Circumnavigate Bachelor Island, L2, 2/12/2023

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....if the paddler is wearing a spray skirt on a level 1 paddle, the Wet Exit Certification is REQUIRED).  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.  Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment.  If the measured water temperature is different enough from that listed below to warrant a change in required immersion protection, the Organizer will contact all participants and the Trips Board member with the update at least a day before the trip.

Cancellations

If you register for this event and find that you need to cancel please notify the trip organizer and cancel through the website. Members on the waitlist cannot be added to the roster or notified they are now eligible to attend unless your registration is removed from the trip. To cancel please go to the event registration page on the website and click on "Already Registered". A page will open that will allow you to cancel.

Narrative: Join Steve Blackwood and Bob Freshman to circumnavigate Bachelor Island. We will be starting in Ridgefield and head out on Bachelor Slough to the Columbia River. At the Columbia we will take advantage of the current and head downstream about 3.5 miles to the Lake River. The last leg will be to head up the Lake River and return to our launch point. Total distance is about 10 miles. The weather forecast looks good with a high of 49, partly sunny and winds of 3-5 MPH. Weather can change and we will monitor the forecast as we get closer to the launch date. Columbia River water temperature is still quite brisk at 46 degrees, so dry suits are required.
Total time will be about 4 hours so bring enough food and water to get you through the trip.

Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Ridgefield Boat Launch
Take out: Ridgefield Boat Launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Bob Freshman
Assistant Organizer(s): Steve Blackwood
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: Bob Freshman
Maximum number of paddlers: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 41-49
Estimated Water Temperature: 46
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 Hours
Tide times & heights: Station: St. Helens                                                          2023/02/12 Sun 03:16 AM 0.64 L
2023/02/12 Sun 08:56 AM 3.29 H
2023/02/12 Sun 4:41 PM 1.20 L
2023/02/12 Sun 9:21 PM 2.08 H

Current information: 1-2 MPH
Hazards: Shipping traffic
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 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:
Location (Optional): R68X+JV Ridgefield, Washington, End of Mill Street, Ridgefield, WA
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: All participants of this trip must be vaccinated for Covid-19