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Sea Kayak - Fox Island Circumnavigation

The forecast front was significantly delayed, so conditions for the paddle were SKII rather than the expected SKIV-V. It turned out to be a very pleasant paddle with very little wind and light overcast.

Will Greenough Will Greenough
February 23, 2025
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • The launch at the Fox Island bridge continues to be useable, but there are some significant potholes and there are no bathroom facilities. 

    We scouted the water access at the  end of  Kamus Drive on the west side of the island for future reference as a bail out point. This is only about a 7 minute drive from the bridge launch site, so would be a good potential bail out if conditions get too rough.

Based on the forecasts, I revised the trip - upgrading to SK IV-V from SK III, changing the launch time and location to 9:00am and Fox Island bridge to try to get ahead of the worst part of the front and avoiding the crossing from Titlow. Five folks cancelled as a result of the forecast conditions. We all arrived early so we could set a car at a bail out point on the west side of the Island (Fox Island Wall), but decided based on observed conditions and the group strength that we didnt' need to do this.
Conditions at the launch were calm and cloudy and the group got off the beach about 15 minutes early. The paddle out to the Fox Island Fishing Pier was uneventful with the expected wind continuing to be absent. After a leisurely break at the Pier, hoping for the wind to come up, we launched again and headed to Gibson Point where we encountered terrifying 3mm waves and screaming gusts blowing at 1kt!
Continuing up the west side of the island, we paused to inspect the planned bail out point at the end of Kamus Drive and then stopped at a beach about half way up the island for a leisurely lunch. Just before stopping for lunch, the wind seemed to be coming up, but never exceeded 3kt and died again during lunch. After lunch we continued around the island, arriving back at the bridge at about 1:20pm. Everyone wanted their money back as conditions were not as advertised!
A fun day out with a great group.