Post by Philip on Sept 8, 2012 10:59:00 GMT -9
This seems like a pretty obvious place to paddle, but I'll post it anyway since there may be some new folks around who haven't checked out the excellent kayaking available right here in town.
One of my favorite evening paddles is to go from Mission Beach southwest along Holiday and Crooked Islands, and if it is calm enough to go out and do a lap around Puffin Island. A loop like this is about 8-10 miles depending on how straight you go. A 2-2.5 hour paddle if you are going at a good clip and don't stop. With all the small islands finding shelter from wind and swells is usually possible, though the initial crossing of the channel from Mission Beach to the islands is about a mile, and getting to Puffin and back exposes you to Chiniak Bay. Tides run northward on the flood (from left to right on the map) and southward on the ebb. There is significant current in most channels when the tide is running, so take that into consideration. Also, there is float plane traffic in Trident Basin so stick to the eastern shore and stay out of the middle of the basin. Especially watch out when entering and leaving the basin since the planes often take very low approaches over the water and they are hard to hear when inbound with the throttle pulled.
There are so many variations possible in this area that you can mix and match as conditions and your whim dictate.
Headed southwest outside Cooked Island:
Approaching Popof Is:
Crossing to Puffin Is:
One of my favorite evening paddles is to go from Mission Beach southwest along Holiday and Crooked Islands, and if it is calm enough to go out and do a lap around Puffin Island. A loop like this is about 8-10 miles depending on how straight you go. A 2-2.5 hour paddle if you are going at a good clip and don't stop. With all the small islands finding shelter from wind and swells is usually possible, though the initial crossing of the channel from Mission Beach to the islands is about a mile, and getting to Puffin and back exposes you to Chiniak Bay. Tides run northward on the flood (from left to right on the map) and southward on the ebb. There is significant current in most channels when the tide is running, so take that into consideration. Also, there is float plane traffic in Trident Basin so stick to the eastern shore and stay out of the middle of the basin. Especially watch out when entering and leaving the basin since the planes often take very low approaches over the water and they are hard to hear when inbound with the throttle pulled.
There are so many variations possible in this area that you can mix and match as conditions and your whim dictate.
Headed southwest outside Cooked Island:
Approaching Popof Is:
Crossing to Puffin Is: