Comments and Discussion
Narrative: If you prefer being outdoors, paddling on the water in Ridgefield's beautiful wildlife refuge, encountering an occasional bald eagle or blue heron instead of fighting unruly crowds and standing in long lines for an item that may already be sold out, then maybe you'll want to join Bob Freshman and me for a paddle the day after Thanksgiving. And what a great way to deal with all that over-eating we did the day before. Of course, weather is unpredictable at this time. Our plan is to paddle rain or shine. Only high winds and/or lightening will scare us off. We'll launch from Ridgefield Boat Launch on the Lake River. From there we'll paddle downriver to the Columbia River where we'll turn left and head upriver to the Bachelor Island Slough. From there we'll paddle back to the Lake River, turn right and make our way back to the launch. Total distance will be about 10 miles. There are both portable and flush restrooms at the launch. In addition, there is a $8 day-use fee payable using their ticket machine. Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM Type of activity: Paddle Trip Put in: Ridgefield Boat Launch Take out: Same Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD Required equipment: Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit Primary Organizer: David Smith Assistant Organizer(s): Bob Freshman 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: 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: 50° estimated Estimated Water Temperature: 50° estimated Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4.5 hours Tide times & heights: St Helens: high at 4:41am (3.57'); low at 11:23am (1.85'); high at 4:18pm (4.85') Current information: up to 1.5 knots Hazards: Shipping traffic 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 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered whitecaps Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing Paddling Environment: Overall rating: Level 2 Rating Comments: This is a 10 mile paddle that will have some current and possible winds Location (Optional): end of Division St, Ridgefield, WA
Oregon Ocean Paddling SocietyPortland, Oregon
