Paddling the Salish Sea 80 Trips: rob casey

Showing posts with label rob casey. Show all posts

6/20/17

Boating - Mysterious Anchor Image - Deception Pass State Park

During my tidal rapids SUP class last week, we came across this anchor image on a rock at the south or right entrance to Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park. In the book this is, Trip 28

I've seen it before, the question is, what does it mean? And how did it get there?

Anchor image in Deception Pass State Park

Learn more about my book Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips. I also offer SUP and Kayak lessons available throughout the year at Salmon Bay Paddle. Questions about paddling on the Salish Sea, give me a holler anytime at salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com or 206-465-7167

12/13/16

SUP Race - New Year's Day Paddling Race - Ballard - Seattle 1/1/17

The Salish Sea isn't just for exploring and poking around, throughout the year there's many competitions in amazing locations. Over a decade ago the Deception Pass Dash, an epic race through tidal rapids began with 175 all craft paddlers. The local outrigger canoeists have an Orca Series that runs throughout the year from La Connor's Swinhomish Channel to Seattle's Ship Canal, usually 6 mile races open to all.

I started putting on Monday evening sup races 5 years ago on Seattle's Shilshole Bay to benefit a scholarship fund at the Ballard Elks. Now we welcome all paddlers but it's usually SUPs given my business focus and connections in that area.

On January 1st, 2017 I'm putting on our first annual New Year's Day Paddling Race also on Shilshole Bay at the Elks Lodge (many of us are members). Open to all paddlers, it's a super fun race with two courses, a 5m and a 1.5m (depending on conditions). We'll cool off with the Elks for their annual NY Day Plunge at 1pm. Read More or check out the Facebook Event Page Volunteers and safety boats welcome.

5 mile course

Learn more about my book Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips. I also offer SUP and Kayak lessons available throughout the year at Salmon Bay Paddle. Questions about paddling on the Salish Sea, give me a holler anytime at salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com or 206-465-7167

Support the Washington Water Trails Association and the Cascadia Marine Trail. The wwta works to create and protect access for paddlers on Puget Sound as well as provide an extensive network of over 60 paddle-in camping sites - www.wwta.org

1/15/15

Paddle in to Coffee or a Pizza in Port Townsend

I love places where you can paddle to a beer or a snack. There's a few spots like this on Puget Sound - the Tides Inn in Gig Harbor and the Boat Shed below Manette Bridge.

In Port Townsend there's several places you can paddle to..

- Paddle to the Pourhouse for a pint of local craft beer. I heard you could get a $1 off for paddling in. This is my kinda of town.

- Paddle to downtown 'PT' for Waterfront Pizza or coffee at Better Living Through Coffee. Both are adjacent to a great little beach with drift logs to set your gear on.

Wetsuits welcome at Waterfront Pizza

Beach and picnic table below coffee and pizza spots

Beach below Better Living Through Coffee (on left)

Support the Washington Water Trails Association and the Cascadia Marine Trail. The wwta works to create and protect access for paddlers on Puget Sound as well as provide an extensive network of over 60 paddle-in camping sites - www.wwta.org

7/18/14

Driving up to Mt Erie, Fidalgo Island Above Anacortes

View of Whidbey, Skagit, Hope and Goat Islands.

Mt Erie can be accessed by Deception Pass State Park from a short steep drive to the summit. The view above shows Erie Lake, Hope, Skagit, Kiket, and Goat Isalands on the left, and Whidbey Island on the right.

Learn more about my book Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips. I also offer SUP and Kayak lessons available throughout the year at Salmon Bay Paddle. Questions about paddling on the Salish Sea, give me a holler anytime at salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com or 206-465-7167

Support the Washington Water Trails Association and the Cascadia Marine Trail. The wwta works to create and protect access for paddlers on Puget Sound as well as provide an extensive network of over 60 paddle-in camping sites - www.wwta.org

4/4/13

Paddling Seattle - Golden Gardens, Shilsole Bar to West Point Lighthouse - Trip #18 -

West Point at 30kts of Southerly Wind.

Sometimes the best paddle route is the one closest to where you live. A friend once told me that he got bored paddling on Shilshole Bay from Golden Gardens to the West Point Lighthouse at Discovery Park. For me, it's different every time, and I've been doing it nearly weekly for a decade.

6 Reasons Why I love paddling on Shilshole Bay:

Shilshole Bay

- I enjoy the light outgoing always present current below the Chittenden Locks. I can teach my SUP students to ferry across the current, use eddies to go upstream then get a sorta free float back downstream. After heavy rain eddy lines form behind obstructions giving myself and students practice in currents up to 4kts. Picturesque homes on stilts line the shores. Know anyone selling one - give me a holler! Note: SUPs aren't allowed to transit through the Locks.

- Freighters put off up to chest high (5') surfable waves across from Ray's Boathouse at low tides. We also surf tug waves in deep water offshore once a week. Wave faces can reach up to 6' with rides nearly 1/2 mile long. Read article on our surfing exploits in the Seattle Time, Here. I also surf behind most boats coming out of or going into the Locks. Learn to surf Freighter Waves

Tip: Give boaters the right of way and make eye contact before getting their wave.

- High wind days create fun conditions if you're into that sort of thing. North winds over 20 knots create surf at Meadow Point and at the mouth of Salmon Bay. Southerlies create surf on the south side of West Point and fun downwind conditions between the point and Golden Gardens. Friends and I have paddled in up to 41 knots, our limit.

Shilshole Bay, Seattle

- Wildlife. On every paddle I pass a section with a half dozen harbor seals who frolic below my board or kayak, or follow me around. Sea lions bark in the distance, and sea life dart below my water craft on clear days. Whale sighting are few.

- Shilshole Marina, nearly 1.7 miles long provides protected paddling about 350 days a year. I take my SUP students in there for calm water and to work on directional control weaving through the many channels and pathways. Tip: Slow down for each aisle opening in case a boat is coming out.

- Paddling to West Point. From my launch at the Elks Beach below the Locks, the lighthouse is about 1.7 miles. It looks easy but currents and back eddies can hinder your speed. A straight line to the lighthouse isn't always the easiest route. If there's an outgoing tide or strong southerly, the bay on the north side of the point becomes a big gyro or back eddy pushing current along shore to the point. Going point A to B would be bucking current the whole distance.

Webcam from a house on Magnolia: http://www.brichmond.com/webcam/mywebcam_loop.htm

8/6/12

Become a Lighthouse Keeper On Puget Sound

You can pay a weekly fee and stay in a few lighthouses on Puget Sound - Pt Robinson on Vashon, the NewDungeness Lighthouse in Sequim, Pt Brown near Tacoma, and Point No Point north of Kingston. All locations have amazing views and great water access for paddling.

More Info..

New Dungeness Lighthouse Keeper -
http://www.newdungenesslighthouse.com/lighthouse-keepers.html

Pt Robinson Lighthouse Keeper -
Click HERE.

Point No Point Lighthouse, Hansville, WA -
www.uslhs.org/vacation_rental.php

Browns Point Lighthouse, Tacoma -
www.pnehs.dreamhosters.com/lighthouse/?page_id=91

Other Lighthouse Keeper Opportunities in WA State:
- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, Ilwaco, WA.

Lighthouse Keepers in the USA -
http://www.uslhs.org/index.php

7/13/12

The Lion's Mane Jellyfish

In summer on Pacific NW saltwater waterways, you'll begin to see jellyfish appearing in large numbers. The two most common jellyfish are Moon Jellies, and the largest of the two is the Lion's Mane, (cyanea capillata).

More Info from National Geographic online..
"The world’s largest creatures reside in the ocean, and its depths are home to unusual species whose surprising proportions are unknown on land.

Here, an underwater view captures the billowing tentacles of a lion’s mane jellyfish. The most potent species of jellyfish, the lion’s mane can reach a diameter of 6.6 feet (2 meters) with tentacles topping 49 feet (15 meters)."

Here's one shot just below the surface in Dewatto Bay on Hood Canal in July. Camera: Oregon Scientific ATC9K.

6/27/12

Paddling Victoria BC Harbor - Trip #55

Trip #55 - Victoria harbor is a very picturesque fun place to paddle. Winding rocking shorelines, little coves and bays, urban views of houseboats, shipyards, and the charming skyline of Victoria - the Empress, etc.

One problem - in summer it's super busy with sea planes, recreational boats, tourist shuttles, the Blackball Ferry, Victoria Clipper, and other small craft. The key is to paddle the edges, along the shore. Watch for outgoing current on the ebb at the harbor entrance into the Strait and clapotis (refracted waves) off Ogden Point's breakwater.

Best to take a peek at the Victoria harbor traffic scheme prior to going (in the book). A local guide said, "if the seaplane lights are blinking, they're about to take off."

6/15/12

Stand Up Paddler between Fox Island and the Kitsap Pensinsula Trip #7

There's several ways to get to Kopachuck State Park and it's wonderful Cascadia Marine Trail campsite. In this image, a stand up paddler is headed east towards the Tacoma Narrows on Hale Passage (Hale's Beer named after that?). The bridge connects Kitsap Peninsula to Towhead Island and Fox Island. There's a great launch on Towhead just before you reach Fox Island, also a boat ramp.

Currents can get going on Hale Passage, learn to use them to your advantage. In this case you'd want a flood to push ya a bit west towards Green Point and north Kopachuck State Park. If you know the paddler in the photo give me a holler, I'd like to send her a print.

View from Fox Island

60 Trips Book Launch Party, 6/27/12 Noble Fir / Ballard

60 Trips Book Launch Party! June 27th (2012)
& WWTA Pub Night at The Noble Fir / Ballard / Seattle

WWTA friends and supporters at The Noble Fir in a benefit for Washington Water Trails Association on Wednesday, June 27, when $1 from each tap pour (pint of beer or cider) goes to WWTA throughout the night!

When: Wednesday, June 27, from 6:30pm until midnight
Where: The Noble Fir, 5316 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA 98119 http://thenoblefir.com/events.html

6/1/12

Kayaking Bremerton - Trip #13

Bremerton is a town of interesting Naval sights, old neighborhoods, and much like Seattle winding waterways and the bridges that connect the land together. The current can run fast through the Port Washington Narrows providing a free ride or uphill battle to those who aren't paying attention.

Trip #13 originates 13 miles to the west in Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge. The trip takes you through Rich Passage to Bremerton.

5/31/12

Trip #26 - La Connor & the Skagit River

Known for it's rich agricultural heritage and busy maritime scene, the Skagit Valley has several picturesque paddling trips. In Trip #26 you have several options to choose from. On the ebb, launch from Blake's Resort and float down downstream past Fish Town and thread your way through the swamp like tide flats below the Skagit River. Visit the interesting geological rock formations of Ika Island (no landing permitted) or the World War 1 era coastal fortifications on Goat Island.

Using a flood current paddle up the Swinhomish Channel to La Connor and enjoy the town's various shops, enjoy a beer at the La Connor Brewery or a gigantic cinammon roll at the Calico Cupboard. Camp at the Cascadia Marine Trail site in Pioeneer Park below the Rainbow Bridge.

Take the tail end of the ebb back down the Swinhomish Channel to the mouth of the Skagit, then paddle up the river on the flood tide back to Blake's.

5/30/12

Seeking Navigation & Marine Weather Training?

If you're seeking marine navigation and weather resources, books, online courses or apps, check out the Starpath School of Navigation in Seattle. Owner David Burch is the author of Kayak Navigation and several other publications on marine weather, GPS, and other cool stuff.

Sample Topics Covered:
- Celestial Navigation
- Modern Marine Weather
- Inland and Coastal Navigation
- The Barometer Handbook

More info here..Starpath

5/29/12

The Book has Launched!

My publicist at Mountaineers Books told me today that my 60 Trips Kayaking Puget Sound book has launched! Find it online at the usual spots and it should be on bookstore shelves now or in the near future.

For more info on the book, look Here.

5/17/12

Driftwood Shelter on Puget Sound, Fay Bainbridge Park - Trip #19

Puget Sound beaches are often the home to driftwood. Creative beachcombers often build driftwood shelters and art such as the one below. Some stay up for several seasons, a great place to watch storms in winter.

Fay Bainbridge Park, Bainbridge Island, WA

Fay Bainbridge below is a four mile paddle from Seattle and easily accessible by Winslow Harbor to the south and Kingston from the north. A Cascadia Marine Trails campsite offers an overnight option in the park. Summer can be quite busy on busy weekends, best to visit weekdays or off season.

5/8/12

-3.4 Tide on Shilshole Bay in Seattle 5/7/12

4/20/12

Paddling Solo Point / Fort Lewis, WA

In 2012, I taught a SUP basic class to a woman who lives near Fort Lewis in South Puget Sound. Not knowing her area, she suggested Solo Point which is a little nub of land sticking out from the shore south of the town of Steilacoom. Right across from the point is tiny Ketron Island, a 10 minute paddle on a calm day.

Views to the south include Anderson Island and the mainland near Luhr Beach on the south side of Nisqually Reach. To the north I spotted Fox Island and the Narrows Bridge. I was in awe of views from this easily accessed beach only a ten minute drive from I-5 (Exit 119).

Soon after my student arrived, a MP (Military Police) SUV pulled up blocking our access. Out pops a serious 20 something guy in full camo, a bullet proofed vest, and a two gun holster. He immediately asked for our IDs.

I asked my student and she pointed out that military IDs are required to access the beach. On my way in, there were no visible signs from the freeway to the beach stating this, only a tank crossing side by the road. I later mentioned our encounter to Corey Dolan of Dolan's Board Sports in Tacoma. As a native Tacoma resident, he said the beach is used for combat exercises so they tend to be tight on security.

Aside from our MP encounter, the beach is along the main railway line for Burlington Northern and Amtrak. Trains roared by every ten minutes or so. Before launching or landing there, do your research or even contact Fort Lewis to inquire about using the beach.

Solo Point did make for a great point break on a strong southerly. Winds seemed to funnel between Ketron Island and the mainland which like many in Puget Sound are fiord like with steep tree lined hillsides. I surfed a few waist high waves in about 25kts of wind before heading home.

Location:
http://www.findlatitudeandlongitude.com/?loc=Solo+Point+Rd%2C+Fort+Lewis%2C+WA+98433%2C+USA&id=96517

Rob Casey is author of Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, 60 Trips and Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Surf and Rivers, both by Mountaineers Books. He owns Salmon Bay Paddle a SUP school in Seattle.

4/18/12

Lummi Island Ferry - Bring Cash!

If you decide to take the Lummi Island ferry make sure you bring exactly $13 in cash. No cards are accepted or checks. We found out en route as they were collecting before we landed on the island. Luckily we had enough. A fun ride, this tiny ferry is a 10 minute ride each way.

4/13/12

60 Trips Book Presentation at the Port Angeles Kayaking Sympoisum 4/14

Join Me for a 60 Trips Presentation at the Port Angeles Kayaking Sympoisum Sat evening, 4/14.

http://www.raftandkayak.com/kayak-symposium/

I'm also teaching basic SUP classes both mornings of April 14 and 15 at the event. Private SUP instruction is available. Contact me for more info on my cel, 206.465.7167.

3/26/12

My Upcoming Talks for 60 Trips Kayaking Puget Sound & the San Juans..

The 60 Trips book launches June 1st, almost there! I'm finishing my last edit of the galleys this week looking for last minute changes, errors, etc. Then it goes off to print.

Here's my schedule of upcoming book talks...(as of 3/26)...

- April 14th, Saturday night presentation, Port Angeles Kayaking Symposium. Click Here for Info.

- May 16th, Port Townsend Wooden Boat Chandlery / Northwest Maritime Center
& Wooden Boat Foundation 12 Noon to 1:30pm.