Island Beach Access

Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK) – Round the Island Paddle #19: Joseph Whidbey State Pk to Libbey Beach

General area of island: NORTH – West Side

Nearest town or community: Oak Harbor

Point to Point launch sites: #16 Joseph Whidbey State Park to #20 Libbey Beach Park.

Difficulty: Skill level I-II- depending on conditions

Paddle distance/time (one way): 6.6 mi.

Access: Ref: Getting to the Water’s Edge

Site #16: Joseph Whidbey Beach Park: Lat/Long N 48: 18.471 W 122: 49.986
From Hwy 525 (Oak Harbor) go W onto Swantown Rd. Then 3 mi. to stop sign at T intersection with Crosby Rd. The entrance is on the N. side of Crosby. There are two parking areas with no facilities. One is near West Beach Rd, at the N. End of a line of waterfront houses. See GWE book for more detailed instructions.
Site #20: Libbey Beach Park Lat/Long: N 48: 13.925 W: 122: 46.011
From Hwy 525 go W onto Libbey Beach Rd. for 1.2 mi. to end

Special features, attractions, points of interest, warnings: (e.g., best times to paddle, wildlife, scenery)
Pleasant paddle made easier by favorable weather, wind, and currents. Paddle from the north takes you by West Beach homes, followed by high cliff homes. This is a relatively long but pleasant paddle on most days.

Watch weather and currents. Pleasant paddle if you time it so you are not fighting either one. If paddling southward in less than ideal circumstances, consider another exit site.

Libby Beach is not a great launch or takeout site. A short left hand staircase must be maneuvered with kayaks. Large rocks near the shoreline represent a hazard at high tide when they are all but hidden. Avoid westerly winds. Definitely better to launch or exit from Libby Beach Park at relatively low tide on calm days. Avoid windy conditions. Alternatively, one can continue paddling S. to Ebey�s Landing, another 4.5 mi. A long paddle

An alternative launch site is to the south of West Beach, just S. of the line of beach-front homes. Again, rocky but do-able.

KAYAKING SKILL LEVEL MATRIX (from Hole in the Wall Paddling Club newsletter)

	SKI	SKII	SKIII	SKIV	SKV	SKVI
Geography (fetch: distance of unimpeded wind)	Protected from wind & waves	Fetch less than 10 nautical miles	Fetch more than 10 nautical miles	Crossings up to 5 nautical miles	Crossings over 5 nautical miles	Landings may be impossible
Hydraulics	Insignificant currents	Max current 1 knot	Max current 2 knots	Currents above 2 knots	Currents faster than paddle speed	Anything possible
Route	Day trips nearshore	Crossings less than 1 nautical mile	Eddy lines & tiderips possible	Strong eddy lines, tiderips & boils	Possible launching & landing in surf	Anything possible
Possible conditions	Calm	Winds less than 10 knots	Wind possibility more than 10 knots	Steep waves, swells & wind over 15 knots	Foul weather, whitecaps and fast current	Rescues may be impossible
Skills & expertise	Willing to learn	Wet exits and rescues	Group & self rescue; bracing	Reflexive bracing, navigation	All skills plus roll recommended	Extensive surfing

Information supplied by Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers – May the kelp be with you.