Kayaking

The kayaking here is breathtaking. In the emerald green waters of Barkley Sound you can expect to see Harbor Seals, California and Sellar Sealions, Harbor porpoise and Grey whales. In the oh so blue skies above you might see bald eagles, kingfishers, crows, ravens, harlequin ducks, great blue herons, etc. On the shoreline, foraging deer, wolf, raccoon and black bear are common.

Our kayaks are made by Extreme Interface and are fiberglass & kevlar, they are large, stable ocean kayaks with lots of storage space for multi – day trips. Singles are 17&1/2 ft long and doubles are 23 ft long. Contact Extreme Interface at www.extremeinterface.com or 1-250-752-8432 for more details on our kayaks.

We supply adult lifejackets with whistles, paddles, paddle float, pump, heaving line, sponge and spare paddle with all our rental kayaks.

We also rent extra gear – marine charts, water shoes, flares, tents, first aid kits, dry bags and VHF radios.

Rates

Kayaks

Misc.

Marine Chart 3.00 per day
Water shoes 1.00
Flares 1.00
Tents 4 person 5.00
First aid kit 1.00
VHV radio 3.00
Dry Bags – all sizes 1.00

What is the hatch and cockpit size of your kayak?

All of our kayaks have large hatches for easy access and generous cockpits. Please check out the Extreme Interface web site for more details.

I am very tall, will I fit into your kayak?

If you are over 6’4” you may not fit and you may have to take a double as they will have more room for your legs and feet.


Should I bring raingear in the summer?

If you have it with you it probably won’t rain

Do I need a wetsuit for summer paddling?

Personally we find even a light wetsuit too warm for paddling most days of the year, but if you have one bring it. Do include paddling gloves, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Can I reserve a campsite in the Broken Group Islands?

No, they are first come first serve and the cost for camping is 8.00 per person per night. You must camp in a designated camping area. There are 8 of these in the Broken Group Islands. The campgound attendants will collect your fee each morning, and they accept Visa and M/C.

Can I paddle from Bamfield to the Broken Group Islands?

If you are planning to paddle that crossing in one of our rental kayaks please think again, we do not consider this safe and will not rent you a kayak. There are other ways of getting to and from the Broken Group such as our water taxi, and other water taxis.

Can I paddle from Bamfield to the Deer Group Islands?

Yes, this crossing will take you less than 1 hour , but you must be an experienced paddler. The wind, fog and boat traffic all play a part in a safe crossing.

Where can I camp in the Deer Group?

Most of the property in the Deer Group is Crown Land, some is private and there are some first nations reserves. You are not permitted on the First Nations lands at any time. We can point out to you the comonly used camping spots in the Deer Group.

Do I need to take my drinking water with me?

Yes, in the summer months we get very little rain and the creeks may be dry. We recommed bringing your water in small containers rather then 5 or 10 gallon ones, try 2 liter plastic pop bottles as they fit so easily into a kayak. In the winter months you can use the creek water after boiling or treating first. Of course sea water is fine for bathing or washing dishes.

Can I have campfires?

Yes and no – there maybe fire restrictions if we have had a dry year. Normally you can have a fire below the high tide line and never under overhanging branches.We recommend you bring some fire starter because the driftwood is often damp.

Can my 8 to 12 year old paddle a single kayak?

In our experience, the age of the paddler is less important than there size and strength. Often children run out of steam and a double kayak is probably a better and safer chose. We do, however, have 2 smaller and lighter plastic kayaks for children.

Can we bring our sweet little dog?

No, not into the Broken Group Islands; dogs are prohibited.

Should we take lessons before we come to the area kayaking?

Yes, even an introduction to kayaking will make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

Which is nicer, the Broken Group or the Deer Group Islands?

They are equally as nice, but we feel due to the wind and wave conditions that there is more protected areas in the Broken Group Islands.

How much gear can I bring?

Although our kayaks have large cargo space there is a limit. We recommend small soft bags. Suitcases, large duffel bags and hard coolers do not fit in. Our kayaks will fit a full sized coleman stove and you should include a tarp, rope, hatchet, and a shovel in your gear.