Lake Merwin Paddle, Level 1

This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt....if the paddler is wearing a spray skirt on a level 1 paddle, the Wet Exit Certification is REQUIRED).  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 if you intend to wear a spray skirt.  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.

Full Name:Moulton Avery
Email address: moulton.avery@coldwatersafety.org
Activity Title: Lake Merwin Paddle, Level 1
Date of Activity: 6/9/2021
Narrative: Lake Merwin is a spectacular reservoir lake located about 1 hour north of Vancouver, WA. The water quality is very good. This paddle will explore the narrow section above Cresap Bay, including Canyon Creek. The round-trip distance is approximately 5.7 miles. Although this is a Level 1 paddle, the shoreline is frequently vertical and the water is cold. In many areas, climbing out or getting to shore to recover from a capsize isn't an option, so participants must be confident in doing an assisted rescue. Sprayskirts are not required, but decked kayaks must have watertight bulkheads in the bow and stern or well-secured floatation bags. At the Put-In, the water temperature is expected to be 57F, but as we paddle up towards Canyon Creek, the temperature will fall to an estimated 50F. NOTE: There is a modest entrance fee, but they only take cash and the nearest ATM is in Cougar, so be sure to bring some cash with you. To avoid congestion at the boat ramp, unload as quickly as possible and park in the lot. Keep your kayak clear of the boat ramp until we're ready to launch.
Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:15:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Cresap Bay Recreation Area Amboy, WA 98601 45.967200, -122.380566
Take out: Cresap Bay Recreation Area Amboy, WA 98601 45.967200, -122.380566
Route Alternative for bad weather: No Alternate Route - Trip Goes Rain or Shine
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Moulton Avery
Assistant Organizer(s): Dave Smith
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? No
First Aid /CPR Person: Dave Smith
Maximum number of paddlers: 6 Paddlers, 2 TOs = 8 Paddlers Total
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 65F
Estimated Water Temperature: 50F - 57F
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 hours
Tide times & heights: No Tide
Current information: Less than 1 knot
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 3: Bad Footing, rocky shores, or surf up to 1.5 feet
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments: Level 1 trip. See narrative comments about shoreline.
Location (Optional): Cresap Bay Recreation Area Amboy, WA 98601 45.967200, -122.380566
Photos (optional):
Give Email address to registrants for Waiver:
undefined I give the Trips Director permission to include the above email address in trip narrative posted on the Calendar
undefined moulton.avery@coldwatersafety.org