This trip is for the Sunshine Coast Event. Registration will be available to Sunshine Coast Event registered members only on the night before the trip. Signup will be at the event headquarters campsite.
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.
Launch from Madeira Park boat launch, with all the modern amenities of an urban boat launch. Proceed west and then south through Bargain Narrows to Bargain Bay with the outgoing tide. Bargain Narrows dries at low tide levels (we basically walked through this short section in 2019!), but we’ll be there closer to high tide. Continue south along the mainland shoreline about two miles to the “far” side of tiny Harness Island. Return north to Baker Beach on the southeast corner of Francis Peninsula for a break if we need to, about five miles into the trip. Leaving “civilization” behind, we’ll continue clockwise around Francis Peninsula, stopping at Francis Point Provincial Park. There is pit toilet a 5-minute walk on a park trail. Take out where we launched, with optional extension into Oyster Bay or other areas of Pender Harbour if people feel like it. 8-11 miles total trip.
We will discuss minimum immersion gear at the Sunshine Coast Event.
We launch and takeout at Madeira Park boat launch, about 30 minutes north of Sechelt. From Hwy 101, turn off at the sign for Madeira Park, drive past the shopping center, and then turn right. The launch ramp is about 100 yards ahead. [If you go past the school building, you’ve gone too far.] Google Maps uses “Harbour Authority of Pender Harbour.” I’m unsure if there is a parking fee.
Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Harbour Authority of Pender Harbour--Madeira Park boat launch
Take out: Harbour Authority of Pender Harbour--Madeira Park boat launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: None
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Co-Organizer(s): Paula Brottman
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: 12 with a second TO
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: unknown
Estimated Water Temperature: unknown. maybe 55F.
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5-6 hours
Tide Station: Pender Harbour
Tide times & heights: Time PDT Height (ft)
04:47 9.1
09:33 12.3
16:03 4.3
Current information: currents should be minor and not affect our paddling
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
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 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 2
Rating Comments: Most of this trip is in protected waters. If the wind forecast is iffy, we'll keep the entire trip in protected areas.
Location (Optional): Harbour Authority of Pender Harbour
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
