The Locals Social Club

 Join Our Social Paddle Club

Welcome to the Ocean River Social Club — where strangers become friends through a shared love of the outdoors. This is a community of paddlers, explorers, and nature lovers who come together to enjoy each other's company in the beautiful waterways we call home.

From novice to advanced paddlers, everyone is welcome to join the journey. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, find new adventure buddies, or simply spend more time on the water, this is the place to do it. We welcome newcomers and familiar faces alike!

We paddle from Downtown Victoria and Oak Bay, setting out on monthly Field Trips to discover new paddling spots around the South Island.  Each paddle is a new experience — filled with discovery, laughter, and connection.

Started as a space for locals to connect, Ocean River Social Paddles are a great way to stay active, refine your skills, and connect with fellow paddlers.

Join the Ocean River Social Club:

Come for the paddle, stay for the social

Join the Club!

Weekly Social Paddles

The Social Paddle Club meets every Friday from 5:30–7:30 PM for our Weekly Social Paddle — a regular gathering for paddlers who love time on the water and good company. 

There is no membership fee to become part of the club. Those with their own sea kayak can sign up for FREE!! In need of a kayak and safety gear? We’ve got you covered! Rentals are $35 per outing. 

Sign-ups are per outing. If possible, please register 3-4 days in advance of each outing. 

*Please note, your boat must be a sea worthy vessel! Sea kayaks only. 

Social Paddle Calendar (May - Sept 2026)

Downtown

Leaving from our downtown docks, we explore Victoria's Inner Harbour or Gorge waterway while chatting and enjoying the water. 

Our Downtown paddles take place 2-3 times a month.

Downtown social paddles are great for paddlers of all skill levels, including beginners!

Oak Bay 

Our Oak Bay social paddles head out into Oak Bay along the shoreline, often illuminated by the beautiful light of golden hour/dusk. On lucky days, Mount Baker stands tall in the background of our paddles. 

Our Oak Bay Paddles take place about once a month.

In order to join our Oak Bay paddles, paddlers must have a Paddle Canada level 1 certification or have performed a sea kayak wet exit and re-entry in the last year.

Field Trips

Our Social Paddle Club also ventures outside of the Victoria area to go on small “Field Trips” on a weekend day, once a month. These trips range from a few hours to half-day trips. 

Past Field Trips have included Bioluminescence paddles, a Cole Island paddle, the Portage Loop, and a Sidney paddle.

Details on the upcoming Field Trip are shared in advance. Please note, transportation is not provided for Field Trips. 

In order to join our Field Trip social paddles, paddlers must have a Paddle Canada level 1 or have performed a sea kayak wet exit and re-entry in the last year.

*Locations will vary depending on sea state and weather condition. Details about location will always be communicated in advance.

A Welcoming Space


The Social Paddle Club strives to be an inclusive and accessible space, open to paddlers of varying skill levels. While some paddling experience (kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, on lakes, rivers or the ocean) is recommended to join the club, it is not required. 

Our goal is to grow a supportive and inspiring community where everyone learns, shares, and explores together. 

If you’re new to kayaking or would like to build your confidence before joining, check out the Clinics and Courses we offer.

Any Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at adventure@oceanriver.com

Clinics and Courses