Paddling instructor offers tips for braving Deception Pass

Kayakers and paddleboarders have long been drawn to Deception Pass.

By Sam Fletcher • September 3, 2024 1:30 am

Kayakers and paddleboarders have long been drawn to the rushing water between the tall, steep walls of Deception Pass, beneath a bridge of fascinating history, over kelp forests and bustling life, rich greenery above and below the ocean surface.

But Rob Casey, owner of Salmon Bay Paddle in Seattle, says to do it, one must have education and experience if not a professional guide.

Even if the current seems calm, like during a slack tide when the water isn’t pulled in either direction, it can still be unpredictable. Often, people don’t consider that conditions can change in a matter of minutes, he said.

“It’s summer. It’s blue sky. I got the weekend off. I got my Costco paddleboard. I’m gonna go hit Deception Pass. I heard the slack is great,” he said, “and that’s when things go down. It’s more complex than that.”

Slack tides are inconsistent, he said. Canoe Pass could be in slack while the main pass is flooding and vice versa.

He advises to only enter the Pass with strong whitewater and tidal rapids skills and knowledge of the area. Otherwise, hire a guide. Wear helmets for whitewater conditions and for stuff thrown off the bridge. Wear a full dry or wetsuit, lifejacket and radio.

“I probably shouldn’t say this, but if you’re going to go anyway, aim for low flows less than three knots. Check the wind,” he said.

Even an hour-long course can greatly improve someone’s skills, he said.

A class can teach skills for paddling, balancing, turning, rebounding from bumps and wind, swimming in a current and more.

In the past, participants of Deception Pass Dash, a race through the Pass, braved the waters in the dead of winter, where there are even greater considerations.

Wintertime waters can have stronger impact from the Skagit River and the northerlies, he said. Obviously, the water is much colder and more gear is needed.

In recent years, wind and water have been just as unpredictable in the summertime, so paddlers should always prepare, he said. Summertime can bring more fast-moving boats, swirling up the tidal currents.

Casey follows the adage, “when in doubt, don’t go out,” he said.

Body Boat Blade, Kayak Academy and NW Outdoor Center offer kayak lessons for Deception Pass. Learn more about Casey’s private paddleboard and surf ski lessons and his recently released book, “Paddling the Salish Sea,” at salmonbaypaddle.com.