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WAKE Wednesday Paddle

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About this event

On this weekly club paddle, we head south along the shore of Bellingham Bay to Clark's Point and back. Moderate pace (3 knots or whatever the group decides). Launch is from southernmost end of Boulevard Park or from Community Boat Center (CBC) Launch. The CBC launch usually has more parking available.

NOTE: Please be respectful of other users, particularly at the CBC launch, which can get busy on Wednesday evenings. Don't block the launch. Enter and leave the area quickly and leave room for others when possible. Ask for help if you need help getting a kayak from your car ot the launch ramp.

Below is a checklist for basic (and slightly more advanced) safety gear for this - and any - paddle. This is not a complete list. Feel free to ping me (Warren Cornwall) with items I should add.

There is usually an after-paddle pint and fish and chips at the Stone's Throw pub in Fairhaven (1009 Larrabee Ave.).

When: 5pm launch from south-end beach at Boulevard Park. Stopping at the Community Boat Center launch around 5:05 to pick up anyone leaving from there. PLEASE BE READY TO LAUNCH ON TIME.

Route: Southbound along the shore to the end of Clark's Point (6.5 miles round trip). Unless the group chooses an alternate.

Dress: Neoprene wetsuit or drysuit is a must year around due to water temperatures. Even if it's toasty up top, that water is still cold. If you are gear limited, email Warren Cornwall and I might have something you can use.

Required Skill Level: Level 2. That means experience with wet exits, assisted rescues and bracing. Potential for enough wind to create waves. Wind waves of 1-2' might break over bow. Potential for some chop. Current to 1-2 knots. Easy to moderate landings.

RSVP: Registration through Club Express required.

Safety Gear Suggestions

Each Person Should Definitely Have:

- Pump

- Drysuit or wetsuit

- Appropriate hand and head covering for the temperatures.

- At least one mode of communication that will work and be accessible on the water (cell phone, VHF radio, etc.). A second piece provides redundancy.

- PFD

- Whistle

- Any emergency medications you need
- A watertight and seaworthy kayak with all hatches intact and tight.

Each Person Should Consider Having:

- A spare paddle

- A spare set of warm clothes in a dry bag (such as fleece jacket and pants)

- A VHF radio (if you know how to use it)

- A waist-mounted tow rope (if you know how to use it)

- An easily accessible, rust-resistant safety knife for entanglements, etc.

- Compass - on deck or on PFD

- A small flashing strobe attached to PFD
- A waterproof headlamp and/or 360-degree visible light for navigation safety at dusk/dark (especially on short winter days).

In addition to those things, I will have:

- Multiple flares (electronic and pyrotechnic)

- Poncho that doubles as a tarp

- Emergency bivy

- First Aid Kit

- Emergency Boat Repair Kit

- Emergency food (Clif bars)

Date and Time

Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM

Location

Southernmost end of Boulevard Park or Community Boat Center Launch in Bellingham
Bellingham, WA
USA

Event Contact(s)

Warren Cornwall

Registration Info

Registration is required

Dress: Neoprene wetsuit or drysuit is a must year around due to water temperatures.
Required Skill Level: Level 2. That means experience with wet exits, assisted rescues and bracing. Potential for enough wind to create waves. Wind waves of 1-2' might break over bow. Potential for some chop. Current to 1-2 knots. Easy to moderate landings.
RSVP: Registration through Club Express required.