We send out two Canadian Charts, each in a chart case, of the are that you are paddling in.
You also get The Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart 1, which describes the icons on nautical charts.
- Broken Group Islands – Chart 3670
- Deer Group Islands – Chart 3671
- Clayoquot Sound – Chart 3673
Before each trip our guests get a Batstar Leader Trip Log that contains all the emergency contact numbers for the particular area they are paddling in. It also has the tide tables for the trip on it as well. We send out 2 marine charts of the area. As outdoor leaders, you should be constantly evaluating the weather. You can use several sources of information to help make a weather forecast while leading trips. When sea kayaking, marine weather is the primary source of weather data and should be listened to at least twice a day on the VHF radio. The leaders integrate this information with observed conditions, barometric information, cloud cover, weather maps, tide information and local knowledge to help them plan their routes. You should make a float plan every day with an eye to the following days. You need to visualize a weather map (or make one in the sand) from all the information and record your observations in the Guide Trip Log.
When listening to the marine weather, bear in mind that the forecast is for a large geographic area. Local conditions will likely vary.
Environment Canada’s marine forecast.
You should also consult Environment Canada’s 5 day weather forecast for cities and towns. These forecasts are less important than the marine weather for sea kayaking but they help us identify weather trends.
Environment Canada’s 5-day forecasts for British Columbia.
Each guest has the local tides for each trip written in their trip log. Use tide information as a key element in route planning and choosing camping locations on beaches.
Canada’s Fisheries and Oceans tide forecasters.
Reference these tide stations for the area you’re paddling in:
- Effingham for The Broken Group Islands,
- Bamfield for The Deer Group Islands,
- Tofino for Clayoquot Sound.
Before each trip check out the weather maps and satellite images available from Environment Canada.
