Our 5th Red Paddle Co Ride Out
~Spring 2026 Edition~
is a
Southern Gulf Islands Adventure!

Last year’s Red Paddle Co Ride Out Southern Gulf Islands Adventure was so beautiful and enjoyed by all that we are doing it again this year but with different routes and destinations. Enjoy a fun-filled day of ocean paddling around Salt Spring Island, Prevost Island and the Chain Islands on the West Coast of Canada. Explore diverse coastlines with chances to see whales, seals, sea lions and more. Explore the islands and learn about the ecology and cultural history.

WHEN: Saturday April 18, 2026 (11am to 4pm on water time)

WHERE: Salt Spring Island-Prevost Island-Chain Islands

WHO: The tour will be an easy pace and suitable for all skills levels Beginner/Recreational+ to Intermediate (see Option A and Option B under the Saturday Itinerary). You should have some SUP experience and be able to paddle at an average of 1-2km/hr with light wind for Option A. You will be guided by Paddle Canada Accredited Instructors with extensive ocean SUP experience.

COST: $88 with board – Red Paddle Co board, Blackfish paddle, PFD, whistle, leash and dry bag rental included. $68 with own board and paddle (must wear PFD, whistle and leash). Drysuit/wetsuit with booties/gloves can be added as rental item during booking. Food, travel, accommodation not included.

The Ride Out is a great chance to try out many of the great boards offered by Red Paddle Co!

TRAVEL: Travel time between downtown Victoria and Swartz Bay ferry terminal is approximately 40 minutes one way. We will help arrange carpooling and board transport for those interested.

We have great DRAW PRIZES from our sponsors Red Paddle Co Blackfish Paddles Vaikobi and from South Island SUP and Mer Tales Ocean Journeys

There will be enough prizes for all participants to win a prize!

Saturday Itinerary

9 am Ferry from Swartz Bay to Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island. Drive to launch site, likely at Long Harbour ferry terminal on Welbury Bay side.
There are no reservations on the Salt Spring Ferry. Target 8am arrival at Swartz Bay (7:20am departure from Victoria).

Participants can choose between either Option A or B. The 2 groups will start from the same launch site and travel together at the start. Group B will travel further and will likely have lunch in a different location than Group A. The 2 groups will join together again on the way back to the launch site.

11 am to ~4 pm Option A: Beginner/Recreational Level Ocean Tour to the Chain Islands with a lunch stop and hike/walk on Third Sister Island. Bring your own lunch, snacks, water. Total distance 4-6km.

11 am to ~4 pm Option B: Recreational+/Intermediate Level Ocean Tour to Prevost Island and adjacent islets with a lunch stop on one of the islands. Bring your own lunch, snacks, water. Total distance 10-14km.

5:00 pm Après paddle food and beverage stop at a local restaurant (TBD) on Salt Spring Island plus draw prizes!

7:50 pm Ferry from Fulford Harbour, Salt Spring Island to Swartz Bay.

Timing and/or location may shift depending on weather. Final itinerary will be confirmed approximately 1 week ahead and will consider weather, tide, current and other factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable Red Ride Out for all participants.

More exciting details will be announced as we get closer to the Red Ride Out date.