Orcas Is Event: West Beach Resort to Jones Island & Return, L2, 9-16-22

 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.

Full Name: Michael Kipley
Activity Title: Orcas Is Event: West Beach Resort to Jones Island & Return, L2, 9-16-22
Date of Activity: 9/16/2022
Narrative: ORCAS ISLAND PARTICIPANTS ONLY Launch from the beach at West Beach Resort. Paddle south in President Channel along the scenic and varied west coast of Orcas for approx. 5 miles, then cross the north end of Spring Passage to Jones Island (approx. 1 mile) and land in a small cove with a sandy beach on the northern side of Jones. That will be the lunch stop. Those who are so inclined can spend some time walking the trails on Jones which meander through madrone groves and meadows and perhaps observe some resident deer. Those wishing to hike should pack a change of clothes and shoes. The return to West Beach is essentially the same route. The distance covered will total approx. 11 - 12 miles.
Tidal currents will be important for this trip. The flood flows NE up Presidents Channel. There are many eddies along the west shore of Orcas, so paddling against these small currents should be quite doable. Stay out the center of Presidents Channel unless you will have a current assist. The Sydney ferry sometimes cuts through Spring Passage.
Meeting Time: 5:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 5:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: West Beach Resort
Take out: West Beach Resort
Route Alternative for bad weather: N/A
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Michael Kipley
Assistant Organizer(s): Joe Howell
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: TBD
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: 60's
Estimated Water Temperature: 50's
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 Hours
Tide times & heights: TBD
Current information:
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
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 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 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:
Location (Optional): Orcas Island