Level 1 Paddle - : Smith & Bybee Relaxed Pace

This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt).  To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group if you intend to wear a spray skirt.

Narrative: Partly cloudy skies and very light winds are calling me to get out and paddle. Let’s explore Smith and Bybee Lakes at low water levels. The last time I was there (May 2017), the water was so high that it was like one huge lake. This time we’ll need to use the channels that get us from one lake to another. This will be a relaxed pace trip, but anyone who wants to sprint is welcome to paddle circles around the group. SUPs, short boats, and inflatables are welcome.
This 2,000-acre nature reserve is home to a multitude of wildlife, from ospreys to bald eagles and beavers, and is the largest protected urban wetland in the nation. We may paddle from 6-8 miles depending on where we explore.
We’ll launch at 11 a.m. and plan to be off the water by 3 p.m. at the latest. We’ll take a break for lunch around 12:30 p.m. Minimum immersion wear is a full wetsuit. We will observe the Four Ps: Please Plan to be a Pod Participant! If you are a lone wolf, this is not the trip for you. Bathrooms are available at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, just before reaching the launch site at the end of the road. Free parking along the road.

Meeting Time: 10:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, 5300 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97217
Take out: Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, 5300 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97217
Route Alternative for bad weather: none
Required equipment: 
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): 
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: 
Maximum number of paddlers: 6 plus organizer
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 50
Estimated Water Temperature: 50
Estimated Water Time: 3 hours plus a lunch break
Tide times & heights: 
Current information: 
Hazards: 
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment: 
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments: 
Location (Optional): Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, 5300 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97217