Sunshine Coast Event: Keats Island Circumnavigation, L2

This trip is for the Sunshine Coast Event. Registration will be available to Sunshine Coast Event registered members only on the night before the trip. Signup will be at the event headquarters campsite.

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.

Narrative: Join me for a paddle around Keats Island. We'll launch from Gibsons Marina (about 12 miles SE of Sechelt) and cross Shoal Channel to begin our counter-clockwise journey around the island. This is mostly a forested island with many rocky outcroppings, but does include some private residences and accessible beaches. The total distance will be about 10 miles. Our planned takeout is Eastbourne located on the island's eastern shore which is about half way into our trip. From there we'll continue following the island's shoreline to its northern tip before re-crossing Shoal Channel back to Gibsons Marina. Paid parking is available at the marina.
Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Gibsons Marina
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment: Towline
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: David Smith
Co-Organizer(s): TBD
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: 75°
Estimated Water Temperature: 65°
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4-5 hours

Tide Station: Gibsons Marina: https://www.tides.gc.ca/en/stations/07820/2023-07-07?tz=PDT&unit=ft
Tide times & heights: Gibsons Marina: high at 8:15 am, 13.3'; low at 3:12 pm, 2.5'
Current information: 1-2 knots
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered 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:
Location (Optional): 675 Prowse Road, Gibsons, BC
Photos (Optional): yes
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19