Sunshine Coast Event - Circumnavigating Keats Island - L3

When
July 26, 2026
8:15 AM
Location
Gibsons Marina
Spaces left
6

Registration

Members with wet exit certification
Active club members with wet exit certification, including kayaking professional and lifetime.
TO and Safety
Password Reserved for TO use

Full Name:: Brenda Brewer and Steve Blackwood
Narrative:: Keats is a very pretty island just off the town of Gibsons, within the Strait of Georgia. To reach it, we will launch from the beach near Gibsons Marina and paddle about 2/3 mile across Shoals Channel. This channel narrows down near Gibsons and can develop lively winds and spicy currents.

Once we paddle cross to the Sandy Beach area of Keats Island, we will head South (right) towards Home Island, to circumnavigate the island in a counter-clockwise direction. Upon rounding the Southern tip of Keats, we will have Home Island and the Strait of Georgia on our right and a beautiful and heavily forested island on our left. If the winds are from their usual westerly direction, we'll have some protection there. Along the way, we may see seals, eagles, sea lions, and other wildlife. There have been reports of whales in that area, but NO PROMISES on that one, lol. We can stop for a brief bio break after a couple miles paddling, and then continue up the Eastern side of Keats for a snack break around Eastbourne (about 5 NM into the trip). From there it’s a short distance around Cotton Point to the Northern end of the Island where the shoreline is more rocky. Next we’ll head East around Melody Point, and then paddle Southward, with an expected side wind, against the current, to a possible bio break at Plumper Cove (about 7.21 NM into the trip). Then just a bit further south to Keats Camp and cross back to Gibsons Marina area, for a total of approx 9 NM.

It’s about a half hour drive to the Marina, and we will want an early start, to minimize our time in the afternoon winds. We can carpool/caravan there to save room for others in the parking lot - please be ready to leave the campground no later than 7:45 am, to arrive by 8:15 am. We will plan on our safety talk at 8:45 am, launch about 9 am, with a have a flood tide during most/all of this paddle.

Please bring a tow line, a working radio, and your dry suit. Because of the rocky area on the North end of the island, you may wish to bring a helmet as well. Bring a set of warm clothes in case of a swim, a hat and sunscreen, and something to drink and eat along the way. To sign up for this paddle, you will need to be experienced and comfortable paddling in currents, wind, and fairly exposed areas with large tidal exchanges.

Meeting Time:: 8:15:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: The beach next to Gibsons Marina. 675 Prowse Road, Gibsons, BC
Take out:: The beach next to Gibsons Marina. 675 Prowse Road, Gibsons, BC
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Shorten the trip, cancel
Required equipment:: Towline
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Steve Blackwood
Co-Organizer(s):: Brenda Brewer
Has organizer paddled here before?: No
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before?: No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current?: Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:: Steve Blackwood or Brenda Brewer
Maximum number of paddlers:: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: mid 50's in morning, to mid-upper 60's in evening. * Weather subject to change
Estimated Water Temperature:: Upper 50's - mid 60's. Source: https://seatemperature.info/july/british-columbia-water-temperature.html
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 5-6 hours
Tide times & heights:: Sunday July 26: Low: 10:22 am. 3.7 feet. High: 6:26 pm. 14.6 feet.

Current information:: A brief area of up to 2 knot current in Shoal Channel. Otherwise 1-2 knots.
Hazards:: Shipping traffic
Wind strength:: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Waves, Swell, Breaking Waves: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves
Sea state:: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered whitecaps
Landing types:: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents:: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance:: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing:: Level 2: Between 0.5 and 1 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 3
Rating Comments:: Most of the predicted conditions make this an L-2 trip. However, with the possibility of higher winds, higher wind-waves, two ferry stations, and possible heavy boat traffic, this may be an L-3 trip.
Location:: he beach next to Gibsons Marina. 675 Prowse Road, Gibsons, BC
Photos (Optional):: yes
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: Gibsons
Link to map of route (Optional):

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon