Sea Kayaking Student Paddle - McMicken Island (Case Inlet)

This is a student paddle trip for those participating in the basic sea kayak course. Assistant leaders are appreciated too!

We’ll launch right after the 9:30am shoretalk, and will follow the shoreline as we head north. We'll pass the Herron Island ferry dock at the north end of Herron Island, then follow the Herron Island shore around counterclockwise. Next we'll cross Case Inlet and paddle to McMicken Island State Park, where we’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, we’ll paddle around the island and proceed south along the shore of Harstine Island to Fudge Point, then cross back to Joemma Beach. There are great mountain views to be had if skies allow. The group will decide in the morning at what point in the trip we’ll do the rescue practice (both self and assisted rescues).

This trip is rated SKIII because of the fetch and crossing distance. The crossings are just over 1nm. All other aspects are SKII. Total distance will be about 9.5 nm.

Wear drysuits. You need to have a hard-shell kayak with perimeter lines. Bring your lunch, a change of underlayer garments and the 10 essentials.

If conditions don’t allow for this trip as described, Plan B will be to head north, staying close to the Key Peninsula shore, then turning and returning along the same route.

Assistant leaders are invited to sign up now.

Meet at Joemma Beach State Park on west side of Key Peninsula. A Discover Pass is required for parking. There are bathrooms. You can drop your boat off next to the boat launch if you like, but will need to park your vehicle in the lot. Be courteous of drivers and motorboats launching from the ramp.

Arrival time:  8:00am. The park gate opens at 8am. If you are an experienced paddler and feel organized enough to be ready in 1 hr then you can come a bit later.

Launch time: Please be suited up and at the water next to the boat ramp with your loaded boat, ready to launch, at 9:30am.