SK-III Trip Planning and Leadership - Deception Pass

Meet at the Environmental Learning Center Mess Hall after breakfast at 8 am. We will do trip planning there before leaving for the launch location (TBA)

For any trip we do, whether leading or following, we should carefully consider the many factors which contribute to our route selection and timing. In this class, we will evaluate the weather forecast, predictions of tides and currents, the palette of local waterways, and the needs and wants of our paddlers, to develop several alternative trip plans for the day. We will choose among these alternatives to find the best match for our paddler's interests and abilities. Then we will conduct the trip, executing our plan, allowing each participant the opportunity lead a section of the trip, with a focus on navigation, communication, and group dynamics. As the focus will be on SK-III trips, participants must be comfortable paddling and performing rescues in SK-III conditions, which may include winds up to 15 kt, waves up to 2 ft, and currents up to 2 kt. Please bring trip planning tools, such as guide books and charts for the Anacortes and Deception Pass areas as well as a chart case and compass for your kayak.