Lead organization: Nanaimo Paddlers

If you are a member of Nanaimo Paddlers ( if not go to our website www.nanaimopaddlers.org to read about us and fill in application forms which include a questionnaire to assess your paddling ability, a waiver and payment of yearly fee and access to our Meetup to sign up for this event) sign up to join us at Newcastle Island at a cost of $20 per person (free for minors). Come by kayak or on the passenger ferry, and stay for a day or camp overnight. This is an Everyone Welcome Event, so Members of Nanaimo Paddlers are welcome to bring guests, including kids or grandkids! You must Sign up on our Meetup Event ( June 5 to June 7)

We have Group Campsite #1 secured from 1:00 pm on Friday afternoon through to 11:00 am on Sunday morning.

Newcastle Island (Saysutshun) is a local gem and a fantastic location for outdoor adventurers of all ages! As well, it's a great place to work on your camping skills in relative comfort, as there is drinking water, showers, indoor bathrooms, and the group campsite includes a covered eating/cooking area together with small storage lockers for food. There is even a small cafe which sells food and some limited supplies.

Payments should be made by e-transfer at time of registration to [treasurer@nanaimopaddlers.org] and include your name(s) and the word ‘Newcastle’. Your fee entitles you to a ‘weekend pass’ at Newcastle Island, which includes the option to camp overnight on one or both nights or simply join us for a day trip(s), as well as to the following (all optional of course):

Friday:
- afternoon - navigation challenge
- afternoon - nature walk / dinosaur trackways tour
-afternoon - beach cleanup
- evening - optional paddle over to Dinghy Dock Pub (extra cost) for dinner/drinks
- evening - campfire / trivia challenge #1 / music (?!?)

Saturday:
- morning - paddle in the area
- morning - kayak quidditch / rescues / skills (all in Mark’s Bay)
- afternoon - inter-tidal walk / survival challenge
- afternoon - nature walk / dinosaur trackways tour
-afternoon - beach cleanup
- evening - after dinner paddle
- evening - evening walk / campfire / trivia challenge #2 / music (?!?)

Sunday:
- morning - kayak quidditch / rescues / skills (all in Mark’s Bay)
- pack-up by 11:00 am
- afternoon - return paddle to Brechin boat launch (option to take a direct route or an extended route based on weather and group choice)

Additional activities may be added as needed based on the number of attendees, weather, and the desires of the group.

You are responsible for:

feeding yourself. The Club will provide tea and coffee and equipment for boiling water, but otherwise please intend to be self-sufficient for meals and snacks. If needed, there is a small concession on the island (with ice cream!) and the Dinghy Dock Pub is just a short paddle away.
getting yourself and your gear to and from the island - either by paddling across or taking the passenger ferry. The event commences and ends at Newcastle Island as people may arrive and leave at varying times. Getting to and from the island with kayaks is easiest from Brechin boat launch, while foot passengers can come and go via the passenger ferry departing from Maffeo Sutton Park in downtown Nanaimo. Both Brechin boat launch and Maffeo Sutton have overnight pay parking available. We recommend you try to form groups of at least three to paddle over, and encourage participants to put a note in the comments section of Meet-up if you are looking to coordinate with others. For those arriving by kayak on Friday afternoon, please note the descending tides through the afternoon (to a low of 3.5ft @ 3:20pm) and plan your arrival time accordingly.
waivers. If you have a guest(s) or are bringing a minor(s), please take a moment to fill out the appropriate waiver(s) found on the Meetup event site (adult guest) and/or (minor).
Sorry but there is no discount for day-trippers as fees are being used to offset the costs of the Group-site reservation and weekend materials.

Appropriate immersion gear, drysuit or wetsuit is always recommended for on-the-water activities. Please recognize that even at this time of year, ocean waters are cold. Required equipment/supplies for day-trips/paddles can be found on the website.

Cost: $20

Open to Nanaimo Paddlers members and invited guests.