06/22/2018
I'm currently making changes to our website and received this email which I can't respond to, so hopefully my response finds Julie. ................
Hello,
My kid's Dad (an experienced kayaker) is planning to take our kids (5 and 8) to the Broken Group from Sechart lodge. He'll be paddling both kids in a double with no other adult.
Have you ever seen someone do this? I'm an experienced kayaker and am concerned that this is not a good plan without another adult. It's been a number of years since I was in the Broken Group so looking for local expertise.
Thanks for any guidance you can provide.
Julie...............
Response from Blake.
Luckily the BGI is a great place for kids as young as 5. However, your concerns are well founded. On a perfect day on flat water everyone is an expert. However, if your husband is paddling from Secret Beach across Loudon Channel, it's exposed to open ocean swell and if the wind is building, it's a tough place to be. However, the real problem is if the wind gets above 10 knots, it can be very difficult to get the nose of a double into the wind. If there's no room to double back, you get pushed onto the rocks, especially on the windward side of islands in the BGI. Even a well trimmed sea kayak will have difficulty in swell and waves as you start to weathercock.
If they go out on the MV Frances Barkley and start at Sechart Lodge, they won't get off the dock until after lunch, when the wind characteristically starts to blow. Luckily the distances are short. Gibralter would be a good first campsite.
If you've guided, I don't need to tell you the hazards. If they go, they need all the Coast Guard required equipment, especially flares. Guides use VHF still as you can't count on cell coverage. He should rent one if you don't have one. Even if you don't have a restricted radio license. Apologize after the rescue.
If your husband has not practiced a wet exit with the kids, I'd recommend doing so in a lake. Sproat Lake in the Alberni Valley is amazing and they could paddle to Fossili Park and go for a forest walk. A morning paddle in the Alberni Harbour is great. The wind kicks in the afternoon.
They could to a day trip in Toquart Bay from Secret Beach. The Stopper Islands make a great lunch area.
Finally, go to Clayoquot Sound and go to the Big Tree Trail. Watch the currents. I don't recommend anywhere else in Clayoquot Sound towards Vargas Island as landing a double on a beach is not recommended on a surf landing. This is to be avoided at all costs.
If your husband has mad skills like the guides that have worked for Batstar over the years then your children will benefit from the experience.
If your husband lacks judgement, then trust yours and offer some super alternatives for him and the kids in Pac Rim.
In Port Alberni, I recommend Sproat Lake and Stamp Falls Provincial Parks. Also check out McLean Mill for fun or camping.
