Orcas Is Event: North Beach to Sucia Circumnavigation, L2, 9-16-22

 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: Chris Mayou
Activity Title: North Beach to Sucia Circumnavigation, L2, 9-16-22
Date of Activity: 9/16/2022
Narrative: Sucia Island Marine State Park is an 814-acre marine park with 77,700 feet of shoreline and abundant camping and moorage. The main island and several smaller islands comprise the "Sucia group." Known for its emerald waters and forested trails, its magnificent sunsets and sandstone formations, Sucia Island is prized by locals for its off-season beauty and solitude.

Tides and currents are favorable for the two-mile crossing from North Beach to Sucia Island. Tidal heights will vary by less than two feet with a 10 a.m. launch and a 4 p.m. return on Friday the 16th. Tidal currents are minimal and will aid our counter-clockwise route. If conditions permit, we’ll circumnavigate Sucia. If not, we can go into Fossil Bay or Echo Bay and return. We’ll stop for lunch, and if we circumnavigate, we’ll make one or two additional stops on the island. Arrive by 9:00 a.m. Water-ready by 9:45 a.m. Launch 10 a.m. Return by 3-4 p.m.
Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: North Beach, Orcas Island
Take out: North Beach, Orcas Island
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): Bob Hyslop
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:
Maximum number of paddlers: 12
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 65
Estimated Water Temperature: 55
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 6 hours
Tide times & heights: 9449712 ECHO BAY, SUCIA ISLANDS, WA
2022/09/16 Fri 04:19 AM 0.42 L
2022/09/16 Fri 12:08 PM 7.30 H
2022/09/16 Fri 4:51 PM 6.06 L
Current information: CURRENT: Parker Reef Light, north of (PUG1712) Depth: 31 feet
2022-09-16 09:24 AM flood 1.08
2022-09-16 03:30 PM slack -
2022-09-16 06:36 PM ebb -0.40
Hazards: Shipping traffic
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 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 3: 1 to 2 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Wind will be the main determining factor of the rating, and we won't know that until we get to Orcas.
Location (Optional): North Beach Public Access 1783-1701 N Beach Rd Eastsound, WA 98245 48.713689, -122.906292
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19