Commencement Bay Paddle and Swim :)-

We are going to paddle counterclockwise around Commencement Bay, with waterways explorations as time allows. Afterward, for anyone interested, we'll stop at the Center at Norpoint (a very nice Tacoma Parks rec center near Browns Point) for their hot-tub spa, sauna, and/or lap swim. Beyond that, for those still around and interested, we'll catch dinner and beverage at the Gyros House Mediterranean Grill (good gyros, falafel, spanikopita, Greek salads, etc.).

Sign-up Requirements:

This is a 10 to 11 nautical-mile paddle that may be subject to wind waves and ship traffic.

To sign up for this paddle, you need to be an advanced novice or beyond paddler, with re-entry, and rescue training, skills and practice, and you must be able to paddle at a 3 knots pace. The required kayaking experience and skills need to be documented in your meetup-profile information and your answers to the sign-up questions. If you do not answer the sign-up questions, your RSVP will be deleted.

Schedule and Itinerary:

12:30 p.m. - meet at Browns Point Lighthouse Park, off-load the kayaks, and park.

1:00 p.m. - launch and paddle 2 n.m. across Commencement Bay to Chinese Reconcilation Park, then paddle counterclockwise around Commencement Bay (5 n.m. back to Browns Point, with ebb-current assist toward the end), with explorations into the various waterways as time allows.

~ 5:00 p.m. - arrive back at Browns Point and take out.

~ 5:30 p.m. (optional) - hot-tub spa, sauna, and swimming at the Center at Norpoint, 4818 Nassau Ave. NE, Tacoma, WA 98422

~ 6:30 p.m. (optional) - dinner and beverage at Gyros House Mediterranean Grill, 1945 South Commons, Federal Way, WA 98003.

Conditions and Contingency:

This paddle is contingent upon reasonably safe wind and weather conditions. The prediction as of Monday, Ocotber 28, is for good paddling weather.

Equipment Requirements:

Kayak, paddle, pfd, paddlefloat, pump, sprayskirt, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and snacks, waterproof paddle jacket and hat in case of rain, VHF radio if you have one, immersion gear.

Immersion Gear:

Wearing immersion gear (drysuit or wetsuit) is mandatory for this paddle.