Island Beach Access

Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK) – Round the Island Paddle #20: Joseph Whidbey State Pk to Deception Pass

General area of island: NORTH – West Side

Nearest town or community: Oak Harbor

Point to Point launch sites: #16 Joseph Whidbey State Park to #1 Deception Pass State Park

Difficulty: Skill level I-II depending on conditions

Paddle distance/time (one way): 6.8 mi.

Access: Ref: Getting to the Water’s Edge

Site #16: Joseph Whidbey Beach Park: Lat/Long N 48: 18.471 W 122: 49.986
From Hwy 525 (Oak Harbor) go W onto Swantown Rd. Then 3 mi. to stop sign at T intersection with Crosby Rd. The entrance is on the N. side of Crosby. There are two parking areas with no facilities. One is near West Beach Rd, at the N. End of a line of waterfront houses. See GWE book for more detailed instructions.
Site #1: Deception Pass State Park: Lat/Long: N 48.24.004 W: 122: 39.847Site #1: Deception Pass State Park: Lat/Long: N 48.24.004 W: 122: 39.847
Launch site is on the westerly corner of the park.

Special features, attractions, points of interest, warnings: (e.g., best times to paddle, wildlife, scenery)
Launch from either direction based on wind & currents. Pass by the Naval Air station and listen for yourself to the sound of freedom. This is NOT a quiet, peaceful ride. You will pass by the airstrip and observe jets and old twin engine prop planes on nearly constant training runs. Other than that, it is a pleasant, if long, paddle.

KAYAKING SKILL LEVEL MATRIX (from Hole in the Wall Paddling Club newsletter)

	SKI	SKII	SKIII	SKIV	SKV	SKVI
Geography (fetch: distance of unimpeded wind)	Protected from wind & waves	Fetch less than 10 nautical miles	Fetch more than 10 nautical miles	Crossings up to 5 nautical miles	Crossings over 5 nautical miles	Landings may be impossible
Hydraulics	Insignificant currents	Max current 1 knot	Max current 2 knots	Currents above 2 knots	Currents faster than paddle speed	Anything possible
Route	Day trips nearshore	Crossings less than 1 nautical mile	Eddy lines & tiderips possible	Strong eddy lines, tiderips & boils	Possible launching & landing in surf	Anything possible
Possible conditions	Calm	Winds less than 10 knots	Wind possibility more than 10 knots	Steep waves, swells & wind over 15 knots	Foul weather, whitecaps and fast current	Rescues may be impossible
Skills & expertise	Willing to learn	Wet exits and rescues	Group & self rescue; bracing	Reflexive bracing, navigation	All skills plus roll recommended	Extensive surfing

Information supplied by Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers – May the kelp be with you.