I wanted to remind everyone that Idaho Invasive Species Stickers are required on all boats, kayaks, etc. that are not required to be registered in Idaho and out of state registered boats. The only crafts that need not physically have the stick are boats registered in Idaho as the registration sticker is considered an Invasive Species Sticker. You can purchase a sticker online at http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/idahoinvasivespeciesfund.aspx or visit an Idaho Parks & Rec. office near you to purchase.
In Washington there are no new major boating rules or Invasive Species Stickers required. However there is a new pass with associated fee one must have to access any state owned lands and water access points on those lands (Washington State Parks, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, & Washington Department of Fishing & Wildlife), its called the Discovery Pass. This pass/fee was created because of the States recent budget cuts and so it is hoped that the new fee will replace the lost funding. The pass cost $30.00 (day passes cost $10) and will be required starting July 1. You can buy the pass online or at various businesses... For more info go to http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/
I hope this info is useful to you. Remember if you need any info about Inland NW marine rules, policies, etc. go to http://www.funtosail.com/guide/guide.htm . It's a great site to get pertinent info and links related to marine policies and access, etc. within the Inland NW.
For a free pair of Hobie sailing gloves can you guess what movie this sailboat was used in. First one to answer it correctly wins! Please post your guess below this text... Do not email me the response.
The Coeur d'Alene River & Lake, Fernan Lake, Pend Oreille Lake & River, and Spokane & St. Joe Rivers are expected to reach a foot above flood stage today (Fri. 5/27) and most likely will stay at that level into the middle of next week. At this level all bodies of water will effectively be no-wake zones. All small lakes, creeks, and rivers in Kootenai, Bonner, & Spokane Counties are all suspect to flooding and caution is advised.
Hayden Lake spillway is handling the increased water but to insure it stays that way several trenches were dug to help the water be absorbed into the aquifer. Also the dam at the spillway is being reinforced to insure there is no issues. A no-wake zone is affective in Honeysuckle Bay and the Honeysuckle Launch is closed.
Flooding is expected to continue on Lake Pend Oreille and River until some time in June. The Albeni Falls Dam gates have been fully opened to handle the spring run off. All persons below the dam in the flood areas must use caution accessing these areas.
Due to above normal snow pack flooding will likely continue through mid June.
If you are going boating remember to watch for the increased debris and above normal current speeds, etc. Remember to wear your PFD and follow all boating rules.
Before boating contacting your local sheriffs department and check your local river flow info at our Boating Guide section (click here) and any other available sources.
If you have any info related to flooding and closed boat launches, etc. in your area that is not posted here please let me know at info@funtosail.com or make a comment at the bottom of this article.
We take no responsibility for the accuracy of the info contained in this article, or your reaction to it, or your lack of safe boating habits that may result in injury or death...
It's been a long, cool, wet spring here in the northwest. We just broke into the 60s this week, with what seems our first real shot of sunshine. I've had the F18 on the water since early April, but that's been the addiction talking, cold weather sailing. This weekend we got reminded of what summer WILL bring.
I left from work Thursday afternoon, the del Sol once again serving as my sports tow vehicle, this time ferrying the new yachting accessory to its summer home in Rollins. Arrived in time to share another fine repast on the deck with Allen and Linda, my neighbors and benefactors in Montana. Watched the dying sun burnish the MissionMountains across the lake, and the near full moon rise.
Morning brings more sunshine, and a journey north to Brad's shop in Kalispell, to apply some effort to the 22, which we're prepping fo a shiny new suit of clothes. Six hours of sanding and filling has me ready for something more entertaining. Back to Rollins to take to the hills with Allen, aboard the new accessory. Across the highway, and up into the woods, climbing a couple thousand feet to a spectacular vista, gazing out over the lake, taking in a hundred miles of snow capped peaks, from St Ignatius to Glacier Park. A sweet descent, some more deck time, and as we begin to contemplate the next meal, John shows up to chat boats (he's my partner in the next cat, an 18 square, stories to follow....), we wander to the beach, and notice there's a breeze! Seems neither of us has any pressing engagements for the remainder of the evening, so........ High Voltage is just sitting there, mutely begging us to start the season. We oblige. Tacking northeast towards the main lake in light winds, we notice swells building, odd from this direction, and on a day that didn't seem windy at all. But when the now fluky breeze kicks in, it's a roller coaster ride! We can't quit til we run out of light. Grinning into the night, we retire to a beer on the porch, and plan for the morrow.
Sun up has me back at the 22 with Brad, put in' in a few more hours. But he knows the wind prediction as well as I do, and he sends me back south by noon. I put in the call for crew, and John meets me on the beach, with GoPro in hand, and we suit up for the challenge. It's blowing a steady 20 plus, still from the NE, and the closer we get to open water, the bigger the swell builds, approaching 4' in the big sets. We're running under main alone, plenty of power, and driving into the waves we launch her skyward, off the wind we surf the rollers and pray the bows keep returning to the surface when we stab into the backside of the next wave. Quite an initiation for the Stealth, but she holds together, mostly. The stitching on the tramp begins to fail, so the task of staying on board gets progressively tougher. We finally decide to call it good, but the swells are now breaking on the beach big time, and the wind is still crankin' directly onshore. Around the point to the shelter of CanalBay, and we drag her up the mudflat, and giggle uncontrollably walking back to the cabin. A few more beers, and all seems right with the world.
I do squeeze in another bike ride, and dinner with Linda. As we return from the day's last beach visit, Brad and Aaron roll in, and we talk boats some more, the guitar surfaces, and we close out another day.
Sunday dawns clear again; I fetch the 16 and park her on the beach again, strip the tramp for a trip to the sail maker, do a few chores, and saddle up the Honda for the sojourn home, top off in the brilliant sunshine. I travel the great river valleys of the northwestern Rockies, the Flathead, the Clark Fork, the Coeur d'Alene, and the Spokane, all swollen to flood stage with the runoff from a strong snowpack. I'm ready for another work week.......
Yesterday, May 14th was our big Demo Day for the year which I might add was a tremendous success. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those that helped and also thank all those who wished us success.
This event is sponsored by the businesses of Coeur d’Alene Kayaks and SAIL Marine, along with the organizations of Coeur d’Alene Canoe & Kayak Club and Sailing the Inland NW. This is an annual event designed to introduce people to sailing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding. The turnout was quite large this year and just gets bigger and bigger every year.
Related to our efforts at this event I would say that sailing and Hobie mirage kayaking was a great hit. The TI and Weta trimaran in particular had a lot of interest. Winds were gusting up to 15 or more knots, but the big challenge was the constant 90 degree wind shifts. The people went out on the Weta were amazed by its performance and acceleration. The Hobie Wave also was taken out... the Wave is extremely stable in strong winds and easy to sail. Quite a few intro-to-sailing-lessons were done on the TI. I think a lot of people were impressed by the TI’s versatility (able to sail, paddle, and pedal it) and to a slightly lesser extent this applied to all the Hobie mirage kayaks at this event. The important point about this event as it applies to Sailing the Inland NW (& SAIL Marine) is to increasing interest in sailing and Hobie mirage kayaking and to that end I believe we accomplished it.
On Sat. the 11th at 9:AM we will be sailing on Lake Spokane (also known as Long Lake) from the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) park and launch. There is a campground here as well... The plan is to sail from the park toward the dam and beach at a sand spit near the dam, just hang out at this spit and picnic, and then sail some more and return to the DNR park. The DNR park has a sea wall around the park along the shore, so you will either need to put your boat back on the trailer or pull it up and over the short sea wall onto the grassy area (if you are going to pull your boat over the sea wall bring a piece of carpet to protect your hull). I have not sailed on this lake but have been told by an F18 sailor that the winds are great and fairly consistent. As always AI & TI sailors are welcome and if the wind dies you will be even more welcome when non-mirage drive boats need a tow. All craft with sails are welcome. For camping and launch info contact the DNR region office at 509-684-7474 or email them at northeastregion@dnr.wa.gov . For info and details about Lake Spokane visit the following link and click on Lake Spokane in the table of contents http://www.funtosail.com/local_lakes_guide/spokane_river_&_reservoirs.htm#lake_spokane
Fair winds…
I hope you all have been enjoyed the sunny weather… I know I did, which gave me summer fervor…
