Water Taxi Transport

June-July 2004

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Tom Sewid

Many paddlers are learning that being transported by water taxi at the start or end of a paddling journey allows more area to be covered. No wonder that each year sees this form of transport becoming more popular with paddlers on the BC coast.

When using a water taxi, it’s to your benefit to know a little about how they operate. First, the captains are usually running on a tight schedule, so being on time is very important. It’s wise to arrive at your pick up location a couple of hours prior to pick up time. This allows for kayaks and gear to be prepared for loading. Kayaks should be empty. Gear should be in dry-bags and piled close to the pick up spot.

The captain will help with loading and offloading, and he usually has good advice on safe, quick loading procedures. Don’t hesitate to tell him what cargo is fragile and needs extra care, or what needs to be with you in the cabin. You don’t want to hear the bottle you are bringing for that special moment make a sickening, cracking noise during loading. It’s also best to keep each bag below 50 pounds for easy loading. Some vessels have tight cargo spaces so smaller is better.

For your safety on these fast boats, it’s advisable that you stay in your seat while in transit. Most vessels have high speed drive systems and the captains will avoid debris on the water by making quick turns and sudden stops. On landings at a dock or beach, the captain has to secure the boat for loading, so stay in your seat to give him a clear path to conduct his duties efficiently.

When a water taxi is coming to pick you up from a shore landing, it never hurts to help ease it onto the beach gently. Remember, the captain cares more about his boat than his wife, and helping to make that gentle landing is sure to put a smile on his face. In return, he’ll treat your kayak like an egg, no matter what it’s made of.

Every transport operation is different and communication is the key. Try to ask questions about what to expect before your trip begins. Remember, water taxi captains are eager to please and share their knowledge. Take the time to talk to them and you will find that they’re very knowledgeable about their areas. But don’t be offended if they don’t make eye contact when talking with you in transit—they’re concentrating on what lies ahead to ensure a safe trip for their clients.

© Captain Tom Sewid lives in Sayward on Vancouver Island, BC and runs Village Island Tours and Water Taxi. Web: www.villageisland.com Ph: 1-877-282-8294.