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.
Please note, not following the cancellation procedures may affect your ability to register for future trips and events.
Cancellations
Already on the Roster
If you register for this event and find that you are unable to attend please cancel on the website or the WA mobile app. 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, go to the event registration page on the website and click on "Already Registered". A page will open that will allow you to cancel. If you are using the WA mobile app, select the three bars in the upper left hand corner and choose “Tickets” from the drop down menu. Locate the trip and select “CANCEL” located next to “Member Registration”. It would also be helpful if you notified the primary organizer of your cancellation via text, phone or email.
Notifying the Primary Organizer
The primary organizer’s name can be found in the Narrative of the trip on the website. To e-mail the organizer directly, log into your OOPS account, select "Member Directory" under "Membership," search for the name of the organizer, click on their name, and press the "Send Message" button. If you have their phone number you can text them as well.
Cancelling off the Waitlist
OOPS members who sign-up for a trip that is full will typically be automatically entered onto a waitlist. Unfortunately, our software doesn’t allow members to cancel off the waitlist from the website or the WA mobile app. If you are on the waitlist for a trip and decide you don’t want to be considered for the roster, please cancel by emailing or texting the Trips Director at OOPS Trips (trips@oopskayak.org) and the primary trip organizer. This will ensure that others who joined the waitlist after you are given more notice should space on the paddle become available.
Narrative: Enjoy a final paddle before the end of 2023!
We’ll paddle clockwise around Bachelor Island, starting from the Ridgefield Kayak Launch. We’ll start by paddling downstream on the Lake River, then turn left and paddle against the current on the Bachelor Island Slough. When we reach the Columbia River we’ll head downstream and enjoy some current assist to the north end of the island. We'll then turn east and paddle against the Lake River current back to the launch site. This being a National Wildlife Refuge, there are birds to find along the way and some cool birdhouses on our return up the Lake River.
It’s winter so the water will be cold and drysuits are required, with plenty of thermal layers. Bring lunch and all the usual paddling gear for a full day on the water.
Meeting place: The Ridgefield Kayak Launch, at the end of Division Street in Ridgefield. Park along the side of the road. This belongs to the Port of Ridgefield and parking is free.
Restroom available.
Distance: about 9 nm (10.4 miles)
Please be ready for the pre-launch talk at 9:45am
Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Ridgefield Kayak Launch, end of Division St., Ridgefield
Take out: Same as put in
Route Alternative for bad weather: Possibly a shorter trip from same launch site.
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Lori Stole
Co-Organizer(s): Will Greenough
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: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: Can't say yet. Will share in pre-trip email.
Estimated Water Temperature: 40 deg F
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5 hrs
Tide Station: St. Helens
Tide times & heights: High tide about 7:15am, 2.3’; Low tide about 1:30pm, 0.7’
Current information: 0.5 knot
Hazards: Shipping traffic
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, 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: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:
Location: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Washington
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Link to map of route (Optional)
