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Seattle (Ballard) Locks Paddle

When:
Sunday, September 8, 2024, 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada) (UTC-08:00)
Additional Info:
Event Contact(s):
Jim Oosterhof
 
Mary Oosterhof
Category:
Club Trip
Registration is required
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Registration cancellations will be accepted
Capacity:
8
Available Slots:
6
No Fee
Date: Sunday, September 8, 2024
Join us for a unique trip through the historic Hiram M. Chittenden (Ballard) Locks. Some say you haven't really kayaked Seattle until you've done this quintessential Seattle boating experience. 

The Ballard Locks, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are a part of the region's maritime history and are still operating as they have since 1916. They consist of a series of concrete locks that maintain the water level of freshwater Lake Union and Lake Washington to the east while boats pass through from Puget Sound.  


Total nautical miles: 7-9 nm
Trip pace: Moderate (2.5 kts)
Skill level: SK I-II
Maximum number of paddlers: 8 + 2 leaders
Minimum number of paddlers: 4 + 2 leaders
Wait list is in effect

Trip Coordinator: Jim Oosterhof
Co-Coordinator: Mary Oosterhof

Route: Launch from Ballard 14th Ave boat ramp and go through the locks. We will be dropped and lifted 15 feet surrounded by large yachts. Then we'll head into the bay going around Discovery Lighthouse. We'll have lunch on the beach in Elliot Bay. Return by the same route.

Launch site: Ballard 14th Ave boat ramp
Arrival time: 9:30 am
Launch time: 10:00 am
There are no restrooms at the launch site. It's best to stop at Fred Myers or Trader Joe's nearby.

Trip Coordinator: Jim Oosterhof
Co-Coordinator: Mary Oosterhof

Special requirements: Try to bring a VHF radio for "Kayak Lock status". While rafting in the locks it's nice to have a short line 3-4 feet with quick clips on both ends, maybe a bungee cord?

Possible hazardous conditions:  Large boat traffic near locks, current within locks, holding onto lock walls, other kayaks or large yachts. At the lunch site there's a possibility of a surf landing/launch depending on the wind. Lots of fun stuff to deal with!