Sea Kayak - Shi Shi Beach & Point of the Arches

On Monday after the Surf and Camp weekend, we will start with a relaxed breakfast, pack our camps, load our boats, and launch.  I anticipate launching about 10:00am

The coastline at Point of Arches is beautiful, intricate, and fun to explore.  On this trip, we will camp near Point of Arches and have plenty of time to explore there and the coastline to the south.  There are sea caves, rock gardens, and seldom used surf breaks.  

Participants must have experience paddling in surf, swell, and wind.  Please consider the conditions listed below and assess your ability to paddle in those conditions.

This is a good trip for someone's first coastal overnight trip.  The overall pace is relaxed and distances are not long.

SCHEDULE

• Monday:  Launch about 10:00am and paddle to Shi-Shi beach, taking time to explore.
• Tuesday:  up by 7am, leisurely breakfast, paddle Point of Arches and south.  Return by 5pm so we have time to bake bread.
• Wednesday:  Launch maybe 9am and paddle back to Hobuck, arriving before Noon so we have time to drive home.

COSTS

Permits for camping in the Olympic National Park will cost about $22.  Purchase of permits will be made in May, close to the trip date.  

Every car will require a Hobuck recreation pass ($20).  Passes can be purchased at Hobuck on the first day.

CONDITION REQUIREMENTS

Conditions must be within the following for this trip to go:

• Winds under 20kt, and not much above 15kt
• Swell such that we anticipate the shore break we need to transition will be under 3". 
• No big rainfall
• Minimum of 3 particpants.

GOALS

• Camp 2 nights at Shi-Shi
• Explore Point of Arches
• Surf some remote breaks
• Relaxed pace

EXPECTATIONS

• Ability to paddle on the coast:
  • Paddle in ocean well to 6ft
  • Land and launch through 3" surf.
• Ability to camp in damp and light rain
• All food is stored in a bear can, which must be carried within the boat.
• Bring a boat suitable for paddling near rocks in through surf
• Participate in group decisions.
• Abide by the decisions made by the leader or the group
• Do not take risks that others are uncomfortable with.

STYLE

• Paddle as a group
• Support each other
• Low-impact camping
• Brisk paddling pace of 3.5kt in the ocean then stopping to explore interesting features.