Nehalem Bay Event - Intro to the Surf Zone Skills - L2

When
June 26, 2026
8:30 AM
Location
North Neahkanie Beach
Spaces left
6

Registration

Members with wet exit certification
Active club members with wet exit certification, including kayaking professional and lifetime.
TO and Safety
Password Reserved for TO use

Full Name:: Paige Light-Powell
Narrative:: Are you interested in playing in the surf, or paddling on the ocean, but don’t know how to get started? Come join us!

This skills session covers how to launch, land, and paddle safely in surf zones. We’ll cover concepts and techniques for safely traversing a surf zone in a sea kayak. The day will include activities on land and in the water.

The surf zone is a dynamic water environment that requires reflexive bracing. Capsizes are frequent. The session will be presented as "challenge by choice". We will all get wet. Immersion wear is required. Dress appropriately to stay warm, even when wet and on the beach or in the wind. That may mean a hoodie, and gloves, definitely a wet or drysuit.

This session is not intended for paddlers who already have experience playing in and paddling through the surf zone with comfort. If you have never kayaked in the surf, or feel uncertain yet about how to negotiate the surf zone, this is for you! This is appropriate for confident L2 paddlers and L3 paddlers. You should not have any current shoulder or neck injuries.

We’ll start by reviewing strokes and doing some work on shore. Eventually we’ll learn with activities on the ocean-facing beach, and in the surf near shore with and without boats. It is all “challenge by choice”.

The session will be coached Melinda Moree, who is an ACA L4 Open Water Coastal Kayaking instructor. She will be assisted by TOs Paige and David.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
• Sea kayak with sealed hatches in the bow and stern and perimeter deck lines in the bow and stern. Not intended for surf-specific kayaks.
• Properly fitting spray skirt.
• Well-fitting Helmet suitable for kayaking.
• Properly fitting Coast Guard approved type III PFD.
• Kayak paddle that floats. We recommend a euro-blade, but if you are an experienced and devoted Greenland paddler, they can work too.
Meeting Time:: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: North Neahkanie Beach, https://maps.app.goo.gl/1FrccdT26wAh41Xj7
Take out:: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather:: none
Required equipment:: Helmet
Minimum Immersion protection:: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer:: Paige Light-Powell
Co-Organizer(s):: David Nesson
Has organizer paddled here before?: No
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:: 9 (2 TOs, one safety, 6 paddlers)
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):: 3-4
Tide times & heights:: Manzanita Low: 5:25 -0.2 High :12:13 +5.3 Low: 16:38 +3.4
Current information:: na
Hazards::
Wind strength:: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size:: Level 3: Waves to 3', breaking waves to 2'
Sea state:: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered 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 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 2
Rating Comments:: L3 conditions for waves, breaking waves 1-2', everything else is L1 or L2.
Location:: North Neahkanie Beach, https://maps.app.goo.gl/1FrccdT26wAh41Xj7
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: Manzanita Beach
Link to map of route (Optional):

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon