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birch_bay [2023/11/08 18:03]
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birch_bay [2025/03/23 19:48] (current)
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-Good swell and waves may be farther out in the channel if there is little west component in the wind/waves BUT you really do NOT want to be blown too far into or across the Strait of Georgia toward the San Juans or Vancouver Island whether you are going north or south. You need to be even more sure of your abilities and [[:​home#​safety|safety precautions]] (radio, leash, buddy, etc.) if you venture into bigger water that is not clearly aiming you back into the bay. Be aware of any forecast wind direction or strength changes and likewise pay attention to any changes on the water. You can hedge your risk by keeping more inside the bay and catching a level of waves where you can still feel comfortable or you are able to practice stretching your skills while you will clearly be pushed back to the bay shore if you have any trouble. On bigger days with plenty of from the west component in the wind and waves the push back to shore will be a given and your major decisions can be: can you get out (and back in) through the shore break safely and how far can you paddle out against the wind and waves? Far enough to get decent downwind laps or not at all? Significant local wind in the bay can add considerable side wave action on the water as well as daunting wind resistance that makes everything more difficult, particularly getting in and out of the water.+Good swell and waves may be farther out in the channel if there is little west component in the wind/waves BUT you really do NOT want to be blown too far into or across the Strait of Georgia toward the San Juans or Vancouver Island whether you are going north or south. You need to be even more sure of your abilities and [[:​home#​safety|safety precautions]] (radio, leash, buddy, etc.) if you venture into bigger water that is not clearly aiming you back into the bay. Be aware of any forecast wind direction or strength changes and likewise pay attention to any changes on the water. You can hedge your risk by keeping more inside the bay and catching a level of waves where you can still feel comfortable or you are able to practice stretching your skills while you will clearly be pushed back to the bay shore if you have any trouble. On bigger days with plenty of from the west component in the wind and wavesthe push back to shore will be a given and your major decisions can be: can you get out (and back in) through the shore break safely and how far can you paddle out against the wind and waves? Far enough to get decent downwind laps or not at all? Significant local wind in the bay can add considerable side wave action on the water as well as daunting wind resistance that makes everything more difficult, particularly getting in and out of the water.
  
 Some sort of paddle shoe is highly recommended for walking in and out. The shoreline bottom is mostly shells and small, barnacle encrusted cobbles. Some sort of paddle shoe is highly recommended for walking in and out. The shoreline bottom is mostly shells and small, barnacle encrusted cobbles.