Ride the Tide: Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails Paddle Rendezvous ‑ June 17, 2023
$59.00
Join the Ride the Tide Rendezvous to celebrate the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails. You may join the guided ride using your own gear or sign-up to rent gear from Olympic. We are calling all paddlers and friends of the water trail, join us this year to paddle and play as we celebrate the National Water Trail designation.
The Ride the Tide paddle is about six miles and will take 2-3 hours to complete. Starting at the Tracyton Boat Ramp, we will paddle through the Port Washington Narrows with the current and finish at the boat ramp in Port Orchard.
In June 2014, the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail was designated a National Water Trail by the National Park Service, one of only a handful in the country. Our 371 mile trail encompasses all of the Kitsap Peninsula and is one of the most spectacular paddling destinations in the world. Come out and join us as we celebrate the wonderful, majestic and diverse natural resources the peninsula has to offer.
Not able to make it this time, but still want to have some fun out on the water? Click here for our Summer Calendar!
COVID Protocols:
- Social distancing of 6 feet encouraged
- Masks are not required when outside
- Masks may be worn at anytime, your personal choice
- We encourage everyone to be vaccinated but not required
What's Included:
- Water & Snack Pack
- $5 donation to Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails
- $5 Farmers Market Token for Food donated by Visit Kitsap Peninsula. To be Used that day at the Farmers Market at the end of the trip.
Itinerary:
- 7:30am - Check-in Opens in Port Orchard for early shuttle
- 8:00am - Check-in closes in Port Orchard
- 8:00am - Vans leave Port Orchard for Tracyton
- 8:30am - Check-in opens at Tracyton Boat Ramp
- 9:00am - Tracyton Check-in Closes
- 9:00am - Mandatory Paddler Safety Talk
- 9:30am - LAUNCH! Paddlers depart for Port Orchard
- 11:30-Noon - Paddlers arrive Port Orchard
- Paddler Celebration at the Park with $5 Token for farmers market
- 2-3 pm Shuttle Leaves Port Orchard and returns to tracyton.
Shuttle Information:
Please be patient we have enough capacity to shuttle 28 paddlers at a time, there may be up to 1 hour delay between shuttles. If you need to leave in a hurry after the event, it is best to take the early shuttle, if not, let us know and we will do our best to put you in one of the first shuttles after the event.
Early Shuttle (Recommended): If you want to have your vehicle at the END of the trip then use this shuttle. We will meet at 8:00am at the Port Orchard Boat Ramp and leave by 8:00am. If you can, drop your boat off in Tracyton first (Recommended) but if not we will have trailers at Port Orchard to transport you and your boat back to Tracyton.
Early Shuttle Leaves - Port Orchard Boat Launch: 533 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Late Shuttle: If you want to leave your vehicle at the START of the trip and be shuttled back at the end then use this shuttle. Meet in Tracyton from 8:00am-8:30am. At the end of the trip we will shuttle you and your boat from Port Orchard back to Tracyton.
Late Shuttle - Tracyton Boat Launch: 701 NW Tracy Ave, Bremerton, WA 98311
Trailer Loading: Boats and boards are sandwiched 3 together on each rung of our trailer. We will try our best to protect your boat. If your boat is fragile you should plan on using your own vehicle for the shuttle.
Where to Meet:
Start - Tracyton Boat Launch: 701 NW Tracy Ave, Bremerton, WA 98311
The paddle will start from here. There is limited parking so please plan on parking in Port Orchard and shuttling with members of your household back to Tracyton so you can have a car in Port Orchard.
End - Port Orchard Boat Launch: 533 Bay St, Port Orchard, WA 98366
We will provide a shuttle at the end of the tour.
What to Wear:
The paddle will go Rain or Shine. The only way we would cancel is if there were high winds or other severe conditions.
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Sun Hat
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Sun screen & lip balm
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Comfortable shoes that can get wet
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Outdoor Clothing that can get wet.
What to Bring:
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All electronics in waterproof cases or double ziplock bags
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Bring extra set of clothes and leave in your vehicle for after the trip
* We are providing bottled water and snacks (fruit, granola bars) but you will want to bring your own food if you have allergies or specific needs.
Need to Rent Equipment for the Event?
We have single kayaks, double kayaks and stand up paddlebaords available to rent for the event. All rentals include individually fitted personal flotation device and paddle. Kayak rentals include a bilge pump and paddle float. A short lesson or refresher is also included with each rental, as well as help with fitting of all equipment. All rental equipment will be delivered to and picked up from the event by us.
Ride the Tide Safety Considerations:
We will be riding the current through Port Washington Narrows. It will be flowing around 4-5 knots which is fast, like a river. It is important that we follow the following safety procedures which will be covered in the safety meeting. There are also the bridge abutments on two Bridges to be avoided.
We will be crossing the ferry lane in Bremerton. In order to do so in an orderly and safe manner we will group up and paddle straight across the lane together.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do I need to Register?
- Yes, this is a supported paddle and all participants must register whether using your own equipment or our rentals.
- Who can Paddle in the Event?
- Anyone with an adequate human powered craft. (Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboard, etc.) Your craft must meet coast guard requirements and you can not exceed manufacturer limits. We want to make sure everyone is in a sea worthy craft and has fun.
- Can I bring alcohol?
- NO, this is a family friendly event and state and federal laws do not allow you to drink and paddle.
What if I am renting equipment, where do I meet?
All of your equipment (Boat/Board, PFD, paddle,safety gear) will be at the putin in Tracyton, so meet us in Tracyton. If you want your car in Port Orchard, drive to Port Orchard and shuttle back to Tracyton with members of your household.
Check back here often for more answers to FAQ's.
Our Sponsors (Please Thank Them):
- Kitsap County
- CIty of Port Orchard
- Port of Bremerton
- Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail Alliance
- Visit Kitsap Peninsula