Sailing an AI in BC, or another cold place?

Hi everyone,
I've been lusting over an AI for more than 4 years. I think I'm finally close to pulling the trigger on one, but as luck would have it, I recently relocated for work from Los Angeles to Victoria BC Canada, so the water temps, if anything, are a whole different story.
I notice a lof of Hawaiian and Floridian folks have the AI, but haven't seen much from the cold climate people. I'm curious what gear I'll need? I have a 3/2 wetsuit but I doubt it'll cut it in these cold waters. Do people sail year round in BC? Is a dry suit inevitable? Is a spray skirt a must?
I'm planning on sailing mostly around the bay I live in, but eventually when I'm comfortable with the boat and my ability, go farther out/away.
I just wanted to hear from some of the Pacific NorthWest/Vancouver people, or people with some insight in general on this, to get a little feedback on how much sailing can be done, what time of year, equipment needed, etc. since sailing in colder climates poses particular challenges.
Thanks a lot guys!
Tarik

Hiyas Tarik
Sad about your promo to Victoria...(no I'm not! Welcome to paradise in a different sense)

I live north of you near the middle of Vancouver Island. Wow, you have been blessed with another way to experience nature in a whole new way.

You asked: Are there ppl here that sail all year long. Yah some do but not many. Years ago I used to do that but I found my partners would rather stay at home where it is warm. Unless you have a serious urge to this, you need extreme gear which is expensive, cumbersome and you will need to get to know the local conditions....Victoria, BC is the mouth of the Georgia Staights and can have some fierce tides there depending on the Lunar cycle.

You asked: Do you need a dry suit to sail local conditions? Maybe, if the water temp is in the low 50's, your own body will tell you what you need to do. (Yes you do and a full layer system to retain core heat.) Please keep in mind that you are not in Alaska, most of Canada's population is near the border to the States.
Yet there are tide, back eddies that oppose the tides and the temps may be better than in the middle of the Haro Straights. Remember you are a ferry ride away from the American San Juans. Nice places that I'm sure you'll discover as you pull out a Marine Chart.

I'm sure you'll find your way around here. Make sure you check out Sooke Harbour for protected kayaking and possibly Port Renfrew for some of the best wave action on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Welcome to 'The Island', Tarik. Give me a pm if you need more detailed info.
(Btw, Tarik, Victoria, BC rarely ever is becalmed, the wind that blows up and down the Juan De Fuca Straights rarely ever lets sailors down. If will be a wet trip though as gale warnings for that area in the Winter are more the norm than not)
Trinomite

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Thanks for the info trinomite!
I don't think I'd be a year-rounder, but certainly I'd be sailing as much as possible without having to get in to the heavy duty equipment. The weather since I arrived has been fantastic and I've missed out on some great sailing so far.
I have noticed that the tides here, and they are incredibly fast and often see swirling and churning water. I'm a pro windsurfer and amateur sailor but I will definitely need to educate myself about the tides here.
For my birthday, my wife arranged for me to rent an AI in Sooke for half the day. I can't wait! And if they're willing to sell their rental/demo, I may bring home my birthday present...!
If not, maybe you can recommend a place on the island where I can find a used AI?
Regards,
Tarik

Hi Tarik
Glad you love the weather here. Agreed after the worst spring and early summer. we finally get killer weather.
As for a used AI/Demo give Richard or Mike a call at Alberni Outpost in Nanaimo. They have a rental fleet and they may sell some of their used AIs.

www.albernioutpost.com

Nanaimo is a great place to sail as that city has a huge harbour with a few nice islands tossed in (NewCastle Island, for one). Their rental shop is right across the channel from that Island.

Enjoy
Fred

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Cold Temps when the water is well above the freezing level.

Tarik this is not for you, it is for other sailors who may want to sail in Northern Waters (North of the 49th Parallel , aka: the US/Canada border. If you can make it up here, you will be rewarded with incredible scenery, great sailing (mostly), and some of the friendliest people you have ever met.

However, the real cold that plagues not just sailors up here but also sailors who wish to sail in the Mass to North CA belt of the North American continent near the Equinoxes:

Strong winds, physical demands, spindrift, breaking waves and the gradual loss of core heat that over a lengthy sail can put you in a dangerous position of possible hypothermia without proper cold gear.

If you sail the regions I mentioned, then you know how to protect yourself. It is the lucky people who live in sub tropical conditions and travel up north in the 'iffy' times in late fall or early spring that I write this post to.

It takes time for your body to get used to colder conditions just as it takes us 'icicles' to get used to the heat in California, Arizona or Florida. Cold weather gear can be rented at most outdoor centers in the Northern US as well as Canada. It's a worthy investment to ensure your comfort and safety.

Hmmm, nice warm windy weather on the Colorado in Decemeber...I can hardly wait

Respects
Trinomite

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Hi Tarik, welcome to the cold water country. I lives at the other extremity of the country and I sail up until the salt water bay here freeze over for the winter. I have a dry suit but last year I bought a pair of neoprene chest wader and found for me it was the best option they kept me dry and warm and felt less restricted, I wear a fleece top and a Hobie dry top jacket. Everybody has it own preference the best is to try what suit you best.

Happy Sailing
Dan

Wow thanks everyone. I have renewed hope that my season won't be 3 months long!
I'm going to demo an AI on Saturday with hopes to discuss purchasing one. I may wait until spring but that's undecided. If the fall season still has a couple months left in it, I may drop the $ now.
The one time I tried an AI was in San Diego and temperature was a non issue. That'll change but as everyone stated, it's all about the gear and your willingness, well, and $ too don't we know it!?!
But I'm glad to hear weather isn't stopping the dedicated hardcore few I'm about to join.
Happy sailing!
Tarik

Very Cool Tarik

Remember I mentioned to you that the 'inner circle' of the Gulf Islands seem to have their own weather patterns sometimes.
The Schwartz Bay to Saltspring Island Ferry can get you into quiet coves and shelter, as can a lot of the other Gulf Islands for shelter. Most Islands have an extensive B&B system so camping in the late season can be avoided.

Fred

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Hi Tarik, It seems every year we hear about people who have died kayaking in cold water. Last year two college girls perished not far from shore, both wearing life jackets. Falling into water in the 50 degree range is no different than falling into fire. Having said that, one can still enjoy the experience on the water all winter long. Your best bet is to hook up with cold water kayakers and talk with them about what they wear and what precautions they take. Here in Maine some wear wet suits under their dry suits. The best dry suit with a relief zipper is a must. It is not to keep you dry, it is to keep you alive. Like an astronaut in space, if your suit is compromized you die. In the summer or in warmer water you might consider dry pants( NRS- under $100) with latex ankle cuffs and a high waist that your kayak jacket comes down over. Kayaking boots are great- they fill with water and keep your feet warm just like a wet suit. Bob's Spray skirts are a must--not so much for survival but because they make the experience more enjoyable. Good luck, you won't regret getting an AI

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DougDNer

I agree with everything that dougDner just said, except for the part about Bob's Spray skirts. No offence to Bob. They have pro's and con's, and I thought about them, but never ended up getting them. It's a personal choice, but your AI can easily be just as enjoyable without them. Take a look at them, for sure, but they're not a must in my books.

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I'm the first to say, there are more important items to have before Sprayskirts:

A comfortable PFD that you'll wear!
Signaling devices (a whistle, mirror, flares, etc.)
Proper clothing for (air & water) conditions!
Water to drink
A hand bilge pump
paddle(s)
In possible rougher conditions, leashes for everything!
A knife
In more than a comfortable swim distance from shore, self rescue and rescue equipment like a Marine Radio.
On longer or distance trips, spare everything (that is practical)
First aid and repair kits

Depending on your sailing location, length of trip, and how far from help, support and safe landing spots, the list could go on and on.

Safety First! (comfort a close second )

Try it, you'll like it!

Cons? Like not getting as wet??
You still haven't tried them yet??

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

I'm just about to buy one of Bob's skirts. (Bob, I want the purple polka dot one when it comes available as an 'upgrade' option). Keeps Pirates away....

Comfort yes, of course, Doug, but as you so well put it, the main intentions is to try to disconnect you from cold water egress on any part of your body. That may also include the amount of freezing spray getting launched at your dry suit from the bow. All factors in these situations come into relevance.
-Water temp
-wind speed
-wave height
-tides and current

As you probably know, a combination of a few of these factors or worse can set up even the most prepared person for survival conditions. Their only defense will be:
- Physical condition
- Hydration
- wicking inner layers
- fast drying mid layers, or the ability to keep you warm when wet.
- breathable waterproof fabric such as Goretex
- Hoods, 5mil gloves and 5mil boots (as you mentioned)

Goretex, btw was invented by a researcher who tried to find a means to duplicate arteries. The product failed in that respect, but he also noticed that unless the fabric was pressured, it could breathe and still be water proof.

Look at what they hand out to any crew on a deep sea vessel or people who work on deep sea resource rigs - a fully submersible survival suit. It has saved the lives of many. Look at a Marine supply shop. For the cost they are cheaper than all the layers and stuff that really is only slightly more advanced then what you wear in sub zero conditions on a ski hill.

These boats were never designed to operate in very cold environments. We have done what we require to make them work in cold waters for our own needs. When in doubt, take a very close look at what people use on a professional level as Mariners.

As Safety is as much dependent on Comfort, I agree Safety first.
And if 2 Spray skirts can improve my Safety by keeping cold water off of me, then it's money well spent in both directions, imho.

Regards
Trinomite

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Got a Bravo. It's a drier boat. When the wind picks up, so does the windward hull... with my body on top of it. Awesome!

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AyeAye
Let me know when you can find a way to put a Trapeze on that Puppy, and I'll be ready to fly out via Air Canada to test er out!
Regards
Fred

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Have you considered a refit for short ice blades on that boat, the trick would be to get a boom out front to run the rudder and make that the movable ice skate. Not sure if that is even workable...Yet I know where you live, it sux waiting for the water to thaw.

I just about lost my mind when a friend took me out on his ice boat in Alberta years ago. He didn't have a speedo but I swear we did at least 80 mph. AWESOME!

Fred

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'