Below are some resources that we find we keep referring to when going on multi-day kayaking trips.
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it is a good starting point. Also, if you have any resources you think we should include please do not hesitate to let us know!
Touring
Packing List – everything you need to bring on a kayaking trip.
Sample Float Plan – Making sure somebody knows where you are
Boat tie-down – How to tie your kayak to your car
Chart Catalogue – so you know which chart you need
Chart 1 – the legend for charts – so you know what all the funny symbols mean
PDF download of Canadian Tide & Current Tables
Navionics – web app for online charts (also nice for trip planning, as you can measure distances)
BC Marine Trails – a great resource for finding launch sites, campsites and get more information on any paddling area. Please consider becoming a member or donating
Westcoastpaddler – a local online forum with lots of resources and very knowledgeable paddlers who love to share their expertise
Wild Coast Publishing – Absolutely phenomenal books and map sheets of the BC coast for kayakers
Book: Navigation Sea State & Weather – You can buy the book directly from us. Either pick it up in person and get in touch and we are happy to mail you a copy
Transport Canada Sea Kayak Safety Guide
Weather
Environment Canada Marine Weather Forecast
Environment Canada Phone Forecast Service
Environment Canada Marine Weather Guide – helpful if using the Marine Weather Forecast to understand the areas and reference points
Windy – website with very localized forecast including wind and waves
Big Wave Dave – local website with wind and wave predictions as well as information on tides and currents
BC Marine Weather Book – An amazing (free) pdf book with information on the local weather patterns to expect in the various regions in BC
National Marine Weather Book – An amazing (free) pdf book that explains a lot of marine weather phenomenons.
Nav Canada Local Weather Manuals – Information on weather patterns in BC (made for aviation, but lots of great information that’s relevant to kayakers
UBC Meteorology weather resources for sailing – Lots of marine weather topics explained
Global weather overview & animation – Great way to see High- and Low-Pressure Systems and lots of other useful information and overlays
VHF
Please note that in order to use a VHF radio in Canada you must have a ROC-M license. You can obtain your ROC-M license by taking our VHF course.
Useful VHF channels in BC:
- Channel 16: Distress, Safety and Calling Channel
- Channels 22A, 83A: Coast Guard Working Channel
- Channels 06, 09, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 87A: working channels that are available for recreational boaters
- Channel 12: Vancouver Traffic Management
- Channel 11: Victoria Traffic Management
- Channel 71: Comox and northern BC Traffic Management
- Channel 66A: Marinas
Useful fact: You can also reach the Coast Guard by dialing *16 on your cell phone
PDF of Radio Aids to Marine Navigation
Sample laminated emergency card – to be carried with or taped to your VHF radio
Environment Canada Marine Weather Guide – helpful if listening to the weather forecast on your VHF radio
Kayaking Videos
Please refer to our instructional kayaking videos page.
Useful Webcams
Jericho Beach: Located at the Jericho Sailing Centre
Deep Cove: Located right at our Deep Cove Location
Howe Sound: Located in Copper Cove looking towards Anvil Island) -great for checking conditions in Howe Sound
Local Organizations
Paddle Canada – National association for recreational paddling in Canada
Sea Kayak Guides Alliance BC – Non-profit society for sea kayak guides and operators in BC
Sea Kayak Association of BC SKABC – Vancouver-based Kayaking Club
Pacific International Kayak Association PIKA – Kayaking Club in the Lower Mainland
Coast Wilderness Medical Training – excellent wilderness first aid courses that are really valuable for anybody venturing out on longer trips