L3 Paddle - Wave Play at Nehalem Bay

This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification.  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.  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.
Narrative: Come play in the mouth of Nehalem Bay. This is a good paddle for folks to check out the surf, play a bit, work on skills or just watch.
We will launch from Nehalem State Park boat ramp ($5 parking) and journey to the mouth of the bay about two miles away. There is a sandy shoal at the mouth by the jetty, where the waves break, that covers as the tide rises. Because the waves break several times before they enter the mouth, the energy is lower and on the flood it is a fun place to play, even on a big day.
It is also possible to hold position on the side away from the breaks to watch and pick your own level of challenge. This is a small area and it changes rapidly with the tide.
As this is a coastal area at a river mouth, paddling in current and wind is to be expected.
We will paddle against the flood on our way out keeping to the shoreline and paddle back with it. This paddle is planned during the flood and, although we may not stop for a formal lunch, it is often possible to land at several sandy spots. Getting knocked over a few times can be tiring, so it might not be too long a day, but be sure that your schedule is open because there are no guarantees of our exact return time.
Google Maps shows the area well, if you are interested.
Afterward, we will likely find ourselves in Manzanita for an after paddle refreshment and gathering. As with any paddle, be sure to keep an eye on conditions for the day.
***Please only register for this paddle if you know you can make it, last minute cancellations no matter how long the waitlist are often hard to fill when there is longer drive time involved. Thanks***

Meeting Time: 9:15:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Nehalem Bay State Park Boat Ramp
Take out: Nehalem Bay State Park Boat Ramp
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment: Helmet, Towline
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Jillian Rivas-Davila
Assistant Organizer(s): Bill Vonnegut
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:
Maximum number of paddlers: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 42-58
Estimated Water Temperature: 52
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 - 4.5
Tide times & heights: low 8:42 am 3.61ft, High 2:23pm 6.79ft (willy weather Nehalem Bay entrance)
Current information: tidal range 3.18ft
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 3: 12-16 knots (19 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 4: Waves up 6', Breaking Waves up to 4'
Sea state: Level 3: Waves to paddle tops; numerous whitecaps, waves becoming longer
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents: Level 3: Up to 4 knots: paddlers must sprint to move forward
Total distance: Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 3
Rating Comments:
Location (Optional):
Photos (optional): yes