Deception Pass Dash Info & Registration  

UPDATED 12/16/2009

Deception Pass Dash 2009 results are in.

Congratulations and thanks to all who participated in the Northwest's premier winter paddlesports race!

Racers, Sponsors, State Parks, Safety Kayaks, Volunteers, Skagit Sheriffs Department, and the US Coast Guard.

This annual paddling event is open to all paddlers ages 16+. The race will be held on Saturday, December 12th, 2009. The challenging 6 mile course takes paddlers through the swirling waters of Deception Pass! You don't need to be an expert paddler to participate - we simply ask that you prepare (practice paddling, rolling, rescues, etc) and make safe decisions about your paddling ability on the day of the race (based on actual conditions). All racers should have significant paddling experience and proven self-rescue skills. Pre-registration is required.

Registration & Fees
Registration is available online through December 10th. No registrations will be accepted after that time or on the day of the race. Once your online registration and payment are received, you will receive an email requesting additional required information. It is the responsibility of each racer to submit all paperwork prior to race day.

Before Saturday, November 28th at 5pm: $40 per racer
After 5pm on Saturday, November 28th: $75 and no t-shirt

Your race fee covers the following; 2010 DPD t-shirt, warm meal and drinks, event insurance, permit fees, required supplies, etc.
Registration payments are final. There are no refunds. You must attend the race to collect your tee shirt.

Boat Classifications
All seaworthy crafts are welcome; canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, surf skis... It is your responsibilty to ensure that your vessel has adequate flotation/buoyancy on the day of the race. Be sure to read through the boat guidelines. When registering, you must select a boat category. You may change your category at any time prior to race day by sending us an email.

All racers will select a boat classification;. OC1, OC2, OC6, HPK, HPK2, FSK, FSK2, SK, SK2, SUP, Other. Many thanks to Sound Rowers for developing the boat classifications we use. Please support SR by joining and attending their yearlong series of races around Puget Sound.

Safety

• A safety boat and safety kayakers will be on hand.
• All race boats must be seaworthy, inherently buoyant (decked boats should have air bags or foam flotation), and capable of self rescue in the event of a capsize.
• Flatwater racing and training boats are not allowed.
• Paddlers must wear a PFD and carry a whistle.
• Paddlers must be dressed for immersion.
• Paddle or boat leashes are highly recommended.
• A VHF radio and/or visual signalling devices are highly recommeded.

What is the Race Route?
The route is anticipated to be the same as last year.

The race starts and finishes at Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park. Conditions permitting, the 6 mile course will be as follows; from Bowman Bay, paddlers will head southwest to Deception Island. The island will be rounded counterclockwise. Paddlers will continue east through Deception Pass to Strawberry Island, approximately 0.5 miles east of the bridge. This island will also be rounded counterclockwise. Paddlers will then venture west through Canoe Pass, and back to Deception Island. This time, Deception Island will be rounded clockwise, and paddlers will finish by heading northwest back into Bowman Bay.

What is the Timeline for Race Day?
8:00 am - Registration Opens (all racers & volunteers must check in!)
9:45 am - Mandatory Safety Boater Meeting - updated time
10:15am - Mandatory Racer Meeting
11:00am - RACE START
11:37am - Slack/Ebb starts

Racers should plan to arrive at Bowman Bay (part of Deception Pass State Park near Oak Harbor) by 9am on Saturday, December 12, 2009 to allow ample time for checking in, unloading your boat, affixing racer number, warming up, etc. You may find it convenient to arrive at the Park on Friday and camp there (see notes on Camping, below). All racers must check in at the registration table prior to the start of the race. We reserve the right to delay/adjust the start time based on the tides and weather, or if safety precautions warrant it.

Prizes
Prizes are donated by the best outdoor manufacturers, local outfitters, and industry partners. Prizes are for participation (not place). Each racer will draw a number, and select an item from among the available prizes when their number is called. You must be present for the post-race raffle to collect any prizes.

Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers for water and land assistance. If you would like to help, please email us at info@outdooradventurecenter.com.

Camping and Lodging
Camping is available on-site at Deception Pass State Park, and there are a variety of other accommodations nearby. The race is held at the State Park's secondary camping area; known as Bowman Bay (see the Park map). The Bowman Bay campsites are not available for camper's use during the winter, but sites at the main camping area are. There are 20 reservable sites and plenty of 1st come, 1st served sites to accommodate everyone. If you plan on camping at the Park, we recommend contacting them directly for further details.

Nearby accomodations:
Coachman Inn, Oak Harbor (20% off when you mention the Dash)
Cap Sante Inn, Anacortes (Discounts! Contact them for details.)
Fidalgo Country Inn
Lake Cambell Lodge
Wild Iris Inn

Maps and Resources
Directions to Bowman Bay
Visit the Deception Pass State Park website