As a transitional paddler you have been shown and are proficient at wet exiting and self rescues in deepwater. You should have a solid brace to keep yourself upright, you may even be working on getting a reliable roll in the pool or on flat waters. You know the basic paddle strokes and are able to maneuver your boat proficiently on flat water with little wind. You should be able to paddle up to 8 miles in a protected inland environment over the course of a day.
Written by Jason Learned on . Posted in Puget Sound
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 The information may be old and outdated and I would encourage you to use several resources when a trip in unfamiliar areas.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!
This is a great paddle taking you into a quiet secluded inlet. The Woodard Bay Conservation Area, a wildlife sanctuary that is just minutes from downtown Olympia, this 870-acre site protects habitat ranging from marine shoreline and wetlands to mature second growth forest. The site has a rich and varied human history that includes Native Americans, early settlers to southern Puget Sound and the logging and shellfish industries.
Woodard Bay provides habitat for shorebirds and songbirds, harbor seals, river otters, bald eagles, a large maternity colony of bats, and one of the most significant heron rookeries in the state. Three hiking trails are within the natural area: a paved road used as trail, a forested loop-trail, and another that is barrier-free, overlooking Woodard Bay. Trails may be closed seasonally to protect nesting herons and eagles. - See more at: Woodard Bay NRCA
This is a great paddle for newcomers that want to explore the shorelines of Henderson Bay. Check the tides and launch from Woodard Bay Conservation Area Launch about an hour and a half before high tide. This will give you plenty of time to explore the shoreline as the tide fills in the bay. Just remember to get back to your launch site before the tide goes out too far otherwise you may not make it back to your car. Don't panic if this happens, just follow the inlet back out about a half a mile and there is a place you can pull up to on your left at the point and get out to walk back to the cars.
SKILL LEVEL:
Newcomers
As a newcomer you have had little to no instruction on how to wet exit and get back in your boat or prevent capsizes effectively. You should only paddle in protected waters near shore and with a friend that can show you the basics. Only attempt
short crossings when accompanied and only launch when you know that the weather is good and not going to change. Avoid any tidal current. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to discover by paddling but there are hidden dangers that you can
avoid with a little bit of knowledge and skills.
To increase your knowledge and skills, find clubs and schools by visiting my Resources Page.
Transitional Paddlers
As a transitional paddler you have been shown and are proficient at wet exiting and self rescues in deepwater. You should have a solid brace to keep yourself upright, you may even be working on getting a reliable roll in the pool or on flat waters. You know the basic paddle strokes and are able to maneuver your boat proficiently on flat water with little wind. You should be able to paddle up to 8 miles in a protected inland environment over the course of a day.
As a developing paddler you should be a self-sufficient paddler that has some formal training, can assess hazards confidently and are comfortable in moderate conditions. You should be comfortable paddling in winds up to 15 knots and waves/swell up to 3 feet, as well as be able to self-rescue effectively in these conditions. A developing paddler can maintain an effective course in wind and waves, as well as be able to roll their kayak in open water. You should be proficient with deep water rescues and towing systems. As a developing paddler you should have an understanding of trip planning, navigation and equipment selection and be capable of paddling 15 NM over the course of a day.
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.
Henderson Inlet is a shallow muddy bay. Paddle into the inlet on mid to rising tide and paddle out before you lose all your water and get stuck in the mud.