PADDLE RATINGS:

 

The paddle ratings below are meant as a helpful guide to the kind of conditions you might expect on a scheduled paddle. That said, Mother Nature has the final say, and conditions on the water can always change.

 

Before you head out, it's a good idea to review the Participant Guide to make sure you’ve got all your required gear and safety essentials. Dress for immersion, plan for the unexpected, bring plenty of water and snacks, and pack whatever else keeps you comfortable and happy on the water.

 

Just a reminder – we’re big fans of staying upright… and knowing what to do if we’re not. So, before participating in Club paddles, we ask all members to demonstrate basic safety skills, including a wet exit and an assisted rescue.  See the Safety Skills Guidelines for detailed information.  We have a friendly Safety Skills Mentor Team available for observations and to help you build confidence along the way.  If you haven’t done this yet, no problem, we’re here to help. Our Safety Skills and Training Coordinator can point you in the right direction and help to get you set up.

 

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.