To sign up for this trip get on the "Request Approval Waitlist" waitlist. When you are approved for the trip the TO will send you a password for a "Approved For Trip by TO" ticket.
Full Name:: Lori Stole
Narrative::
WHAT
This clinic covers how to launch, land, and paddle safely in surf zones. We’ll cover concepts and techniques for safely traversing a surf zone in a sea kayak. The day will include activities on land and in the water.
This is NOT a surfing clinic, in fact we will be trying not to surf. The surf zone is a dynamic water environment that requires reflexive bracing. Capsizes are frequent. A roll can be helpful but is not necessary. The clinic will be presented as "challenge by choice".
WHO
This clinic is not intended for paddlers who already have experience playing in and paddling through the surf zone with comfort. If you have never kayaked in the surf, or feel uncertain yet about how to negotiate the surf zone, this is for you! This is appropriate for OOPS L3 and confident L2 paddlers.
Ideally participants have had previous instruction on strokes and maneuvers; and have a good forward stroke, low brace, stern rudder, a strong reverse stroke and forward/reverse sweep strokes while edging. It’s a plus if participants have practice with currents and eddies. You should not have any current shoulder or neck injuries.
HOW
We’ll start by reviewing strokes in the river and doing some work on shore. Eventually we’ll paddle out the river mouth and learn with activities on the ocean-facing beach, and in the surf near shore with and without boats. If conditions allow, we may be able to paddle out through the surf zone in the afternoon. If conditions are too big we’ll stay inside and continue work in the “soup zone”. It is all “challenge by choice”.
The clinic will be co-instructed by Ken Sund, Matt Maddalena and Lori Stole, who are all certified ACA L3 instructors. They will be assisted by TO Jerry Stole.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
• Sea kayak with sealed hatches in the bow and stern and perimeter deck lines in the bow and stern. Not intended for surf-specific kayaks.
• Properly fitting spray skirt.
• Drysuit with adequate thermal insulation underneath for prolonged exposure to the sea.
• Neoprene cap or hood that fits under your helmet.
• Gloves to accommodate conditions
• Well-fitting Helmet suitable for kayaking.
• Properly fitting Coast Guard approved type III PFD.
• Kayak paddle that floats. We recommend a euro-blade, but if you are an experienced and devoted Greenland paddler, they can work too.
• Lunch
• First Aid kit for kayaking
WHEN
We’ll meet in the morning at Knight County Park, 2341 N. 3 Rocks Rd., Otis, OR. There are bathrooms.
Please have your boats at the water ready to paddle at 9am. You should arrive at least by 8:15, or earlier if you need more time to get yourself ready.
Meeting Time:: 8:15:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Type of activity:: Class
Put in:: Knight County Park, 2341 N 3 Rocks Rd., Otis, OR
Take out:: Knight County Park, 2341 N 3 Rocks Rd., Otis, OR
Route Alternative for bad weather:: TBD
Required equipment:: Helmet
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Lori Stole
Co-Organizer(s):: Ken Sund, Jerry Stole
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 students, 4 TO/instructors
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:: 53
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 6 hrs
Tide times & heights:: 4:14am-5.7', 9:28am-2.4', 3:23pm-8.1'
Current information::
Hazards::
Wind strength:: Level 3: 12-16 knots (19 mph)
Swell/Surf size:: Level 4: Waves up 6', Breaking Waves up to 4'
Sea state:: Level 3: Waves to paddle tops; numerous whitecaps, waves becoming longer
Landing types:: Levle 4: Steep rocky shores if sheltered from the waves, or surf up to 4' (TO and Trips do not expect 4 foot surf at the landing. We are going to consider this L3 until we can get better clarity)
Currents:: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance:: Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing:: Level 1: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 4 (changed to L3)
NOTE: The Trips director and lead TO have talked and agreed that the L4 landing type is a bit misleading and that this should be an L3 trip. If conditions worsen to real L4 the TO will take appropriate actions for the safety of the paddlers.
Rating Comments:: This clinic will be conducted mostly near shore within the "soup zone" where the waves have already broken, which would largely be L3. But by clinic end, dependent on conditions, participants can choose to go out through the surf where it may be L4 conditions.
Location:: Knight County Park, 2341 N 3 Rocks Rd., Otis, OR, and out beyond mouth of Salmon River
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: Cascade Head
