About Us

Club History

SKABC began as the Vancouver Ocean Touring Kayak Association (“VOTKA”) a group of individuals concerned about kayaking safety. In the early 1980’s, SKABC was registered under B.C.’s Society Act. Over time the club’s mandate has evolved to include not only a comprehensive training program but also group trips, monthly meetings with speakers, and a newsletter and website to support communication amongst club members.

Our current membership is approximately 350. In addition to direct members, the Cowichan Canoe and Kayak Club, representing approximately 50 independent kayakers, are also affiliated with SKABC.

SKABC celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007.

Silver Paddle Awards

In November 2009 the SKABC Executive presented the club's Silver Paddle Award to express gratitude for their valuable contributions to the following members:

• Bob Maher
• Maureen Benzon

The 2008 Silver Paddle award winners are:

• Gayla Shulhan
• George Prevost
• Kallie Cunningham
• Peter Kearney

Orca Award

As a way of saying thank-you to many of the people who have made significant contributions not only to SKABC but to the sea kayaking community as a whole, SKABC instituted an annual award. Nominations for this award are sought from all club members between January and March of each year. The award is usually presented at our April club meeting. As this is a fairly new tradition, the challenge has been choosing one person from a large group of people who have made a difference.

Award recipients to date are:

• 2007 Cindy Dopson
• 2006 Tony Clayton
• 2005 Rick Davies
• 2004 Ray Pilman
• 2003 Harald Riffel

Join SKABC Today!

Click here to join SKABC today.

SKABC's mission is to promote fellowship, safety, the exchange of information and skills, encourage concern and respect for the environment and above all to enjoy sea kayaking.