debd Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 Hello, We have had to make some last minute trip changes from mountaineering in the north Cascade Mountains to sea kayaking. We are thinking about the San Juan Islands because they are on our list of places to sea kayak. We are self-sufficient and would like to do our own trip. We have nine or ten days. Can anyone recommend where we should go and where we should rent kayaks? Are there any hazards specific to the area that we should know about? Also, does anyone know about the rules/etiquette on camping? Do we need to camp in designated camp sites? With all of the commercial outfitters we were also wondering how crowded it might be and how difficult it would be to get a campsite. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick stoehrer Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 call or email shawna and leon...they're as keyed in as you are going to find and they have rentals. http://www.bodyboatblade.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alcoons Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 We had a wonderful circumnavigation of Orcas Island 3 years ago. Spent 5 nights as I remember. There are some paddle-in camp grounds, some that handle bigger boats, and some crowded places but we had a great time everywhere. Trip planning is crucial since there are very large (enormous) and very confusing tidal currents. It certainly is not an isolated area: but it is beautiful. We went with Crystal Seas (877-732-7877 - www.crystalseas.com). Ours was a guided trip but I would contact them for information. Mention my name to Johan (the owner) and he might hang up. Not true. They were first rate, environmentally concerned, and helpful to all. I have referred other paddlers to them with success. Al Coons Cetus-Red/White Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eneumeier Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 Contact club founder Bob Burnett. He guides out there and will set you up with what you need. I will email you his cell #. Liz N. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterB Posted July 20, 2007 Share Posted July 20, 2007 Don't miss Body Boat & Blade, to be sure: and if you can extend your trip to the Gulf Islands just north of there (they're all the same islands geologically, there's just an international border between them) the area is very kayak- and camping- friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevinfre Posted July 23, 2007 Share Posted July 23, 2007 I recently did a 5-day instructional program with Body Boat Blade on Orcas Island and I can offer another recommendation for them. Shawna and Leon, as well as Djuna and Matt who work for them are all very knowledgable about the area. They rent most equipment and I'm sure they can assist with trip planning. But don't send long emails - they're responsive, but they don't like to spend a lot of time on the computer. You're better off calling. Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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