Comments and Discussion
This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification. 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. 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. Narrative: What better way to work off the indulging of a Thanksgiving meal and escape the madness of "Black Friday" than to go paddling!! Let's explore the North end of Vancouver Lake and then up Lake River past the Felida floating home community! I have not been here for a couple of years and always enjoy the changing art installations on some of the homes. We'll continue paddling south until we reach the split to Salmon Creek. We will hopefully find a break or lunch spot and then decide if we want to continue exploring or return. Depending on the groups desire we will paddle 6-8 miles. This is an exploratory paddle more than a quick destination paddle. Please plan to paddle together. The current forecast calls for a dry, partly sunny and crisp, cool day. Layer well and bring a thermos with warm liquid!! Please be ready for the talk at 10:30 and launch at 10:45. I expect we will return to the put-in at 2-2:30. Might want wheels to cross sandy beach. If there is interest we can go out for soup or something warm after the paddle. Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM Launch Time: 10:45:00 AM Type of activity: Paddle Trip Put in: Vancouver Lake beach down from the bathrooms Take out: Same Route Alternative for bad weather: probably none Required equipment: Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou Assistant Organizer(s): Stacy Ozer Has organizer paddled here before? Yes Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes Organizer's first aid and CPR current? No First Aid /CPR Person: Chris Mayou 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: 39 degrees Estimated Water Temperature: 55 Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 - 3.5 hours Tide times & heights: Tidal influence is insignificant Current information: Minimal Hazards: 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 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: Rating level 2 for several reasons. We will likely paddle over 6 miles. Lunch landing may be challenging, potential for wind to increase over 8 mph and due to the cold air and water temperatures. Location (Optional): Vancouver Lake Regional Park - 6801 NW Lower River Rd, Vancouver, WA 98660 Photos (optional): yes