Are you brave (or crazy?) enough to do the Deception Pass Dash? No, not crazy because it’s an all out mad-cap six-mile paddling race for all things human powered ~ kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, surf skis, outrigger canoes, racing shells, you name it. Not crazy because it’s paddling through the sly, swirling currents of Deception Pass. Just crazy because it happens in December. But hey - that’s never stopped the 200 or so paddling passionistos and passionistas in the past. 

This year marks the 8th annual dash, coordinated by Outdoor Adventures. It’s held at Deception Pass State Park, near Oak Harbor, Washington. So draw a crazy face on your calendar for Sunday morning (7amish!), December 8. If this is your first paddle race, or you'd like to brush up on your rescue skills and take advantage of early check-in, come on Saturday, December 7, for some on-water practice and classes. The race is open to all paddlers ages 16 and up. All racers should have significant paddling experience and proven self-rescue skills. Register online at www.OutdoorAdventureCenter.com/ adventure/deception-pass-dash-2013/.

Or try the NEW Stand-Up Paddle Board Race at 10am. Designed for beginners, the SUP race is a two-mile paddle from the Bowman Bay Boat Launch to Deception Island and back. If you’re crazy enough to do both, you get a multi-race discount. 

OR . . . Go as a Volunteer or Safety Paddler
Volunteer positions include setup, tear-down, registration, food, timing, aid station, prizes, emcee, and advertising. You’ll need to register and get checked off ahead of time. If you’d like to be a safety boater, please include your qualifications. All volunteers need to email info@OutdoorAdventureCenter.com.

Camping/Overnight Accommodations
Camping and cabins will be available for event participants on Saturday night at the Cornet Bay Environmental Learning Center (part of Deception Pass State Park). If you’d like to stay at the Park please send an email to info@OutdoorAdventureCenter.com so enough space can be reserved.