#23 Preparing for Haida Gwaii’s Wild West Coast

#26 How to rock the Rock Gardening

Known for his skill and experience in dynamic coastal environments, Rowan Jones Pardy believes: "Rock gardening is the intersection where skills, technique, and energy meet." Growing up on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Rowan is a sea kayak guide and instructor who learned to paddle before he learned to walk. In this episode, we explore what it takes to paddle confidently in and around rocks.

#25 building confidence in current

Real learning happens outside the comfort zone. In this episode, I speak with Caroline Ross, owner of Crosscurrents Kayak on Central Vancouver Island. Caroline specializes in sea kayak training, including dynamic and moving water courses, and teaches a unique program called underwater, composure helping paddlers build confidence and control in challenging conditions. https://crosscurrentskayak.ca/

#24 Herring Balls and Hydrophones

Large herring bait balls can still be seen along parts of the west coast of Canada and the United States. While salmon often gets most of the attention, this time of the year, herring are what truly bring the coast to life: attracting whales, sea lions, seabirds, and countless other marine species. Roy Jantzen, author of Wildlife Weekends is back to share insights about the herring spawn, the wildlife it attracts, and some fascinating hydrophone surprises recorded beneath the surface. Listen live to whale's sounds, BC Hydrophone Network: https://whalesound.ca/whales-and-sound/ Orca Lab: https://www.youtube.com/live/_M2WVpSzgCI

#23 Preparing for Haida Gwaii’s Wild West Coast

The west side of Haida Gwaii, BC, is one of the most exposed stretches of coastline in Canada. More complex than the east coast and offering a mix of reefs, current channels, exposed headlands and tidal currents with far fewer landing options. This 155 nautical-mile journey from Sandspit to Rose Harbour demands strong skills, careful planning. My returning guest, Finn Steiner, co-owner of SKILS, shares how he is preparing for his 16 days solo expedition to Haida Gwaii this summer beside taking a 3 pieces kayak and a camera. https://skils.ca

#22 Twice, she finished 2nd in the Yukon River Quest

“My days on the river are not done yet,” says Patricia (Pat) Jones, 72. Pat has taken on the Yukon River Quest 3 times, completing it twice, finishing second in the women’s category both times, and becoming the oldest woman to finish the race. one if them was a flood year. Waves reached up to 2 meters, and many boats capsized along the 715 km (444-mile) course of the longest paddling race in the world. In the last episode, she shared the story of the race she never finished. In this episode she Shares the lessons learned, saved a few people on the way and did it all over again. Registration for the race closes May 13, 2026. https://www.yukonriverquest.com/