Cypress Island Adventure Skills Trip
Covid-19 Notice – In current Phase 2, available for 1-4 people from the same household. Masks required on shore, social distancing on land and shore. All gear is cleaned.
One of my favorite trips in the San Juan Islands, the Cypress island adventure is a beautiful island with rich marine life, epic views and spectacular hiking.
This course is 2 Nights (3 days) and *Only available Memorial to Labor Day Weekends to reduce impact on island.
Located north of Anacortes and across from beautiful Guemes Island, the views from Cypress remind me of Southeast Alaska. Porpoise, minke whales, bald eagles and sometimes Orcas have been spotted from the island.
We will hold a Zoom meeting prior to the trip to go over board/boat outfitting, packing and what to bring.
After the trip we’ll send you a comprehensive guide for paddling trips including skills learned on your trip plus additional resources to help with future trips.
The trip is rated Intermediate skill level because swift tidal current can flow up Bellingham Channel, which is our access to camping on Cypress Head and Pelican Beach. We may encounter wind and some small waves. I recommend taking our Deception Pass Tidal Rapids class prior to understand how to paddle in fast current.
Available for sea kayak, surf ski or SUP. this is a Self Catered (you cook your own food) trip with a Max capacity 4 people from the same household during Covid-19.
With careful planning of currents, you will learn how to depart Anacortes by crossing Guemes Channel, then paddle north to Cypress assisted by tidal current. And the next day return using opposite flowing currents.
Trip Details:
Season: Camping only allowed on Cypress Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend to minimize impact on the island.
Private Tours Only. Contact me for a time that best fits your schedule. Available all year.
This is a Self Catered (you cook your own food) trip. We’ll supply cooking and some camping gear.
Max capacity 4 from same household (plus 1-2 guides) people during Covid-19.
Roundtrip Paddling Distance: 10-12 miles, (5 miles per day with breaks)
Duration: 2 nights. (Longer or shorter duration ok. Contact me to discuss)
Skill Level: Intermediate. Must have some rough water experience and be able to paddle 5 miles per day. Take our Deception Pass class and/or Kayaking L2 for skills.
2 Night (3 Day) Rates:
You should have your own kayak, surf ski or sup. Contact us if you need a boat rental.
Group Rate (3-4 people): 899 per person
2 Person Rate – 999 per person
1-1 Individual Rate: Contact us
+ Rental:
$20 – Toasty wetsuit, booties, gloves, hood, leash, lifejacket.
$30 – Touring Kayak or SUP rental
$20 – Tent, MSR backpacking stove and cookware, Thermarest sleeping pad. *Bring your own sleeping bag during Covid.
Skill Prerequisites: Intermediate SUP, Kayak or Surf Ski:
You have taken our SUP, Kayak or Surf Ski Basics 2 classes and/or have proven paddling in small waves and wind and/or currents. You can paddle 3 miles without stopping and can self-rescue.
Suggested Classes for this tour – SUP Basics 2 / Kayak Level 2 / Surf Ski 1. Also recommended: Deception Pass Tidal Rapids.
“Excellent experience! Rob is not only extremely knowledgeable about the technical aspects of SUP, but also many other factors that will enhance your experience. Among these, safety on the water, PNW places to explore, history and culture of the sport, a laundry list of tips on how to enjoy the SUP lifestyle year round and a solid under standing of the natural elements (tides, swells, wind patterns, geological and hydrological features, etc…).
He truly has a passion for the sport and demonstrates patience and expertise in his teaching.”
“Rob has introduced us to amazing new places to SUP and has taught us a lot of useful technique. I feel like a completely different paddler.”
“Rob is an expert in SUP and offers even more relevant training and helpful information because of his background in kayaking. His skill, knowledge and expertise exceeded my expectations. He presented the information and training in a very clear and concise manner; adding many various tips throughout his instruction. Rob is encouraging, patient and practical – all very important traits when teaching a subject. The course more than met my needs – I learned a lot and as a beginner – I have a lot to learn. I will continue to turn to him as my ‘go to’ resource in all matters SUP. I’m extremely glad I chose Salmon Bay Paddle and Rob for my first professional training in SUP. I felt safe and confident with him the whole time.”