Oak Bay Marina to Gonzales Bay
Launch from the small beach area along Beach Drive, just to the south of the boat ramp and behind the furthest west wharf of the Oak Bay Marina (https://maps.app.goo.gl/H3jA72EaysJ2URet8). Parking is along Beach Drive. There are washroom facilities at the Oak Bay Marina.
Paddle out around the breakwater between Turkey Head and Mary Tod Island then handrail along the coast past Gonzales Point, through Enterprise Channel, into McNeil Bay, then around Harding Point before ducking into Gonzales Bay where we will stop for our lunch break at Gonzales Park (there are picnic tables and washrooms) - hopefully there is some beach to work with :*) Retrace our route along the coastline back to our launch point.
Tides @1000hrs are predicted to be 2.1M (7') rising to 2.8M (9') by 1400hrs. Using the currents at Race Passage as the nearest primary station, Baynes Channel current runs 75% of Race and Enterprise Channel runs 50% of Baynes. With this in mind, we can expect favourable conditions both ways through Enterprise Channel :: slack at 1050hrs, max flood @1320h (~ 1 knt), with slack again at 15:30hrs.
Note: Due to the potential for current and exposed coastline the minimum skill experience /requirement for this paddle has been set at Paddle Canada Level 1. Drysuits or farmer John/Jane wetsuits are required equipment for this trip.
Anyone with questions can contact the trip leader by email: cst4420@telus.net or txtmsg: 250.213;2507. Note: Craig will be away until October 7th, and may not respond to email or txtmsg until his return.
TBD - depending on wind forecast
Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes. Please bring a lunch or snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a thermos of something warm. Your paddle leader will introduce the plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements. Please stay off the water until the group is ready. If you have a VHF radio please bring it with you.