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Paddling in Moving Water

Clinic

Paddling in Moving Water - Deception Pass

An introduction to paddling in moving water, held in a moderate eddy at beautiful Deception Pass

Contacts

Tom Unger
Tom Unger
Primary Leader
  • Sea Kayak IV
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 4.0 nm
  • Maximum Waves: 3 ft
  • Maximum Currents: 5 kts
  • Pace: Moderate

Meet at Bowman Bay boat launch at 8:45AM for shore talk.  Boats should be packed and ready to launch.  We’ll spend about 45 minutes on shore before actually launching.

We are likely to return to Bowman Bay about 3:30PM

This clinic will introduce you to paddling in moving water using the classroom of a moderate ebb current in beautiful Deception pass.

This clinic is suitable for paddlers who have basic boat handling skills.

  • You can turn with sweeps and rudders
  • Sometimes you use edging improve handling
  • You are comfortable with capsizing and rescues
  • Have graduated from the Basic class (or have equivalency)
  • You feel ready to learn to paddle in more dynamic conditions

Close interaction between paddlers during rescues is expected in this clinic. Please only attend if you are low risk for transmitting or contracting COVID.

Our day will start with discussion of the features that appear in moving water. We will practice skills on shore and near shore in still water.

At about 11am we will paddle over to Deception pass and take a break on shore for lunch.

About 11:30am ebb current starts. We will practice various skills as the current builds from very gentle to moderate.

Route/Place

Deception Pass


  • Sea Trails Deception Pass and Skagit Bay WA101
    NOAA Bellingham to Everett No. 18423
    NOAA Anacortes to Skagit Bay No. 18427
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • Helmet.  Preferably a water sports helmet but a bike other other helmet is suitable.
  • Gloves that would protect your hands from barnacles.  These may be neoprene or leather gardening gloves.  Best are gloves that you can easily paddle in.  Wearing gloves is a personal choice.  You probably won’t need to touch barnacle covered rocks.  But, if you do, you’ll get cut.  
  • Paddle float and pump

Optional

  • Tow rope

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