Island Beach Access
Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK) – Round the Island Paddle #24: Dugualla Bay Borgman Rd.
General area of island: NORTH – Eastside
Nearest town or community: Oak Harbor
Point to Point launch sites: #7 Dugualla Bay Dike Access to #9 Borgman Rd E.
Difficulty: Skill level I-II- depending on conditionss
Paddle distance/time (one way): 4.2 mi.
Access: Ref: Getting to the Water’s Edge
- Site #7: Dugualla Bay Dike Access: Lat/Long N 48: 21.398 W 122: 35.891
From Hwy 20 N. of Oak Harbor go L (East) onto Frostad Rd. After 0.8 mi. go N onto Dike Rd. Park on road shoulder at midpoint of dike. - Site #9: Borgman Rd. End Lat/Long: N 48: 19.361 W: 122: 46.011
From N of Oak Harbor take Hwy 20 to Fakkema Rd. then S onto Taylor Rd. Then E. onto Silver Lake Rd, then N onto Green Rd for 0.25 mi. Ten E onto Borgman Rd and down short slope to road end.
Special features, attractions, points of interest, warnings: (e.g., best times to paddle, wildlife, scenery)
A nice paddle on the protected E. side in Saratoga Passage.
The biggest concern is the launch site at Dugualla Bay. Launch at high tide or else become mired in sticky, grabby mud. As always, watch weather and currents. Generally a pleasant paddle with flocks of birds of various types in the Dugualla Bay.
An alternative destination is further south to Mariner’s Cove boat ramp #10. This lengthens the paddle to 8.34 mi.
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.