Paddling Sources
A kayak paddles on the north side of Shaw Island .
Paddling Sources
Sucia Island is popular for overnight kayak trips .
VHF string to your PFD so it stays with you . Use channel 16 to call the Coast Guard in case of emergencies . VHF radios also have live weather and forecast stations via NOAA .
Place your cell phone in a reliable waterproof hard or soft case then attach it to your PFD or in your kayak or SUP with a string . Use for pictures and to check weather apps . MarineTraffic . com is a great app for checking on shipping traffic in Haro and Rosario Straits .
Currents Tidal current is a regular experience in the San Juan ’ s . Do your research and learn how currents will affect your route . Going against or ‘ bucking ’ current can make your trip an uphill battle or a disaster . Learning how to use eddies and how to go with the flow will in some places will make your trip not only more enjoyable but also fun to get that free ride . Ferry and boat wakes , as well as wind which collide with current , can build large waves . Current that flows over a shallow area or sea mount will create a section of confused water called a tidal rip . Rips can capsize an inexperienced paddler . Marine charts available online , as apps and in marine or paddling supply stores list where the shallow spots and rips are as well as shipping and boat traffic lanes .
Choosing Paddling Buddies If you ’ re a beginner , safety in numbers isn ’ t always a good plan if the others in your group are no more experienced than you . Find experienced paddle partners who know the area and how to plan for a paddling trip . If you ’ re unsure of your abilities , hire a professional guide . Also , many paddling clubs in the Northwest offer regular group trips to the San Juan ’ s . Each club has a skill rating for their trips to help you determine which is best for your skill level . Some of the clubs will offer training to prepare you for their trips .
KAYAKING OUTFITTERS
Body Boat Blade bodyboatblade . com Anacortes Kayak Tours anacorteskayaktours . com Outdoor Odysseys outdoorodysseys . com Shearwater Kayaks shearwaterkayaks . com
PADDLE-IN CAMPSITES
Cascade Marine Trail wwta . org
BOOKS
“ Kayaking the Puget Sound and the San Juans , 60 Trips ” ( Mountaineers Books , Rob Casey )
TIDES
Captn ’ Jacks Tide & Current Table captainsnautical . com
APPS
MarineTraffic marinetraffic . com WindAlert windalert . com NOAA Tides & Currents tidesandcurrents . noaa . gov SeaTrails metskers . com
52 explore : NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Spring 2017