Progressive Skill Level Paddlers

As a progressive paddler you are used to paddling with competent peers in more bumpy ocean settings and are confident in winds up to 20 knots with swells up to 6 feet, you look for more challenging sessions. A progressive paddler will have a well-rounded sea kayaking background and be able to perform all the fundamental skills in moderate to rough water. You should have a reliable roll in open dynamic water, be able to paddle 15 to 20 NM over the course of a day. At this level, paddlers should possess good seamanship skills such as environmental/weather and sea state awareness, tidal and trip planning, on-water navigation and be knowledgeable about emergency procedures and rough water rescues.

This level of skill would be the equivalent of ACA L4 SkillsBCU 4 Star Skills or higher.

Deception Pass

This information is designed to provide basic information to help you in choosing appropriate paddle trips for your level of experience. The information may be old and outdated and I would encourage you to use several resources when a trip in unfamiliar areas. As always you are responsible for the safe operation and navigation of your own vessel. Happy Paddling!

  • Deception Pass is a dramatic seascape where the tidal flow and whirlpools beneath the twin bridges connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island move quickly. The tidal current can reach speeds of 10 knots, flowing in opposite directions between ebb and flood. This swift current can lead to standing waves, large whirlpools, and strong eddylines presenting serious challenges to all but very experienced paddlers.

    This swift current phenomenon can be viewed from the twin bridges' pedestrian walkways or from the trail leading below the larger south bridge from the parking lot on the Whidbey Island side. Boats can be seen waiting on either side of the pass for the current to stop or change direction before going through. Thrill-seeking kayakers go there during large tide changes to surf the standing waves and brave the class II-IV rapid conditions.

    Deception pass is one of my favorite areas to paddle in. Timing is everything for this trip, if you are looking for thrills and to push your skills come visit during the max tidal flows and you will have your hands full staying upright. If calm waters are more your liking than visit this area during slack waters. The tall shear cliffs and abundant wildlife will more than make up for missing the turbulent waters. Beware the waters through Deception Pass never actually stop moving, they slow down and switch directions so even at slack there will be some current to manage.

  • SKILL LEVEL: 

    SK Rating: 

    This route has an exposed 5NM open water crossing subject to high winds, strong currents and commercial shipping traffic. Timed correctly you should be going through Cattle Pass at or near Max Flood. There is a Tidal Race that forms at the entrance to Cattle Pass off of Davis PT and if there is an opposing West to Southwest wind you can expect large standing waves greeting you.

  • Distance:
    • 3-6 NM
    Charts:
    Launch:
    Radio Channels:
    • VHF 16, 13-Bridge to Bridge, and 5A-Vessel Traffic Services
    Weather:
    Tidal Stations:
    • Bowman Bay (Tides)
    • Deception Pass Narrows (Currents)