Let me preface this by saying that I'm not a professional kayaker. I'm only listing what I learned from experience, and what I do to prepare myself for a safe and fun trip. Most likely, this isn't a complete list and you should take steps to ensure your own safety.
I always prefer swells under 3 ft - and 3 ft would be my limit. Of course, lower is better. The swell period should be anything over 8 seconds. The longer the wave period, the better. The number of waves is also a factor; with more waves (even small ones in the 1-2 ft range), the choppier the condition.
Websites that have swell and wind forecast
- If you go, always go in a group.
- A VHF hand held radio is a must.
- A dry suit is highly recommended.
- Life jacket
- 50 ft tow rope.
- Flair gun.
- Sounding device - whistle or air horn.
- Share a float plan with someone you know.
- Navigation lights - bow and stern is required if visibility is low (rain, fog, night time, etc).
- A flag whip is also a good idea to make yourself more visible.
- Coast guard channel is 80 - when you exit, call out on channel 80: "Depoe Bay [vessel, kayak] outbound"
- When you enter the harbor, call out on channel 80: "Depoe Bay [vessel, kayak] inbound".
- Since kayaks are slow, I usually until I'm near the mouth of the entrance before calling in, while also looking around to make sure no boats are incoming. If there is a vessel that is coming in, I let them pass first.
I always prefer swells under 3 ft - and 3 ft would be my limit. Of course, lower is better. The swell period should be anything over 8 seconds. The longer the wave period, the better. The number of waves is also a factor; with more waves (even small ones in the 1-2 ft range), the choppier the condition.
Websites that have swell and wind forecast
https://surfcaptain.com/forecast/lincoln-city-oregon- https://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Moolack/forecasts/latest/six_day
https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/depoe_bay_little_whale_cove
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