Tacoma Branch Central Sound Paddling Experience

about the award

Earn  a badge for your  profile and a pin  by completing these sea kayaking trips:

• Tacoma Narrows: This round-trip paddle is from Owen Beach in Pt. Defiance Park to Titlow Park and back. It can also be done in the reverse direction.

• Fox Island Circumnavigation: This circumnavigation can be done in either direction, but no land mass may come between your boat and the island.

• Gig Harbor Triple Cross: Launch at Owen Beach, cross to Vashon Island (you have to touch the beach), then cross to Gig Harbor. Cross back to Owen Beach to complete the third crossing. This loop could also be done in the reverse direction, and could start at any of the 3 points.

• Colvos Passage: Paddle at least 7nm of unrepeated shoreline. Crossings do not count toward the 7nm. A one-way trip with shuttle is allowed.

• Blake Island Overnight: This trip includes paddling to Blake Island, a circumnavigation of Blake Island in either direction, as well as an overnight campout on Blake Island.

• Cutts Island Night Paddle: Launch at Wauna (Purdy Spit), Rosedale Drive, Horsehead Bay or Fox Island bridge, and paddle to Cutts Island. Once dark, enjoy the bioluminescence in the water around Cutts Island and during your return paddle. Best done Jul–Sep during a new or partial moon.

• Commencement Bay: Explore the Thea Foss Waterway to its end, then cross the shipping channels to the mouth of the Hylebos Waterway. Continue to Browns Pt, then cross the bay to return. This trip may also be done in the reverse direction, and can start from any point in the loop.

how to obtain

Complete all of the trips while a current member of The Mountaineers, and after July 2012. The trips must be registered Mountaineers trips with at least 3 participants including the leader. Use the Central Sound Paddling Experience form to record your progress and request this paddle pin and badge.

contact

Contact the Tacoma Branch Sea Kayaking Leadership Chair.