~ CANOEING ~
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The Ascend DC156 Canoe for 2 or 3 People
with Trolling Motor This is a recent purchase, as yet unpaddled on our recently stormy waters, and also unphotographed; but it is this colour, as illustrated.
Not shown in this image is the trolling motor and battery, which we have, but you can see the space at the back designed to house both. |
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The Ascend® DC156 Canoe is wide, roomy, and flat bottomed; designed for calm water like ours. Steers and maneuvers swiftly and precisely through all lakes and rivers, with the benefit of a built-in motor transom for a trolling motor. Extremely durable, dent-resistant high-density polypropylene construction stands up to any conditions. Features include comfortable swivel seats with padded backs, a built-in cooler under the center seat, storage compartment, extra-comfortable carrying handles, and paddle and fishing-rod holders.
Length: 15'-6". Beam width: 42". Height: 18". Weight: 104 lbs. Max Weight Capacity: 800 lbs.
It is about half the weight of the rowboat, which it's replacing, and it's a far more efficient means of transport. Combined with the trolling motor (the 12v battery will be charged by solar power in the boathouse between trips) reasonable distances should be comfortably accomplished. As I write in early December, this is not the weather to enjoy being out on the water, so I shall remain suitably vague until someone has had a chance to see just how far one can go in a day.
Boathouse in the Beach Garden (Unfinished)
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With room to accommodating 3 kayaks and a canoe on the right-hand-side, with a store room for the boating equipment, (paddles, life jackets, etc.) next to it, but smaller, allowing for a covered seating area at the front and a 'state-of-the-art' composting toilet at the back. Firewood (for the fire pit) will be stored in the rack that faces the ocean and at the back, well protected from the weather by a 2' overhanging roof.
We almost finished building it when the storms and snow struck. Now that it's warmed up a little, the structure should be finished and in use by the end of December (but staining the woodwork with our 'standard' dark and light greens will have to wait until Spring).
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The steps over the log to the left of the boathouse lead to the newly created site for 3 ocean-facing barrel saunas, which should be operational mid-late January.
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The Lambert Channel
Between our shore and Hornby Island, the ocean is quite often as calm as a lake and ideal for canoeing. The crystal clear water around these islands was once described by the famous underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau, as the second best for diving in the world! Whilst out on the water you'll likely encounter curious otters and eagles fishing and nesting in the shoreline trees; if you have the stamina you could paddle the 2 miles over to Hornby to visit the Ford's Cove Marina or Heron Rocks where seals swim underneath you and if you're lucky, you'll spot a pod of hunting orcas! A longer paddle North along the Denman shoreline will take you to Sandy Island Marine Park (aka Tree Island; aka Bird Island). However, most folk just want to get out on the water and experience the peace, calm and beauty of it all.
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The Weather
Your trip will depend on there being decent weather on the day. If it starts out too windy, it often dies down in the afternoon, and the evening is usually the best time for a calm sea, it not being too hot and there's usually a beautiful light.
Your booking reserves the canoe for you, but you are not obliged to use it if the weather is bad, or even if you just change your plans. Depending on the tides, we may only accept one booking in a day.
Tide Times for Denman Island: You want to try to time your launch for as near to high tide as possible, it can be a long way to carry the canoe at low tide, but also check the actual heights, sometimes low tide is quite high...
Denman Island Tide Timetable ►
Denman Island Tide Timetable ►
Launching: The canoe and equipment are kept in the boathouse, located in the Beach Garden. A member of staff will usually meet you on the beach (if required), to help you carry the boat and get it into the water. Assistance can also be made available upon your return.
