Temporary changes are coming to the Wednesday paddles. This fall Tom Unger will lead a series of Essential Kayaking Skills clinics at the same time as the weekly paddle, at or from the community boat center boat launch. Participants can show up and decided whether they want to paddle the usual route or take part in the clinic. These are considered two separate events and therefore you must choose the appropriate sign up on the website.
The purpose of the clinics is to give paddlers the essential skills of kayaking. The skills build on each other and it is good to work through the whole clinic. However, all are welcome to sign up for individual classes according to their schedule and interest.
Our standard Wednesday paddle is considered a Level 2 paddle (see trip rating scale on WAKE website). The Wednesday trips are a good opportunity to dial in your safety gear. Please note the list of suggested safety gear in this announcement.
As usual, we will head south along the shore of Bellingham Bay to Clark's Point and back. Moderate pace (3 knots or whatever the group decides). Please pay attention to the sliding starting time during fall and spring, based on tine of sunset.
During summer and fall please be mindful when returning to the CBC. Leave space at the boat ramp and give the beginner sailors on the bay plenty of space.
And don't forget the after-paddle pint and fish & chips at Stone's Throw.
When: 4pm launch from south-end beach at Boulevard Park, adjusted based on time of sunset. Stopping at the Community Boat Center launch 10 minutes later to pick up anyone leaving from there. PLEASE BE READY TO LAUNCH ON TIME.
Route: Southbound along the shore to the end of Clark's Point (6.5 miles round trip). Unless the group chooses an alternate.
Dress: Be ready for cool air temps and cold water. Neoprene or drysuit is highly recommended in these conditions. If you are gear limited, email the trip coordinator.
Skill Level:Level 2.
Safety Gear Information
Each Person Should Definitely Have:
- Pump
- Drysuit or wetsuit
- Appropriate hand and head covering for the temperatures (UV protection).
- A waterproof headlamp and/or 360-degree visible light for navigation safety at dusk/dark.
- At least one mode of communication that will work and be accessible on the water (cell phone, VHF radio, etc.). A second piece provides redundancy.
- PFD
- Whistle
- Any emergency medications you need (for example Ibuprofen)
- Any equipment they would like to work with during the clinic, if they choose to participate
Each Person Should Consider Having:
- A spare paddle
- A spare set of warm clothes in a dry bag (such as fleece jacket and pants)
- A VHF radio (if you know how to use it)
- A short or long tow rope (if you know how to use it)
- An easily accessible, rust-resistant safety knife for entanglements, etc.
- Compass - on deck or on PFD
- A small flashing strobe attached to PFD
In addition to those things, the trip leader will have:
- Multiple flares (electronic and pyrotechnic)
- Poncho that doubles as a tarp
- Emergency bivy
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Boat Repair Kit
- Emergency food (Candy bars)