PT Level 2 - Dungeness Spit

This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification. As with all Event classes and trips, registration will be done at the Event.
Narrative: Dungeness Spit, jutting out in a 5 mile arc into the Strait of San Juan de Fuca, features a picturesque lighthouse at the end. The small bay formed by the spit generally provides protection from prevailing seas (but not the wind). There will be protected nesting birds in the area, so landing areas are limited to the lighthouse. The lighthouse is staffed for visitors, so we will have lunch there and assess the conditions in the strait. There is a restroom at the lighthouse.

High tide will be close to noon with less than 2 ft. tidal exchange for both flood and ebb, so winds will likely be the only limiting factor. If winds are light we can play in the mild eddies at the end of the spit and head west as far as the group desires before returning.

This is a level 2 trip only by distance and possible winds. Ability and equipment needed to paddle into a strong head wind is advised. Dry suit preferred. TO pre-approval for anything else.

9:00 AM car pool to Cline Spit; no parking permit or fee. Vault toilet at put-in. 

Some folks may recall that a church group got into trouble here. They didn't check the weather report and missed the predicted forecast for very strong winds. In addition, paddlers were allowed to paddle with no immersion protection and those that lost their lives were wearing cotton clothing. Those that survived only needed a farmer john wet suit to make the difference. Sign-up will be Thursday night, after we check the weather report.
Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Clallam County park on Cline Spit
Take out: Clallam County park on Cline Spit
Route Alternative for bad weather: Hike the spit
Required equipment: 
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Rich Becker
Assistant Organizer(s): Chris Mayou
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: Rich Becker
Maximum number of paddlers: 12
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 60
Estimated Water Temperature: 55
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5 hrs
Tide times & heights: Low: 2.5 ft. at 06:45; High: 4.4 ft. at 12:05; Low: 2.8 ft. at 17:21. 
Current information: Little current in this area except for eddies at end of spit.
Hazards: 
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment: 
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: With little wind this could be a long level 1 trip, but need to be prepared for possible strong winds in afternoon. The spit itself protects the paddlers from wind waves, but not from the wind itself.
Location (Optional): Cline Spit Road, Sequim, WA 98382