Burrows Pass tide rips (SK3) Meet at Washington Park launch (NW of Anacortes) by 0730, for a launch from Washington Park by 0830 on the late ebb. Round Fidalgo Head, cross Burrows Pass, round the east side of Burrows, ferry across Allan Passage on the last of the ebb around to the south side of Allan while the current turns. Return through Allan Passage on the early flood and lunch at the Burrows lighthouse while the flood builds. If anyone needs to touch up their bracing skills, we will... More

Burrows Pass tide rips (SK3) Meet at Washington Park launch (NW of Anacortes) by 0730, for a launch from Washington Park by 0830 on the late ebb. Round Fidalgo Head, cross Burrows Pass, round the east side of Burrows, ferry across Allan Passage on the last of the ebb around to the south side of Allan while the current turns. Return through Allan Passage on the early flood and lunch at the Burrows lighthouse while the flood builds. If anyone needs to touch up their bracing skills, we will have a short refresher session as we depart the lighthouse. Then paddle across Short Bay to the narrow east end of Burrows Pass. Practice peel outs and ferry angles in the tide rip off the NE end of Burrows. When we have had enough fun in the rips, ferry across Burrows Pass, through the often lumpy waters around Fidalgo Head and back to Washington Park. One nice thing about this trip is that each paddler can choose how adventurous they want to be with the current by choosing a more or less aggressive line. This also allows paddlers less comfortable in current rips to work their way up slowly, building skill and confidence. If you bring your roll, Burrows Pass a great opportunity to work that pesky left side roll in current if you are so inclined. Count on some opportunity to develop those bracing skills as we round Fidalgo Head on our way back to Washington Park. The day’s wind and boat traffic tends to set up lumpy afternoon water along the west side of Fidalgo Head. Dress for immersion and bring your essential safety gear plus some lunch, extra clothes, hat, sunglasses, and other appropriate kit. As of late-May, the Google Maps “satellite” view imagery for Burrows Island shows a flood current through Burrows Pass, with the rip visible off the NE end of Burrows

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