Sea Kayaking Student Paddle - Saddlebag & Guemes Island

From Anacortes we'll paddle to the southern tip of Hat Island, turn north along the east side and cross to Saddlebag Island where we can stop for a break.  We'll then cross to Huckleberry Island and the turn north west to cross to Boat Harbor on Guemes Island where we'll stop for a longer break and to practice rescues.  Boat Harbor is a protected and isolated cove with a small beach.  After lunch we'll paddle south along Guemes Island before making the crossing back to Anacortes. I expect we will be back around 5:30.

Registration to be a participant on this student paddle requires trip leader approval. For this activity, participants will be expected to demonstrate self and assisted rescues.

As with all Mountaineers SK trips, participants need to provide their own boats, gear, food, and water. Dry suits suitable for sea kayaking are required for this paddle due to cold water , as well as the possibility of capsize. Expect to encounter rough water at times, particularly in the presence of power boat wakes.

Prior to the trip, please download, complete, and print the Paddling Conditions form. Bring it to the activity to review at the pre-paddle meeting.  Here is the link to the form:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wnz841_wlKXWKF91wKymBT4GHRxvRw48GGLPWY-gJUg/edit

Participants should also bring a chart.

NOAA Tide Predictions (hint: find the tides at Anacortes): https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions.html

NOAA Current Predictions (hint: find the currents at Guemes Channel and saddlebag Island Passage): https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/map/index.html?type=CurrentPredictions

NOAA Marine Point Forecast for immediate area: https://marine.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-122.574&lat=48.518

NOAA Marine associated zone forecast for the greater area: Zone Area Forecast for Northern Inland Waters Including The San Juan Islands

Windy forecast for the immediate area: https://www.windy.com/48.536/-122.557/ecmwfWaves/waves?waves,48.268,-122.696,10

Extra points for marking up your chart with a route, tide, and current data.  Extra extra points for noting the distance, estimated travel time, heading for each leg, noting what the tide is expected to do throughout the day, and noting what the currents will be up to.

if you do not have a chart case gallon zip lock bags can be used (double bag).

Seafarers Memorial Park in Anacortes at 11am and ready for a NOON launch.  If you need more than an hour to get your kit ready please plan on arriving before the meeting time.  Restrooms available.