>>Date: Tue, 27 Mar 2001 22:12:49 -0800 From: "Rob & Laura Campbell" <campy_at_olypen.com> Subject: [Paddlewise] Clayquot Sound tidal currents I am going to be kayaking in Clayquot Sound in late July. Can anyone tell me where I can find some good reference materials on the tidal currents I might face in the Sound? I have heard currents are pretty severe and I want to be prepared. Anyone kayaked from Tofino to Ahous Bay on Vargas Island? I am interested in this trip (day trip?) but have been discouraged by a local guide because of the surf landing.<< We've paddled this area many times (and "late July" is probably the most common time we've gone). Regarding tidal currents, I don't think there are current tables for the area, but from experience I'd say the usual maximum tidal currents (barring any unusual circumstances) are around 2 knots. I've had the pleasure of trying to paddle out against maximum current and it's pretty slow going -- but I don't think I'd call it "severe". As far as the timing of the currents, I THINK the current flow seems to lag around 1 - 2 hours behind the turning of the tides. So if you have a high tide around noon, I'd expect slack currents around 1 to 2pm. Please don't rely on that however, I could have it wrong. I'd suggest running this question by the guides. I believe taking the outside route from Tofino to Ahous bay is around 8 nautical miles -- to go there and back in one day is probably do-able, but if it were me I'd probably try something less ambitious first time in this area. The surf in Ahous bay varies from moderate to quite rough, but there are protected landings at both the extreme southern and northern ends. The nice thing about this area is that if the weather is bad, you can take the route along the back side of Vargas which is much more protected. Evan Woodinville, WA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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