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.
Please note, not following the cancellation procedures may affect your ability to register for future trips and events.
Cancellations
Already on the Roster
If you register for this event and find that you are unable to attend please cancel on the website or the WA mobile app. Members on the waitlist cannot be added to the roster or notified they are now eligible to attend unless your registration is removed from the trip. To cancel, go to the event registration page on the website and click on "Already Registered". A page will open that will allow you to cancel. If you are using the WA mobile app, select the three bars in the upper left hand corner and choose “Tickets” from the drop down menu. Locate the trip and select “CANCEL” located next to “Member Registration”. It would also be helpful if you notified the primary organizer of your cancellation via text, phone or email.
Notifying the Primary Organizer
The primary organizer’s name can be found in the Narrative of the trip on the website. To e-mail the organizer directly, log into your OOPS account, select "Member Directory" under "Membership," search for the name of the organizer, click on their name, and press the "Send Message" button. If you have their phone number you can text them as well.
Cancelling off the Waitlist
OOPS members who sign-up for a trip that is full will typically be automatically entered onto a waitlist. Unfortunately, our software doesn’t allow members to cancel off the waitlist from the website or the WA mobile app. If you are on the waitlist for a trip and decide you don’t want to be considered for the roster, please cancel by emailing or texting the Trips Director at OOPS Trips (trips@oopskayak.org) and the primary trip organizer. This will ensure that others who joined the waitlist after you are given more notice should space on the paddle become available.
Narrative: Come join Peggy and Ken for a sweet and simple paddle to enjoy the fall colors, view wildlife, and get on the water while it is still nice weather. This is a Level 1 paddle for those who are new to kayaking or want to just get out on the water for a few hours. We will begin our trip at the Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch site and paddle south on the quieter part of Lake River past the wildlife refuge. Bring your sun screen - the weather is predicted to be sunny! This is about a 5 mile total out-and-back paddle where we'll take our time to view the scenery and work on some basic paddle and navigational skills. This is a great opportunity to get familar with tides, mild current, and playing around with edging and various strokes. If you like to take pictures, this is a wonderful time to capture those fall colors and perhaps catch a glimpse of an osprey or Great Blue Heron There are river otters in this area too. For anyone who would like to practice rescues in calm conditions (bring your spray skirt and helmet).
IMPORTANT: The water and air temps are going to be in the 50's, so please wear your drysuit with appropriate base layers. Also bring your lunch and plenty of water. We will be launching promptly at 10:30 am, so please be on time (if you are not ready 10:30 am, you'll miss coming on this trip).
Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch)
Take out: same as launch site
Route Alternative for bad weather: none
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Peggy Liggit
Co-Organizer(s): Ken Sund
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: Peggy Liggit and Ken Sund
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: Upper 40's to Low 50 degrees
Estimated Water Temperature: 56 degrees
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3.5 hours
Tide Station: St. Helens, Oregon
Tide times & heights: High 2.4 ft at 5:30 am
Low 0.1 ft at 12:26 pm
High 3.7 ft at 5:33 pm
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 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: Less than 05 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments: This is an easy Level 1 out-and-back paddle
Location: 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (https://www.google.com/search?q=ridgefield+kayak+launch&rlz=1C1RXQR_enUS982US982&oq=Ridgefield+kayak+launch&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyCAgBEAAYFhgeMggIAhAAGBYYHjIICAMQABgWGB4yCAgEEAAYFhgeMggIBRAAGBYYHtIBCTc4NTFqMGoxNagCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#rlimm=12267737248412917926)
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Link to map of route (Optional)
