If you have questions that are not covered here, just send an email to: ssak@hctc.com

 

How do I join?

Just show up to a paddle a half an hour prior to the launch time and bring a copy of the release.  If you aren't able to bring a copy, we'll have some available.

 

Do you offer classes and/or instruction?

No.  However, you will be amazed by how willing people are to show you the tricks of the trade.  All you have to do is ask.  It is also common for some to practice skills and trade boats at lunch breaks or at the end of paddle trips. There are some events on the schedule specifically aimed at skill development.

 

How much are the dues?

Zero, nada, zippo

 

What is a POC anyway?

The POC is the Point of Contact for the paddle.  They are the people who coordinate the trip but they are not the "leader" or "in-charge."

They are not in any way trained, certified, or pre-qualified by the Club for their skills and abilities as kayakers or as leaders. They act voluntarily and without compensation, in the same manner anyone among a group of acquaintances might agree to act as colleague or a point-of-contact for a particular activity or trip.

 

What can I expect from the POC?

You can expect them to decide on the launch time and location, general route to be paddled, as well as a trip report on the Yahoo group. 

Some people choose to do more than this, such as providing tides, weather forecasts, cookies, etc, however this is not required and not every POC chooses to provide this information.   Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure you have all the info you need for a paddle.

 

What am I responsible for?

In a nutshell, everything.  You are responsible for your own safety and happiness. It is your responsibility to evaluate each situation, each activity and each trip, to be sure you have the skills and necessary equipment to participate. This includes, but is not limited to:

 

When are the meetings?

We meet informally on the first Monday of the month at the El Sarape in West Olympia to have dinner and talk paddling. About twice a year the paddle schedule is fleshed out at the meeting.

 

Who are the officers?

There are no officers.  There are a few people who take on duties such as maintaining the website, sending out club paddle info and maintaining the Yahoo group.

 

What kind of boat should I have?

One that floats would be a good start.  It really depends on what types of paddles you want to go on.  If you are only interested in doing lakes and other very protected paddles, a small recreation boat, sit-on-top or inflatable would work just fine.  If you are planning to take on Deception Pass at maximum ebb, these types of boats may not be the best choice. 

The best thing to do is to go to a kayak shop and rent a few boats first and decide what you like.  You may also want to talk to a few people in the club and ask what boats they like and why.  There are opportunities to try other member's kayaks on our paddle trips. You will learn a lot from this  

 

What are trip classifications or ratings?

This chart has a very good explanation of the ratings we use.

 

Do I need a drysuit or wetsuit?

No.  See the question above about responsibilities.  A drysuit will dramatically increase your ability to practice skills and how much fun you can have. Those with drysuits definitely have more fun

Think of a drysuit or wetsuit like the seatbelt in your car.  Nearly all the time you drive your car you don't need your seatbelt.  However, in the critical 2-3 seconds during a crash, your seatbelt is pretty important.

Puget Sound's water temperature ranges from 45 to 55 degrees. Local lakes can get down into the 30's.  While an air temperature of 55 degrees might not seem that uncomfortable, water that cold can kill you. 

A drysuit might not be a good use of money for some when just starting, as there are other ways to protect yourself.  A wet suit is nowhere near the cost of a drysuit and provides protection against hypothermia.  The catch is if you fall in, you are wet the rest of the day.

Can you paddle without immersion protection? Yes, people do it all the time. (Including some people who paddle with us regularly) Can you drive a car without a seatbelt?  Yes, people do it all the time.

 

Your pictures look like you’re too advanced for me, is that true?

Absolutely not.  There are people of all skill levels in this club.  People just tend to post the exciting pictures and videos.

 

What should I bring to a paddle?

Bring what you need to have a good time and be safe (including complying with Coast Guard Regulations).  Remember, it really depends on the paddle and conditions.  A few common things are:

 

What are the advantages of paddling with a group?

Two words: Learning and safety

 

What is your paddling philosophy?

Officially, we don't have one.  I polled few members and this is what they said.

 

How do I find the launch?

On the schedule page you will find a Google map link that will get you to, or very near the launch.  Just remember, sometimes the road map isn't all that accurate.  The best thing to do in this case is head towards the water and start looking for kayaks on cars.

 

The paddle is at 11 a.m. When do I show up?

Again this depends on you.  For your first trip, show up at least a half an hour early.  Remember the time listed is the time we are planning to leave the launch.  If you are the type of person who can get ready in 3 minutes, then show up at 10:57.  If you need an hour, then show up at 10:00.  Parking is sometimes an issue so you may have to shuffle cars around in addition to getting your boat to the water, gear in the boat, gear on you, etc.

If you get lost and don't make it to the launch until right before the time listed - don't panic.  They aren't going to leave you.

 

What happens if the weather is bad?

We do not cancel paddles.  Depending on the make up of the group, the group may decide to alter the plans for the original route.  However, most of the time we just press on - it makes for better stories.

 

How do I become a POC?

Come to a meeting with an idea of where you want to go.  Chances are someone has done this paddle before and can offer some advice on dates and times to make the paddle successful.

 

Do you kayak camp?

Most of our paddles are day trips. However 4-5 times a year there will be camping trips as well. 

 

May I make a suggestion for a paddle?

Absolutely, just come to a meeting or a paddle or post your suggestion on the Yahoo group.

 

What kind of people join SSAK?

In general, people who love to go kayaking (as opposed to people who only want to talk about kayaking)

 

I need more information about a paddle; How do I get it?

The best way is to email the POC (Point of Contact) directly with your question.  You can also post to the Yahoo group.

 

What can I learn from other SSAK paddlers?

You can learn all sorts of new and interesting things such as how to become a better paddler, gear selection, the importance of chocolate, camping tips, how to achieve inner peace, etc, etc.

 

Do you have social events?

Yes.  Aside from the paddles and monthly meetings, we often hold other get-togethers for special events and holidays.