FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where are you located ? Pedals & Paddles is located at Tillicum Bay Marina, which is 8 km north of the town of Sechelt, up the east shore of Sechelt Inlet, just off of Porpoise Bay Road, at the foot of Naylor Road.
What kind of boats do you have and how many of each? We carry Necky and Nimbus kayaks and Clipper Canoes. Our fleet consists of 9 Fiberglass Doubles with centre hatches, 12 fiberglass singles, 4 plastic singles, and 2 Canoes.
Do you ever sell your used boats? Yes. After 2 seasons, we will sell our kayaks, so that after every season, half of my kayaks are for sale. This ensures that the kayaks are in great shape when I sell them, and my customers can expect the kayaks and canoes that they rent from Pedals & Paddles to be in near-new condition.
Where can we go in a half-day rental, and what will we see? We recommend our customers head North to the first Marine Park, Tuwanek, which is about a one-hour paddle. You will pass the Lamb Islets, and the end of the road (or civilization as we like to call it). IF you pass the first beach and look around the first point, you will see a working Oyster farm. After a picnic and swim on the beach, paddle back to Tillicum Bay Marina, and you will have spent an enjoyable and memorable 4 hours. During your paddle you are likely to see seals, eagles, herons, otters, and all kinds of ducks and birds.
Where should we go for a 2 day rental? There are lots of options for a 2 day rental. IF you like to stay close to shore, paddle up to 9-Mile Point, a favorite camp spot which can accomodate 6 to 8 tents compfortably. After you've set up camp you can paddle up Salmon Inlet aways. Or cross over to camp at Kunichin Point. There are 3 separate areas to camp, the point being the jewel, as you can see up and down Sechelt Inlet, as well as Salmon Inlet. You get morning and afternoon sun, and the snorkling in the bay is great. Your other option is to camp at Halfway Beach, which is just in front of Halfway Island, a seal rookery. This is the best beach for kids, and can accomodate around 20 tents, although it seldom gets too crowded.
Where should we go for a 3 or 4 day trip? One of the prettiest spots in all of Sechelt and ajoining Inlets, is Tzoonie Narrows. It is about a 6 hour paddle from Pedals & Paddles, so can be an aggressive destination for beginners in one day. Best to break the trip into 3 separate nights, breaking down and putting up the tents each night. Night one at Kunichin Point, night two at Tzoonie Narrows, night 3 at Halfway or 9-Mile Point. If you are lucky enough to have 5 days available, spend an extra night at Tzoonie, and spend one day paddling to the Tzoonie River estuary at the head of Narrow Inlet. You can even treat yourself to a bed and showers at Tzoonie Adventures (link), or Klya Kwim(link), another hour's paddle from the Narrows.
What do I bring on a day trip? Water shoes
sun hat
sunscreen
water
bathing suit
towel
change of clothes
What do I bring to a lesson? Water shoes
Sun hat
sunscreen
water
camera (optional)
What do I bring on a 4 day trip? BC Coast Sea Kayaking Personal Clothing and Equipment List
The following is a refined list of the necessary clothing and equipment designed to keep you comfortable and warm in the wide range of coastal conditions possible on your expedition; it is based on years of practical experience. We strongly suggest adhering to it as carefully as you can.

Clothing

  • 2 pair wool socks
  • 2 pair light synthetic fibre "wick" socks
  • synthetic fibre long underwear top and bottoms
  • Underwear
  • 1 pair pants - preferable wool or synthetic pile
  • 1 heavy wool sweater or pile sweater or sweatshirt
  • waterproof rain jacket or paddling jacket
  • 1 pair rain pants
  • 2 pair shorts, light, fast drying nylon is preferable
  • 2 T-shirts
  • 1 long sleeve shirt
  • 1 small towel
  • sun hat
  • 1 pair of walking/running shoes
  • water shoes - nylon runners or neoprene booties to paddle in (no rubber boots) "Teva" brand or similar nylon sport sandals or Nike Aquasocs area also good. NO FLIP-FLOP THONGS AS THEY ARE A PRECURSOR TO SPRAINED ANKLE. . . OR WORSE!!

Equipment

  • Tent (No canvas monsters please! We will provide you with a tent at a nominal fee if required)
  • Good quality compact sleeping bag, preferable with synthetic fill
  • Large duffel bag for carrying all your personal gear
  • Sun glasses with good UV protection - "Chums" or "Croakies" type retainer
  • Small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
  • Personal toiletries and medication. Include biodegradable salt water soap for bathing
  • Sunscreen SPF 25 or higher (waterproof), lip salve, insect repellent and moisturizing cream.
  • Swiss Army type pocket knife
  • 4 to 6 small waterproof bags or nylon stuff sacks lined with double garbage bags or heavy duty zip-lock bags to keep your gear dry. The kayak compartments are waterproof but. . .
  • Wide mouth water bottle - 1 litre poly
  • Cup, plate or bowl, knife, fork and spoon

Optional

  • Lightweight paddling gloves to cover hands needing protection from salt or sun
  • Thermarest or insulite sleeping pad if you don't want to sleep on the ground
  • Camera
  • Binoculars

Is there water at the camp sites? There are running creeks at all of the campsites, however the one at Halfway can dry up late in the summer. The water you take from these creeks must be treated by filtering or boiling for 5 minutes.
Can we have campfires? There are fire rings at all of the campsites, although look for notices for closure. Please note that gathering of firewood in the Parks is forbidden. You may collect driftwood, or bring a fire in a bag. Not as authentic, but still does the job without taking away from the natural composting and habitat of the forest creatures.
What's the fishing like? If you have a valid BC Saltwater fishing licence, you can harvest oysters, clams and mussels at many of the beaches (please check for PCP closures) at low tide. With a rod you can catch Rock Cod and Snapper, Ling Cod and Salmon. The good folks at Trail Bay Source for Sports at (604)885-2512 can give you lots of information and can sell you licenses and gear. Many people have been lucky with crab traps as well.