Introduction to Currents - Tacoma - Deception Pass

Bowman Bay boat launch ready to paddle at 9 AM.

Participants must also be registered for the Paddle and Camp Weekend at Deception Pass State Park. 

This is a BEGINNING CURRENTS clinic. Beginners and early learners welcome, no experience in current required. 

First year paddlers are welcome with instructors approval.

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. We will also introduce the use of short and long tows. 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. be sure to read the required equipment list.

This clinic will satisfy the currents and eddies clinic requirement for the intermediate kayaker badge, but will not meet the requirements for incident management.