Sea Kayak San Juan Islands
Can novice/intermediate kayakers manage the west coast of San Juan Island without a guide?
I have two Necky 14′ Manitou kayaks and am planning to take my sister up to San Juan Island in 2 weeks to go kayaking and hopefully spot some orcas. My plan is to hug the coast and head south from County park to Lime Kiln State Park then maybe on another day explore the area near Roche Harbor or Griffin Bay. I’ve done some sea-kayaking before along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, but not at San Juan Island. I have the tide charts, know enough to closely monitor the weather and wind. Is this a particularly dangerous area? Do we *need* guides? I tend to think if the guides can take first-timers through these waters it shouldn’t be too hard. Thoughts?
I don’t have specific local knowledge, but here are some things to consider:
It’s good you’re checking the weather and tides (actually the current will be at least as important as the tide height). Do you know how accurate the weather forecast is? Can you accurately judge your skills in a given wind speed? Beginners (assuming your sister hasn’t kayaked) can usually handle up to about 10 knots of wind. 15 could be a real struggle.
How are your rescue/recovery skills? Can you do them in conditions? That’s when you’d most likely need them, when the weather comes up unexpectedly. How about gear? The water there is really chilly. I wouldn’t go with less than a wetsuit. A tow line might be a good idea just in case.
These are the sort of things you’d get with a guide: someone who knows the weather well, has appropriate gear, and can sort things out if things go wrong.
If you’re not certain, consider taking a lesson where you’ll improve on your skills and judgment, and it’ll help you determine better when and where you can go. You’re near one of the best kayaking schools in North America (http://www.bodyboatblade.com/ ).
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