Tacoma Branch Central Sound Paddling Experience

about the award

Earn  a badge for your profile by completing these sea kayaking trips:

• Tacoma Narrows: This round trip paddle is from Owen Beach in Pt. Defiance to Titlow Park. We recommend lunch at Steamers, next to Titlow Park.
• Fox Island Circumnavigation: This circumnavigation can be done in either direction, but no land mass may come between your boat and the island.
• Gig Harbor Triple Cross: Launch at Owen Beach, cross to Vashon Island (you have to touch the beach), then cross to Gig Harbor. Lunch at the Tides Tavern is recommended. Cross back to Owen Beach to complete the third crossing.
• Colvos Passage: Paddle at least 7nm of unrepeated shore line. Crossings do not count in the 7nm. The practice of shuttling is allowed.
• Blake Island Overnight: This paddle includes a circumnavigation of Blake Island, as well as an overnight campout on Blake Island. We recommend the FamilyInn in Manchester for an after paddle dinner or glass of wine.
• Cutts Island Night Paddle: Launch at either Wauna (Purdy Spit), Rosedale Drive or Horsehead Bay, and paddle to Cutts Island while enjoying the bioluminescence in the water.
  Best done Jul–Sep during a new or partial moon. We suggest an evening potluck dinner on Cutts Island with a paddle back after dark.
• Commencement Bay: Explore the Thea Foss Waterway then cross the shipping channels to the Hylebos Waterway. Check out the new kayak launch at the mouth of the Hylebos. Paddle to Browns Pt, then return. We recommend Rock the Dock Pub and Grill on Dock Street for an after paddle dinner or beverage.

how to obtain

Complete all of the trips while a current member of The Mountaineers after July 2012. The trips must be registered Mountaineers trips. Use the Central Sound Paddling Experience form to record your progress and request this paddle pin and badge.

contact

Contact the Tacoma Branch Sea Kayaking Chair.