Trip Schedule for 2003

Contributions from Washington Kayak Club
and Seattle Sea Kayak Club members

Participation in any of these trips requires membership in SSKC or another local club with which we share reciprocal trip scheduling. Members may also bring guests on trips with the leader’s permission.

Before signing up for a trip, be sure to read the Trip Participant Responsibilities, the Trip Classification System, and the Recommended Equipment List, Leader Responsibilities

Date	Skill Level	Description
3/8-9 Sat-Sun		LEADERSHIP TRAINING in the San Juans with Shawna Franklin and Leon Somme of BodyBoatBlade on Orcas Island.
3/22 Sat	II	COMMENCEMENT BAY. Launch at Owens Beach at 11 am. Paddle around the bay. Approx. 10 mi. RT. Sign up after Feb. 15 but before March 14, 5pm.
3/22 Sat	II	DABOB BAY OYSTER FEST. Launch at Point Whitney Shellfish Lab, gather oysters on a minus tide at Tabook Point or Red Bluff, (depending on wind), roast ‘em and/or eat ‘em
4/2 Wed	I	LAKE WASHINGTON evening birding. Launch 6 pm from Houghton Beach Park, Kirkland. Bring binoculars and bird book. Off the water at sunset.
4/5 Sat	II	DASH POINT. Paddle from Dash Point State Park along the shore for a leisurely day on the water. Wet/dry suit required.
4/5 Sat	II+	FOX ISLAND. Circumnavigate this lovely South Sound island. Approx. 13 mi. of paddling.
4/12 Sat	I-II	SEABECK TO FRENCHMAN’S COVE. 5-6 miles each way. Put in at Seabeck (25 miles from Winslow Ferry.) Cross Hood Canal, explore Fisherman’s Harbor at the tip of Toandas Peninsula. Lunch at Frenchman’s Cove, a wonderful nature reserve, bird sanctuary, hiking trails. Return to Seabeck for beer and pizza.
4/13 Sun	II	KILISUT HARBOR, INDIAN ISLAND. Easy birding paddle in the bay between Marrowstone and Indian Islands. Bring binoculars and bird book. Wetsuit/ drysuit required. Launch Ft. Flagler at 9 am.
4/16 Wed	III	FULL MOON PADDLE. Kirkland waterfront put-in location to be decided. Launch under sunset skies, then paddle for about 2 hours to enjoy the moon rise and dark out on the lake. Must bring a flashlight along with the usual stuff (boat, paddle, PFD, water, etc.)
4/19 Sat	III	FRESHWATER BAY TO CRESCENT BAY. Minus tide should provide great fun in the rocks or bird watching depending on interest. Possible surf at Crescent Bay. Max 8 paddlers. Wet/dry suit required. Helmet required if you want to play among the rock. 8 nm RT.
4/25 Fri		STARRY NIGHT ON THE LAKE – Washington Water Trails Association Annual Auction. An evening of fine dining, lively company and philanthropy for an organization dedicated to creating and maintaining public access to the Puget Sound for users of non-motorized boats. Featuring auctioneer Sandy Bradley, former host of NPR show “Sandy Bradley’s Potluck. Tickets $45 include dinner.
4/25-27 Fri-Sun		LEADERSHIP TRAINING with Rick Davies of B.C. Rick is an outstanding professional trainer and outdoor leader. He will be assisted by our own Bill McKenzie.
4/26 Sat	II+	KEY PENINSULA. Launch at Joemma State Park. Kayak around Devil’s Head and finish at Penrose State Park. Approx. 12 miles of paddling.
4/27 Sun	I-IV	14^th ANNUAL PADDLEFEST at Stan Sayres Memorial Park. The best opportunity to paddle the widest selection of kayaks, talk with designers, builders, and experienced paddlers. Sponsored by Pacific Water Sports. Cost is $10 (Profits donated to Washington Water Trails and Puget Soundkeeper Alliance.)
5/2 Fri		AMERICAN CANOE ASSOCIATION INSTRUCTOR DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP. Port Townsend. If interested in this or courses like this, call for more information.
5/2-4 Fri-Sun		BASIC SEA KAYAK CLASS. Learn the basics of sea kayaking including rescues, strokes, bracing, navigation. Weekend training at Fort Flagler State Park. Must provide own boat with flotation, drysuit, paddle and PFD.
5/3 Sat	II+	POTHOLES BIRDING OVERNIGHT. Kayak camp in Potholes Reservoir near Moses Lake to see the Western Grebe courtship dance plus many other birds. Bring binoculars and bird book. Wetsuit/drysuit recommended.
5/3 Sat	II-III	MERCER ISLAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION. Good conditioning and home viewing paddle. 12-15 miles. 10 am launch (TBA.)
5/3-5/4 Sat-Sun	III	YELLOW ISLAND and JONES ISLAND OVERNIGHT. Depending on weather, we’ll either wheel on the Friday Harbor ferry or drive on to Orcas Island. Either way we’ll have our pick of campsites and enjoy the Nature Conservancy’s wildflowers.
5/10 Sat	III	SOUTHWORTH TO PORT ORCHARD. Meet 9 am at Southworth ferry terminal. Car shuttle, then paddle to Manchester State Park for lunch. Continue the shore-line to Port Orchard and optional group dinner. 15 nm.
5/10 Sat	III	MAURY ISLAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION. Start and end in Portage. Paddle through protected Quartermaster Harbor. Then north through East Passage, past Port Robinson Lighthouse. Can be windy in afternoon. Wet or drysuit required. Approx. 12 miles.
5/10 Sat	III	HARTSTENE/SQUAXIN CIRCUMNAVIGATION. Launch at Fair Harbor boat launch, with stops at Hope and McMicken Islands. About 26 nm, with about half current assist.
5/10-11 Sat-Sun	III	LUMMI ISLAND OVERNIGHT. Leave Gooseberry Point 10 am, round the north end of island and down the west side to Lummi Rocks. Continue around the south end and camp at the beautiful DNR site. Return to Gooseberry Sunday morning. 14 mi. around island. Wet suit/drysuit required.
5/10-26	III-IV	GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK. A chance to see one of our great national treasures at the beginning of the season, when the weather is the driest, the bugs haven’t come out in force, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet. Drop-off and pick-up services to be used to within the park. Leader plans to bring own boat by ferry from Bellingham, although local boat rental is possible. Early sign-up recommended. Limit 6.
5/17 Sat	II	LAKE WASHINGTON evening pizza paddle. Dinner at Pegasus Pizza (bring money) in Kirkland followed by a late full-moon paddle. Must have all safety gear AND lights for boat/person. Must call by Wednesday, 5/14. *(SSKC)
5/16-19 Fri-Mon	I-IV	THETIS ISLAND KAYAK SYMPOSIUM. This is BC’s premiere kayak event, offering lots of on- and in-the-water training as well as great fun and outstanding food, not to mention the finest trainers in B.C.
5/17 Sat	III	ANDERSON ISLAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION. Launch from Boston Harbor with lunch on Eagle Island. About 23 nm, all with the current.
5/17 Sat	II	CAMANO ISLAND. Launch from Kayak Point. Take out at Camano Island State Park. Car shuttle between the two points. Approx. 14 mi. Limit 6.
5/17 Sat	II-III	NAVIGATION SKILLS WORKSHOP. Stan Sayres Park. This “trip” will begin with navigation basics in the parking lot and then will continue on the water for some practical experience under my guidance as needed. Bring compass along with the usual stuff. A background in basic paddling skills (strokes and wet exit) is required.
5/17-18 Sat-Sun	III	BLAKE ISLAND OVERNIGHT AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES. If the weather is nice, launch from West Seattle and paddle over to Blake Island. Enjoy an afternoon of hiking on the island. Wet/dry suit required. Wheels needed in case bad weather requires taking the ferry back.
5/17-18 Sat-Sun	III	SEA KAYAK YAKIMA CANYON. Launch at Ringer Road and float the scenic canyon to the Roza takeout; overnight at Red’s Campground and hike up Umtanum Canyon on Sunday in search of wildflowers. 17 mi.
5/17-18 Sat-Sun	III-IV	SAN JUAN CHALLENGE. Anacortes is the site for this exciting two day, 40 mile sea kayak race. A mini 14 mile challenge race is also held. Starts from Cap Sante park in Anacortes.
5/22 Thurs	II	EARLY EVENING LAKE PADDLE – ENETAI BEACH. Two hours of exercise, relaxation and camaraderie. Launch is under I-90 bridge in Bellevue. *(SSKC)
5/24	III+	FOX ISLAND TO PITT ISLAND AND RETURN. Open water crossing (4 mi.) 9-11 mi. RT. Easy currents in Pitt Passage. 3kn average pace. Wet/dry suit required.
5/24 Sat	I	BLACK RIVER. Small easy river with very remote feel just south of Olympia. Everglade-like with some moderate current. Paddle to lunch spot and return. No shuttle required. Sign up by Wed. 5/21. *(SSKC)
5/24-26 Sat-Mon	III	MEMORIAL WEEKEND IN THE SAN JUANS. Depart Washington Park in Anacortes and paddle over to Decateur Island. Camp in front of a private house (owner approved of course) with kitchen/bath privileges. Sunday paddle around the area. Monday paddle to Friday Harbor and take the ferry back to Anacortes. Wet/dry suit required. Wheels required for the return trip. Trip cancelled for bad weather.
6/6-8 Fri-Sun		BASIC SEA KAYAK CLASS. Learn the basics of sea kayaking including rescues, strokes, bracing, navigation. Weekend training at Fort Flagler State Park. Must provide own boat with flotation, drysuit, paddle and PFD.
6/7 Sat	III	FRESHWATER BAY TO CRESCENT BAY. Minus tide should provide great fun in the rocks or bird watching depending on interest. Possible surf at Crescent Bay. Max 8 paddlers. Wet/dry suit required. Helmet required if you want to play among the rock. 8 nm RT.
6/7 Sat	II	DABOB BAY. Explore DNR beaches of Dabob and Quilcene Bays. Launch at Point Whitney Shellfish Lab. Last year, lots of eagles were sighted.
6/7 Sat	I	CHAMBERS CREEK TO DAY ISLAND-TITLOW BEACH. Shuttle required. Sign up by Wed. 6/4. *(SSKC)
6/8 Sun	II	MATS-MATS BAY. Sign up after May 28 but before June 4. Enjoy the bird life and sea lions during the paddle from Mats-Mats Bay to Port Ludlow (an historic lumber mill town) for lunch. 6 mi. RT
6/13 Fri	II	FULL MOON PADDLE. Are you superstitious? If not, come join the night paddlers on Friday the 13^th, as we howl at the full moon in the San Juans. Paddle around Roche Harbor. Afterwards, we’ll rest up for the big paddle around San Juan Island the next day.
6/14 Sat	III	WAUNA SHIPWRECKS. Meet 9:30 at Wauna boat launch near Purdy. Check out hulls of old shipwrecks on this low low tide day. Paddle south to Glen Cove, then cross to Cutts Island and return up that side of Henderson Bay. 12 nm.
6/14-15 Sat-Sun	IV+	CIRCUMNAVIGATE SAN JUAN ISLAND. Put in at Friday Harbor and ride the ebb down through Cattle Pass. Lunch at South Beach. Enjoy the strong push up the west side. Camp on the west side. Paddle back to Friday Harbor Sunday morning. 30+ miles RT.
6/21-22 Sat-Sun	III	MIDSUMMER EVE on CYPRESS ISLAND. Launch at Washington Park in Anacortes, ride the flood up Rosario Strait; lunch on Strawberry Island; camp at Pelican Beach; climb Eagle Bluff or hike to the lake on Sunday morning, then ride the ebb back home. 15 miles. *(SSKC)
6/28 Sat	II	DYES INLET. Launch at Chico. Explore bays and inlets and ride the current down Port Washington Narrows to Evergreen Park for lunch. Return on flood.
6/29 Sun	II	HENDERSON INLET. Launch at Boston Harbor, near Olympia, paddle to Henderson Inlet where we’ll see lots of seals and water birds. Pleasant lunch site with picnic tables, restrooms, trails. 8-9 mi.
7/3-7/7 Thur-Mon	III-IV	GULF ISLANDS. Wheel on the Sidney ferry at Anacortes and launch next to ferry dock in Sidney. Many possibilities include D’Arcy, Little D’Arcy, Portland, and Prevost Islands, camping in provincial marine parks and coordinating group-shared meals. Wheels and wet/drysuit required. Limit 6.
7/5 Sat	II	LUHR BEACH to JOHNSON POINT. Launch at Luhr Beach, and head for Zittel’s Marina for a picnic lunch. Fish and Wildlife parking sticker required. 12 nm.
7/9 Wed	II	LAKE UNION. Paddle through the Montlake Cut, then explore the nooks and crannies of the Arboretum. Spray skirt required. Call for launch location, time and other details. 5-6 mi. RT. Eats at Aqua Verde if group agrees. Sign up after June 30 but before July 5.
7/12 Sat	I-II	FAUNTLEROY TO ALKI and return. Explore the shoreline on a very low tide. Test the urban legend of the old Alki Amusement Park. Wet/dry suit optional. 7 mi. RT, 2.5-3 kt average pace.
7/12-13 Sat-Sun	IV	WASHINGTON PARK TO DOE BAY. Short overnight trip. Catch the strong afternoon flood in Rosario Strait to camp on Doe Island and return with the morning ebb. Optional trip to Doe Day, a 12-minute paddle from our camp. Distance at least nine miles each way, crossing strong currents and shipping lanes. Dry suit or wet suit and paddle jacket required. Average paddler pace may be 3.5 knots. Winds opposed to the strong current could create very rough water so rescue and bracing skills are required.
7/13 Sun	III+	CIRCUMNAVIGATE GUEMES ISLAND. Launch at Anacortes, Guemes Island ferry dock. Paddle with flood through Bellingham Channel, late lunch at Youngs Park (NE end of island.) Return with stop at Saddlebag Island. Approx. 15 mi. RT
7/13 Sun	II+	ANNUAL CRAB FEST – Saddlebag Island. Paddle from March Point (near Anacortes) to Saddlebag Island. Stalk the elusive Dungeness crab. Return to March Pt. for a potluck crab feed. Sign up after 7/4.
7/19-8/3	III-IV	KUIU ISLAND, SE ALASKA. Kayak the remote wilderness area of Kuiu Island. Explore abandoned Indian Villages, see abundant wildlife, eagles, bears, wolves, humpback whales.
7/25 Fri	III	BLAKE ISLAND from West Seattle. Daylight and night crossings. When twilight is gone, we’ll return on a moonless night, arriving by midnight. Flashlight/wet/dry suit required.
7/26 Sat	II	WINSLOW TO FAYE BAINBRIDGE. Explore east shore of Bainbridge Island. Lunch at Faye Bainbridge state Park and return.
8/2 Sat	III	TITLOW TO GIG HARBOR. 12 nm. Ride the ebb up to Gig Harbor for a late lunch at the Tides, and ride the flood back to Titlow.
8/5 Tues	II	SOUTH SOUND. Put in at Herron Island ferry dock on the Long Branch peninsula. Paddle north to Stretch Island and return via McMicken Island. Approx. 12 mi.
8/9 Sat	II	DUNGENESS CRAB FROM YOUR KAYAK. Shellfish permit required. Come catch crab from your kayak at Kayak Point County Park. Launch at 10:00 and paddle out to the 50 foot depth for several hours of crabbing and paddling. We’ll cook our catch on the beach with potluck to share. Build your own crab ring the Saturday before at our house. Limit 10 people. *(SSKC)
8/9-10 Sat-Sun	I-II	ANDERSON ISLAND OVERNIGHT. Stay overnight at this beautiful South Sound WWTA site, exploring for sand dollars with Nisqually Reach as a backdrop. This trip is intended as a beginner level, short mileage, introduction to extended stay kayak touring.
8/14 Thurs	II	LAKE WASHINGTON evening paddle. Launch from Tracy Owens landing in Kenmore. Leisurely summer paddle followed by dinner.
8/14-17 Thurs-Sun	III-IV	NORTH SAN JUAN ISLANDS. Launch from Gooseberry Point. Camp 3 nights at Point Doughty. Friday and Saturday paddling around the nearby islands (e.g. Waldron, Patos, Sucia) Must be comfortable crossing Rosario Strait in moderately rough seas. Limit 6.
8/16 Sat	II	ARTIST’S DAY OUT. This trip will be along the very picturesque Chuckanut Bay and will include a couple hours break at Chuckanut Island. Calling all artists to take turns sketching and posing at the island to support our sea kayak art interests. Share plein-art stories and ideas about what supplies work best for art by kayak during the paddle around the bay. If interested in this kind of trip but can not make this one, please call to be notified for future artist outings.
8/16-17 Sat-Sun	II-III	PACIFIC BEACH SURF FEST. Babbette’s Annual Sun and Surf frolic at Pacific Beach. Potluck feast Sat. night. Wine and candlelight Brown pelicans and wildlife (besides the crazy wave surfers) on the beach. Creek to paddle if you don’t want to surf. Wet/dry suit AND helmet required for surfing for both whitewater and sea kayakers. Call for reservations 1-888-226-7688 for site close to #52, 53, 54.
8/19 Tues	II	EVENING LAKE PADDLE – MT. BAKER BEACH. Join us for two hours of exercise, relaxation and camaraderie. Launch is on west side of Lake Washington, south of I-90. *(SSKC)
8/22-24 Fri-Mon	III	HOPE AND HARTSTENE ISLANDS. Join us for a long weekend among these south Puget Sound jewels. Launch Friday morning from Joemma Beach State Park on the Key Peninsula, ride the flood current north to Jarrel Cove State Park on the north end of Hartstene Island, stopping at tiny and rustic McMicken Island on the way. Camp Friday night at Jarrell Cove and again ride the flood current (now going south!) to Hope Island on Saturday morning. This is camp for Saturday night. Sunday morning paddle through Dana Passage back to Joemma Beach State Park, thus completing a circumnavigation of Hartstene Island. Both campsites are Cascadia Marine Trail sites. 7-9 miles each day with optional side trips. No signups before July 15.
8/23 Sat	II	HORSEHEAD BAY-CUTTS ISLAND-ALLEN POINT. Approx. 10-12 nm.
8/24-30	III	LAKE ROOSEVELT. Kayak the north-south portion of Lake Roosevelt from Kettle Falls to the Spokane River. Long shuttle involved. Minimum 4 paddlers required.
8/28 Tues	II	EVENING LAKE PADDLE – ENETAI BEACH. Relieve the day’s stress. Join us for 2 hours of relaxation and camaraderie. Launch is under I-90 bridge in Bellevue. *(SSKC)
8/30 Sat	IV	WASHINGTON PARK TO FRIDAY HARBOR via Cattle Pass. 20+ miles in one day. Enjoy the San Juans on a summer day without taking the ferry. Take advantage of the currents along Rosario Strait and San Juan Channel. Lunch at south end of Lopez Island. Paddle through Cattle Pass on a flood, then past Turn Island, ending at Friday Harbor. Wheel back on the ferry for a free ride home. Wheels and wet/dry suit are essential.
8/30-31 Sat-Sun	II+	ANDERSON ISLAND OVERNIGHT. Start in Boston Harbor, ride a 2.5 kt current through Dana Passage, then meander down to Anderson Island. 8-9 miles one way. Return trip between slack and early stage of flood. Must be a Washington Water Trails member.
9/1-6	III+	GULF ISLANDS. Enjoy the white sand beach of Portland Island, the quietness of D’Arcy Island, the warm sandy bays of Sidney Island, and several more. Wheels and wetsuit required. Limit 6.
9/5-7 Fri-Sun	II+	10^th ANNUAL FALL FUNFEST at FORT FLAGLER. Friday evening no-host dinner. Saturday to Wooden Boat Show. Sunday a local paddle. Potluck Sat. eve. Stay in barracks. Must pre-register by Aug.31 and send check for $18 housing fee. Sign-up preferences given to those who have come before. *(SSKC)
9/10 Wed	I-II	LAKE UNION. Paddle through the Montlake Cut, then explore the nooks and crannies of the Arboretum. Spray skirt required. Call for launch location, time and other details. 5-6 mi. RT. Eats at Aqua Verde if group agrees. Sign up between 8/31 and 9/6.
9/13 Sat	II	MATS MATS BAY. Escape from the rockbound Mats Mats Bay on the ebb, explore Colvos Rock and Port Ludlow at low tide, and ride the flood back home. 6-8 miles.
9/13 Sat	II	LIBERTY BAY. Launch at Keyport, ride ebb current through Agate Passage. Lunch at Native American Heritage Site (Old Man House State Park,) then ride the flood back.
9/18-21	I-IV	WEST COAST SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM-Fort Warden State Park. Try out new boats, renew friendships and learn from the leaders in the industry. On-the-water and land clinics with some of the outstanding trainers in the field.
9/20-21 Sat-Sun	IV	OVERNIGHT TO SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM - Port Townsend. Launch at either Maxwelton or Bush Point, cross to symposium in Port Townsend, and camp. 10 mile crossings, 20+ mi. Enjoy the max ebb and flood to our advantage. Even on calm days, expect strong rips.
9/21 Sun	II+	EVERETT SLOUGHS. Afternoon paddle in calm waters of Ebey and surrounding sloughs. Dinner (optional) after in Marysville. Car shuttle involved. About a 3-hour paddle. *(SSKC)
9/28 Sun	II-III	DUNGENESS SPIT. Meet at Cline Spit. Launch at 10:00 and paddle in Dungeness Harbor before heading east toward the Lighthouse and out to the tip of the spit – a protected seal habitat.
10/4 Sat	II	CAPTITOL LAKE. OLYMPIA. Paddle around Capitol Lake in Tumwater. A freshwater paddle on a beautiful Fall day. Watch those spawning salmon at close range.
10/4 Sat	II	SKOKOMISH RIVER DELTA. Enjoy early Fall colors and lots of sea life, including seals and waterfowl, during the paddle in the delta and up the Skokomish River. About 8 miles.
10/4 Sat	III	THE SOUTH SOUND INLET-A-MONTH SERIES: Henderson Inlet. Launch from Boston Harbor and explore Henderson Inlet
10/18 Sat	II	McALLISTER CREEK. ‘Tis the season to search for the elusive spawning Chinook salmon. Launch at Luhr Beach on the Nisqually Delta, ride the flood up the creek and ride the ebb back. 8 miles. *(SSKC)
10/31 Fri	II	HALLOWEEN PADDLE. Meet at 6:30 pm at the ramp on Sunnyside Ave. east of Gas Works Park. Wet/dry suit and lights for the boat are required. Decorate yourself and your boat as you see fit.
11/1 Sat	III	THE SOUTH SOUND INLET-A-MONTH SERIES: Hammersley Inlet. Launch from Boston Harbor and explore Hammersley Inlet
11/29	II-III	Dungeness Spit : November 29, Dungeness Spit lighthouse, lunch, and supper at 3-Crabs restaurant in Sequim. Call me , Babs Kunkle @ (253) 845-8071 Class II-III depending on wind.
11/30 Sun	III+	PROTECTION ISLAND, SEQUIM or FRESHWATER BAY. After working off some of the Thanksgiving stuffing at Dungeness Spit on Saturday, how about soaking in the Jacuzzi at the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center and camping at Sequim Bay State Park (or luxuriating in a motel just down the highway?) Then on Sunday, join us in circumnavigating Protection Island if the weather is calm, or explore the sandspits at the entrance to Sequim Bay if it isn’t. 7-10 miles.
Early Dec.	II	CHRISTMAS SHIP PADDLE. Meet at the ramp between Golden Gardens and Shilshole Bay Marina. Paddle with the Christmas Ship through the locks and back again. Decorations or costumes are optional. Wet/dry suit. Date and exact time TBA.
Later Dec.	II	KIRKLAND CHRISTMAS SHIP PADDLE. Come enjoy the Christmas Ships and carolers. Decorate your boats with lights, and enjoy a cool evening paddle. Warm up with hot chocolate afterwards.
12/20 Sat	III	THE SOUTH SOUND INLET-A-MONTH SERIES: Budd Inlet. Launch from Boston Harbor and explore Budd Inlet.
1/3/04 Sat	III	THE SOUTH SOUND INLET-A-MONTH SERIES: Eld Inlet. Launch from Boston Harbor and explore Eld Inlet.
2/7/2004 Sat	II-III	FROZEN WATERFALL PADDLE. Paddle from Lake Diablo through the canyon to Ross Dam for lunch,, and experience 500 foot icicles. Dress warmly. Wet/dry suit strongly recommended.
2/14/04 Sat	III	THE SOUTH SOUND INLET-A-MONTH SERIES: Totten Inlet. Launch from Boston Harbor and explore Totten Inlet.

Great! We'd love to have you! But remember, the trip leader is just a volunteer. This is a group effort, and you have some responsibilities:

Remember that the trip leader is not certified or in any way pre-qualified by the club. Although leaders, like participants, want everyone to have a good time, they cannot guarantee the happiness or safety of trip participants. That's why you're responsible for the things below.

* Call the trip leader no later than the Wed. night before a weekend day trip. For overnights call a week or more in advance to allow time to arrange car pools, potlucks, etc. The leader may cancel the trip if there aren't enough people signed up in advance!

* Read and understand the trip rating classification chart (included with schedule) and skills required at each level. It's your responsibility to determine that you have the skills necessary for the trip.

* Read and understand the trip waiver/release, and make sure any friends you're bringing are aware of it. You'll all be signing one for the trip.

* Familiarize yourself with the details of the trip, such as ferries, tides, and charts. If you have questions, please ask the leader!

* Your experience and equipment, and that of any friend you want to bring along. For any trip above the class 2 level and some lower level trips, you will need to know how fast you've paddled and how far, as well as wind/water conditions at the time. And realize that if the trip leader feels uncomfortable about some aspect of you or your friends abilities, he/she does have the right to suggest you select a different trip.

* Any medical or other problems which may affect you during the trip. It's a lot easier to plan ahead than have to react in an emergency.

* Whether the trip leader would like assistance with the trip planning, or volunteering any special skills you might have, such as first aid or music making.

* Be on time at the put-in! Time and tide wait for no one! If you're late the leader may have no choice but to leave without you.

* Bring your best and most positive attitude and support decisions made by the trip leader. Encourage other trip participants to cooperate with the leaders request's, such as helping to keep the group together, assistance with towing, etc.

* Remember that return times are estimates. Weather, group paddling speed, and unexpected delights may affect the time. Be prepared to be especially flexible on more difficult trips and overnights. Your life may depend on it! (make the appropriate arrangements at work before you leave!)

* The leader may cancel the trip at any time due to weather or other safety considerations. They will contact you if this is the case.

* If you decide to cancel after signing up you must call and let the leader know! People who simply "don't show up" quickly make themselves very unpopular! (And may have their names submitted to the good Dr. of gossip in the bulletin, who will then invent phony medical excuses for their absence!)

* Trip leading is an often thankless job, but you as a trip go-er can change this! Say "Hey, thanks for the trip!" once in awhile. Offer to buy the trip leader a beer or bring his/her favorite cookies. Ask if there's anything you can help with during the trip! It's hard to keep trip leaders interested without a few positive strokes from trip go-ers!

Sea Kayaking Trip Classification

Trip Rating:

SK I

SK II

SK III

SK IV

SK V

SK VI

Geography

(Fetch is defined as the unobstructed distance which the wind can blow over the water and build up waves)

In areas protected from waves by nearby land forms, in case of wind.

Fetches less than 10 nautical miles (nm) unless it is generally possible to land and walk out. Crossings less than 1/2 nm except for very protected trips.

Crossings up to two nm wide and/or fetches longer than 10 nautical miles (nm).

Crossings up to 5 nautical miles (nm).

Crossings more than 5 nm but less than 3 hrs. paddling time at the speed listed with the trip. Exposed ocean coasts are included when precautions are taken.

Trips combining a long fetch with stretches where a safe landing may be difficult or impossible for most of a day.

Hydraulics

(Expected on route)

Insignificant currents

Max. predicted current up to 1 knot (kt).

Max. predicted currents up to 2 knots.

Predicted currents may be more than 2 knots but less than slowest paddler's top speed.

Currents may be faster than group can paddle against.

Exposure to

hazards at any

other levels taken

to extremes.

Route

Day trips near shore.

Either has protection or intermittent places to get out.

May involve crossing eddy lines & tide rips.

May cross strong eddy lines, tide rips, and upwellings.

May include landing and launching in surf.

Acceptable

Conditions

(No guarantees)

kt = knot

Calm

Generally try to avoid choppy water and/or winds above 10 knots.

Generally will not start out in white caps, but be prepared for paddling into waves large enough to wash over the deck and be comfortable paddling in at least 10 kt. winds.

May include steep waves & swells. Be comfortable paddling in 15 kt. winds.

For groups prepared to knowingly set out in rough weather, white caps, and fast currents

May only be negotiable with favorable conditions. Kayak rescues may not be possible.

Skills

Experience

Needed

(The skills and experience required are cumulative with ascending levels.)

Ability to swim. Except with the leader's permission: (a) previous kayak trip experience is required on trips more than 5 nm.; and (b) previous practice capsizing and wet exiting (or be willing to learn how before the trip).

Participants must have practiced assisted sea kayak rescue techniques.

Conditions may require bracing skills. Previous group and self rescue practice (both as rescuer and rescuee).

Conditions may require anticipatory leaning, reflexive bracing, using the paddle to stern rudder, and the ability to read moving water. Familiarity with charts and navigation.

Trip members must have tested their skills in rough conditions, know their limits, and be self reliant in the event of separation from the group. The ability to Eskimo roll is highly recommended as conditions can make sea kayak rescues difficult. Rescue practice with the kayak and equipment used on the trip.

Extensive experience and skill including kayak surfing and rolling are required.

Plus or minus signs can be used to further differentiate the levels. For example, a minus sign could be used for a trip which technically fits a given level but is on the easy side of that level. An asterisk designates training trips open to paddlers new to that level. The distance to be paddled and the expected paddling speed should be listed, but do not affect trip level.

Due to the extra risk, the following factors increase the trip ratings 1/2 level:

• Water temperatures less than 55° F, unless participants bring wetsuits or drysuits to wear.

• A slightly faster current or longer crossing when all other conditions meet the criteria of a stated level.

• Overnight or longer trips, unless an alternative (such as hiking out or being picked up by a support boat) is available.

• Trips planned for times of year when the weather is at its worst and/or least predictable.

• Reduced visibility, i.e. night trips.

• Heavy boat traffic, or crossing commercial shipping lanes.

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FRESHWATER BAY TO CRESCENT BAY. Minus tide should provide great fun in the rocks or bird watching depending on interest. Possible surf at Crescent Bay. Max 8 paddlers. Wet/dry suit required. Helmet required if you want to play among the rock. 8 nm RT.

McALLISTER CREEK. ‘Tis the season to search for the elusive spawning Chinook salmon. Launch at Luhr Beach on the Nisqually Delta, ride the flood up the creek and ride the ebb back. 8 miles. *(SSKC)

HALLOWEEN PADDLE. Meet at 6:30 pm at the ramp on Sunnyside Ave. east of Gas Works Park. Wet/dry suit and lights for the boat are required. Decorate yourself and your boat as you see fit.

THE SOUTH SOUND INLET-A-MONTH SERIES: Hammersley Inlet. Launch from Boston Harbor and explore Hammersley Inlet