NSSKA

Conditions: early fog then bright sunshine, light breeze, 82 degrees F. 3 1/2 hours in the boat and 6 1/4 miles paddled. Seven NSSKA paddlers took to the water from Cornet Bay SP around 10:00 to take advantage of the 7.02 knot ebb current. We headed to Canoe Pass to play in the currents, eddy lines, upwellings, and large whirlpools lots of quality boat time in dynamic conditions. Prior to getting on the water the group reviewed charts of the area, discussed the "50/90 rule"which predicts the speed of the water the group was paddling in. We lunched while the flood current began then paddled around Pass Island on our way to Strawberry Island for another hour of currents play. Once back in Cornet Bay and out of the boat traffic we practiced synchronized rolls, very artistic and the beach crowds were amazed at the precision!! Great day for Julia, Z, Beth, Bonnie-Lynn, Jon, Rob and Bill! Check out our Facebook site for pictures of this trip and more.

Date: May 26th 2018 Conditions: light breeze, temps in low 60's under partly sunny skies Distance: approx 5 1/2 miles Seven paddlers left Everett's 10st Marina at 10:00 am and paddled clock wise around Jetty Island. A truly amazing number of eagles lined the sides of the island. We also saw a large number of Osprey, most of which nest in the area this time of year. Seals kept a close eye on us as we journeyed around the island. A great day to be on the water today!

May 17: Launched from Washington Park at 9:45 am under overcast skies and 65 degree temps. After dealing with a parking issue with a construction worker who told us we could not park in the long term parking lot. The park ranger was contacted and he resolved the issue, this however put us 45 minutes behind our planned 9:00 am launch. Crossed Rosario Strait on a heading which took us towards Bird Rocks, once safely on the west side of Rosario we paddled along the islands and bays on south end of Lopez Island to our stretch/lunch break at Iceberg Point a distance of approximately 13 1/2 miles. Next up was the exciting waters of Cattle Pass on our way north to Turn Island. We had the entire island to ourselves. Arrived Iceberg Pt 12:15 and Turn Island @3:05 pm. Total miles paddled 23 .7 miles. This was a stamina test for the class. May 18: After a pleasant raccoon attack free night (note: there were a lot of deer roaming around our camp site) we decided to head over to Friday Harb...

Location: Lake Sammamish SP, Issaquah WA. Multiple members of the NSSKA group along with the good folks from Kayak Academy hosted a practice rescue session for the safety boaters who will be supporting the Northwest Paddle Fest which will be held at Lake Sammamish SP on May 11 & 12th. We all practices several solo and assisted rescue of sea kayaks then tried our hand at riding and rescuing paddle boarders, with some success!

It wasn’t until attempt number three this season that NSSKA was able to pull together a float trip down through the Skagit Rivers Wildlife Area. As always, it was well worth the effort. With five paddlers in sea kayaks and another two in a canoe, we launch from the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest launch site in Marblemount. The Skagit River was running at about 7,500 CFS and the weather couldn’t have been better. Overcast and cool. After a fast 15 miles in under three hours, we took out at the Department of Fish and Wildlife site at the end of Farber Ferry Road. The eagles, no not the rock and roll band, were not out for us to see on this trip. The migrants have long since headed back up north and the residence must have been fishing in another valley somewhere. There were ducks galore, hawks, and herons about. At our lunch stop by Rocky Creek, we were treated with dueling cookie makers. Never underestimate the value of a good cookie bake off. After shuttling everyone an...

Coronet Bay, WA, Weather conditions: slight overcast skies, low 50's temp and 10K winds On the beach we discussed the days goals and objectives, on water safety, weather conditions, current speed and rotating leadership roles. Seven NSSKA members took part in the day's activities. Once on the water two of our team lead the group from the beach out to Ben Ure Island then onto Strawberry Island using our extensive leadership skills all made it without incurring the wrath of the hoards of rare Canadian geese nesting on Strawberry. From that point to moved to Miller Bay to practice wet exits, towing, T and scoop rescues, solo rescues, paddle float solo and assisted rescues. As we waited for the 6.4 K flood current to build we took a quick lunch break before crossing back to Strawberry to practice our rescues in the significant current, up wellings, and whirlpools in and around the island. At the end of our class everyone had gone for a swim or two, honed their rescue skills i...

About 10 paddlers met to paddle the Deception Pass Dash route in perfect conditions.  It was a great opportunity for anyone considering entering the Dash to scope out the route and plan their lines.  Great race advice was given by Dash veteran Bill Porter and some good paddle technique was taught by Jon Sheriff.  It wasn't a race, but we ran a couple of sprints to try out our race skills.  All in all, it was a great day of paddling followed by sore muscles and a stop at Skagit River Brewery.