Greenland Paddle to Grays Bay Full-Day Educational Tour (Levels I-II)
Coaching tailored to individual level and needs.
Learning with a knowledgeable coach.
Historic Lewis & Clark Lunch Landing Spot
Great Wildlife Views
Variety of Narrow Deep River and Wide Grays Bay Paddling Locales
This educational tour is exclusive to paddlers who have carved a Beale Greenland Paddle who want to gain more experience and develop their skills. There will be three coaches on the paddle who will work with participants who want coaching, including Don Beale. Don is a ACA level 5 instructor, BCU 4-star sea trained leader, and teacher for the Oregon Ocean Paddling Society, SSTIKS (South Sound Traditional Inuit Kayak Symposium), and other Greenland events in the US and abroad.
In spring, thousands of wintering water birds crowd the shallow waters of Grays Bay: Tundra Swans, large rafts of Cackling Geese, Greater Scaup, Pintail and Wigeon, and three species of loon among many others. Here the Columbia broadens to eight miles across, yet our trip along the forested shoreline of the bay is protected from most winds. This is also one of the best tours for spotting mammals, including Roosevelt elk, river otter and harbor seal. Some of the most riveting entries in the journals of the Lewis & Clark expeditions were written here, before the building of the Columbia jetties blocked the ocean swells that once broke along this shoreline.
Our paddle begins in protected Deep River before winding out to the bay, where we will have our choice of lunch sites based on how far the group wants to go and what they wish to see.
Arrive at CRK shop in Skamokawa
Gather gear and kayaks
Caravan to Launch Site
Safety review
Paddle down Deep River and into Grays Bay
Lunch on River Beach
Return to Launch Site
Columbia River Kayaking
957 Steamboat Slough Road, Suite 1
Skamokawa, WA 98647
Columbia River Kayaking
957 Steamboat Slough Road, Suite 1
Skamokawa, WA 98647
One quart plastic water bottle (full)
Lunch, snacks
Sunscreen and lip protection
Sunglasses with strap
Hat for rain and sun
Non-cotton shirts (2) for layering (wool, pile, polypro, other synthetic)
Non-cotton pants (nylon, wool, spandex, fleece)
Eyeglass strap
Sandals with heel strap or neoprene booties, or any shoes that can get wet
Swimsuit (optional, but makes a quick-drying under-layer)
Towel
Change of clothes for the trip home
Gloves for blister protection (optional)
Drybag*
Camera, film, binoculars
Noseplug if you have one
* CRK has these items available and are included in the price of your class or tour.
Guide, Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Dry Bags, Spray Jacket, Pogies, Wetsuit
Lunch, Snacks, Sun Protection (though we do have things in lost and found you can borrow if you forget yours)
Please arrive 15 minutes to half an hour before your lesson or tour, and allow that it may run over by up to an hour.
LEVEL I: Generally scheduled for mornings or days with little tidal movement, or in protected areas and creeks. No experience necessary!
LEVEL II: May experience light wind (up to 8 kts), small waves (1'), or moderate current (1 kt) during the one-mile open river segment. Capsize and wet exit experience are strongly recommended.
Total program fee due at time of registration. Full registration fee is refundable minus 10% processing fee until 14 days before the event. From 14 days to 7 days before the event refund will be half of total, no refunds will be given after 7 days unless your spot fills. If your spot fills, you may have a full refund minus 10% processing fee. Rescheduling is encouraged.