Introduction to Currents - Tacoma - Deception Pass

Bowman Bay, ready to paddle at 9 AM.

This course is BEGINNING to Moderate CURRENTS.  No previous current  experience in current required.   It is helpful if you have good rescue skills.  We will start in slack conditions, and practice as currents build.  Expect to capsize and practice rescues in actual conditions.

 We will learn how to enter and exit current for maximum benefit, eddy hop, and ferry glide. Bracing skills will be covered including how to use a low brace in current. Assisted rescues will be practiced before entering current (and almost certainly after entering current). For those who desire to be challenged rolling, bow rescue and self-rescue in current are all possible. All exercises are “challenge by choice”.  Some people learn well watching, others by trying and learning by their mistakes.

Current is one of my favorite places to play.  Come see what all the fuss is about in a safe and supportive environment.

Participants should do their best self-assessment.  Participants should feel they are ready to paddle in SK IV conditions Should be willing to get wet, practice skills, try new things, push limits and be safety support for others. Let’s all support each other in developing skills and stretching limits, where ever they are.

Note; and incident management clinic is scheduled at the same launch site the day before, and pairs well with this clinic.

Mountaineers member only, no guests.

Beginning kayakers must have completed at least 6 day trips, or equivalent, before coming on this clinic.