PADDLE RATINGS:

 

Before you go, make sure you have the required gear listed in the Participant Guide to ensure you have all the right safety stuff. Make sure you’re dressed for immersion, ready for the unexpected, have plenty of water, snacks and whatever you need to be comfortable and happy on the water.

 

·     Please note: In order to participate in any of the paddles listed below, you must have demonstrated your basic safety skills (panic-free wet exit, and doing an assisted rescue both as the rescuer and rescuee) to a designated club observer. Contact the Safety Skills Coordinator listed on the website for more information.

 

OPEN paddle: All OPP members with required gear and who are current on their safety skills demo.

 

OPEN PLUS paddles: All paddles rated 2B or above.  *Please contact the paddle coordinator before you sign up if you haven't previously paddled with the club.*

 

 

We also encourage individuals to connect at a time of their own choosing for friends paddles outside of OPP activities.

 

 

CONDITIONS:

 

Level 1:

·      Protected waters

·      Predicted winds no more than 4 kt.

·      1-2 kt. currents

·      Plenty of easy landings

·      Required skills: basic paddle strokes, OPP safety skills passed

 

Level 2:

·               Possible wind chop

·               Wind waves up to 1’

·               Currents up to 2 kt.

·               Predicted winds up to 6 kt.

·               Easy to moderate landings

·               Suggested skills: Level 1 plus bracing, edging, and holding a course and ability to         paddle several miles without tiring

 

Level 3:

·      Possible swells and eddy lines

·      Wind waves up to 2’

·      Currents up to 4 kt.

·      Predicted winds up to 8 kt.

·      Moderate landings

·      Possible surf up to 1.5 feet

·      Suggested skills: Level 2 plus ability to paddle up to 10 nm, ferrying, enhanced boat control, ability to take compass readings and hold a course

 

Level 4:

·      Possible swells, chop, currents and eddy lines

·      Rugged and/or exposed shoreline

·      Currents up to 5 kt.

·      Winds up to 10 kt.

·      Crossings of up to 2 nm

·      Limited bail-out points

·      Moderate to difficult landings

·      Possible surf of 2+ feet

·      Suggested skills: Level 3 plus very reliable assisted and self-rescue skills in more active conditions

 

DISTANCE/EFFORT/SHELTERED RESTING SPOTS

 

A: Up to 3 hours active paddling and/or 5 nm with plenty of sheltered resting spots

B: Up to 5 hours active paddling and/or 8 nm with some sheltered resting spots

C: Up to 6 hours active paddling and/or 12 nm with limited shelter or landing spots

D: More than any sane OPP member would choose to do

 

ADDITIONAL CAVEAT: Paddles occurring October through April could bump up a rating due to very changeable and adverse conditions in the Pacific Northwest.