, June 19th; to the volunteers; Oak bay and Victoria Coast Guard Auxiliary and of course the paddlers of ORPC (Ocean River Paddling Club), who without all their hard work, Island Iron simply would not have happened.

There were 30 — 6 person racing teams out to compete in the 17km race. The course went from Cadboro Bay, west toward Oak Bay Marina, and Mary Todd and out and around the Chain Islands, and around the back of Discovery and Chatham Islands and back through Baynes Channel to finish in Cadboro Bay.

Small boats paddled “Trial by Water” on Sunday, June 20th.  They set off from Gonzales Bay, to Clover Point and then down and around Trial Island.  The women had a great time of it with great race conditions but the men got caught with the wind kicking up at the same time the current started to smoke off the south end of Trial Island.  It was an exciting race to say the least but all paddlers got back safe and sound with a true Vancouver Island experience.  There was a excellent turn out for this small boat race.  A a big thank you goes to to all the safety people and Coast Guard Auxiliaries from Oak Bay and Victoria units for their assistance.

Race results can be found on the ORPC Club website.  http://www.orspaddlingclub.com/index.php

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Victoria International (Mega-Yacht) Marina Update

By admin | Published: May 5, 2010

1. Thanks to all of the people who Rallied to Save our Harbour http://www.savevictoriaharbour.com/

2. Yes, the Canadian Environment Assessment Agency decided to release the Environmental Screening Report to coincide with the Victoria Floating Boat Show… http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/details-eng.cfm?evaluation=36286

…and it’s not positive news. Too bad it doesn’t include the impacts on humans!!!

Transport Canada hasn’t announced its decision yet! Please keep the pressure on the Minister of Transport, John Baird – Tell him to not approve the application under the Navigable Waters Protection Act.  Safety issues are still unaddressed and no consultation has been made to re zone the non motorized zone of the Harbour to allow ships to moor at the Marina.  Mitigation efforts with the paddling “tunnels”  are sub standard.  Contacts here.  http://www.savevictoriaharbour.com/addresses

3. Community Marine Concepts still doesn’t have the rights to the 6.4 acres of the non motorized zone of Victoria Harbour it needs.  It’s the property of the people of BC.  Please continue to tell Minister Pat Bell that he is breaking the trust of the people of BC if he leases the waters that we now share to moor 50 Mega Yachts..Let’s keep the momentum going! Share this brochure:  with neighbours and friends.

http://www.savevictoriaharbour.com/NO_Marina_Web_Brochure.pdf

Get everyone you know to send their disapproval message to Minister Pat Bell too. FOR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

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‘The Get Out Migration’ Alexandra Morton walks to Victoria

By admin | Published: May 5, 2010

Salmon Are Sacred is calling on everyone who loves wild salmon to participate in the finale to ‘The Get Out Migration’ which started on Earth Day (22nd April). Alexandra Morton and many others are walking from northern Vancouver Island all the way to Victoria by May 8th in order to send a message to the government to get open net salmon farms out of BC waters.

We expect this to be the biggest rally against open net salmon farming in Canadian history. People are coming from many other communities to be here.

Join the Action!
8:00am — March starts: at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney (9811 Seaport Place)
12:30pm — Meeting point: Lana Popham’s Office in Saanich (4085 Quadra Street)
2:00pm — Rally at Centennial Square (1 Centennial Square) – festivities including salmon themes art and music and a wild salmon BBQ, speakers, and more.
3:45pm — March along Government Street to Legislature
4:00pm — Final Rally at Legislature – featuring speakers: Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Scientist John Volpe, MP Fin Donnelly, Alexandra Morton, and others. MC’d By Arthur Black from the CBC

More information about the rally at: www.wildsalmoncircle.com

How you can get involved:
We need help organizing the rally and getting the word out. From putting up poster, to helping set-up or marshall during the rally we need you. If you would like to volunteer email tria@wildernesscommittee.org or wildsalmoncircle@gmail.com

Local Partners:
Wilderness Committee
Wild Salmon Circle
Communities for Wild Salmon

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Victoria Salmon Kings Eco Night

By admin | Published: March 3, 2010

Ocean River Sports is proud to participate in the second annual Victoria Salmon Kings Eco Night March 13, 2010.  For the second year in a row, TLC and the Salmon Kings hockey team are partnered up to celebrate a night promoting ecological awareness.  The Salmon Kings and TLC hope to educate the Capital Region and encourage fans to support initiatives that protect the habitat and environment. As part of Ocean River Sports commitment to the community and to the environment we are donating a Clipper Canoe to TLC and one lucky participant will get a chance to win it at the game on the 13th. Get your tickets early! $3 from every ticket sold before March 11 goes to TLC. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting TLC The Land Conservancy of BC or Select Your Tickets.

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Save Victoria’s Harbour

By admin | Published: March 3, 2010

It has been one year since Paddlers rallied together to appose the proposed Mega Yacht Marina in Victoria, BC’s inner harbour.

Despite the developer not having the necessary approval from government and the ongoing opposition from local paddlers and the community at large, the promoter and the Alberta based developer are moving ahead.  Ten Thousand dollar deposits are being taken on the proposed berth reservations where currently canoes, kayaks, row boats and Harbour Ferries navigate the waters off Songhees.

Taking 6.4 acres of shared waters from Victoria’s Harbour to moor ship sized yachts is akin to taking 6.4 acres of Beacon Hill Park, another urban gem, to put up an RV park. Would any prudent government entertain an application to do that?

Visit Save Victoria Harbour to learn more or to let you’re Federal and Provincial members know your feelings or check out Save Victoria Harbour on Facebook

Tim Houlihan

http://www.timescolonist.com/travel/Songhees%20marina%20berths%20marketed%20despite%20lack%20approval/2544321/story.html

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