Sea Kayak - Deception Pass State Park Campsite

Everyone is welcome to join this gathering at Deception Pass Campground.  We will organize trips on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (perhaps also Monday).  We will camp in Lower Loop A, where there are plenty of tent and RV camping sites (if you want a cabin, you'll need to use the Quarry Pond site).  Camp together and join in for impromptu shared meals.  Registration for this activity is for the gathering, not trips.

Note:

1. You need to either book your own campsite or find someone who is willing to share.  Please email the trip leader for a link to the camping coordination spreadsheet.
2. The water to the campground is shut off from mid-November through mid-March. Exact dates are dependent upon the weather.  (Restrooms remain open).

Who This Is For

This gathering is an opportunity paddle together and challenge ourselves, learn from each other, and enjoy being on the water (despite what the weather is doing*).  This is especially valuable for those who frequently lead others — here's your chance to paddle with peers for your own development and enjoyment.

Format of the weekend

Friday trips will post in advance of the weekend.  Saturday/Sunday trips will be scheduled (and posted) after group discussion on the night before the trip; our goal is to create space for people to organize trips collaboratively with paddlers at similar skill levels.   

Possible Trips

Participants will likely have more opportunities if they are comfortable paddling in wind and waves.   Come with an understanding of your personal limits, desire to paddle with peers at your level, and excitement to share in the planning and responsibility.  The area offers diverse paddling a range of exposure and difficulty — there's great paddling to be had for everyone who comes with realistic self-assessment and a collaborative spirit.

• Trips are possible in Deception Pass, to, or around, the closer San Juan islands, to Skagit & Hope Islands, along West Coast of Whidbey Island and from various launch sites around Anacortes.
• Sailing: If conditions are conducive to sailing there will be enthusiasm for a sailing trip. 
• Current Play: On Friday through Sunday, there will be 5+ kn ebbs in the early morning (between 8:15 and 10:15) and 3 to 4 kn floods in the afternoon (3 to 5). On Monday there's a very (time-)accessible 5.5 kn ebb at 10:52 AM.

NOTE: the clocks go forward on Sunday March 8th at 2 am.

Registration

Registration for this event indicates your intention to  participate in weekend activities.  It will get you included in further communication about the event.  Registration is low commitment.  You may freely cancel for any reason.  

GES

Goals, expectations, and style is another way to describe the intent and nature of this activity.

Goals:

• Learn by experience of doing
  • Leaders develop their leadership skills  
  • Everyone expands their personal paddling skills.
• The satisfaction of taking on a challenging trip and succeeding
• Create community

Expectations

• Participants have an accurate assessment of their ability.  
• Self directive - able to organize with peers for an appropriately challenging trip
• Make responsible trip plans with risk management in mind
• Inclusive of everyone attending

Style

• Informal gathering
• Ad-hoc trip planning
• Paddle with peers
• Morning and evening social time

* Truly miserable weather (that which would cause camping to be unpleasant) will lead to cancelation of this event.  

Arrive on Thursday (March 5th) to camp, or in time for a posted paddle on Friday morning (March 6th).