Island Beach Access

Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers (WISK) – Round the Island Paddle # 7: Langley to Clinton Beach Park

General area of island: SOUTH – East facing

Nearest town or community: Langley/Clinton, WA

Point to Point launch sites: #50 Langley Harbor to # 54 Clinton Beach & Park

Difficulty: Skill level II-III depending on conditions

Paddle distance/time (one way): 5.6 mi.

Access: Ref: Getting to the Water’s Edge

Site #50: Langley Boat Harbor Lat/Long N 48: 02.304 W 122: 24.275
Located in Langley
Site #54: Clinton Beach Park Lat/Long: N 47: 58.498 W: 122: 21.048
Located just N of the Clinton ferry. Limited parking at Clinton Park. Limited number of spaces and 4 hr time limit but appears not to be strictly enforced. You will have to carry your kayak over some logs to get to the shore from the Clinton parking area.

Special features, attractions, points of interest, warnings: (e.g., best times to paddle, wildlife, scenery)
Paddle E. to Sandy Point. There is apt to be a rip here as the water is shallow around the point where you turn S. From there, about 4.5 mi to the ferry terminal (Clinton park). Manageable under most conditions. Try for conditions with wind/current at your back.

Long but pleasant paddle. You will pass several small seashore communities as well as undeveloped cliffy coast-line. A gentle northerly wind and/or mild current push can be very enjoyable. Limited parking at Clinton Park. You will have to carry your kayak over some logs to get to the Clinton parking area.

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.