Ride the Tide: Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails Paddle Rendezvous ‑ June 8, 2024

What is “Ride The Tide (RTT)”?

RTT is the annual Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trail (KPNWT) Paddle that is held each year to bring attention to our 371 mile National water trail. The Ride the Tide paddle is about eight tide assisted miles and will take 2-3 hours to complete. Starting at the Port of Silverdale Boat Ramp, we will paddle south through the Port Washington Narrows and past Bremerton with the current that flows like a river and finish at the beach in Port Orchard, WA.

For more KPNWT info please visit their site, KPNWT website.

For more info on the National Park Service, National Water Trail System, click here.

What is The History of RTT?

In 1992, John Kuntz (owner, Olympic Outdoor Center) and Robb Nichols paddled the entire coastline of the Kitsap Peninsula for fun and during this time John formulates a plan for a water trail to encompass the entire coastline. Twenty plus years and thousands of hours and hundreds of volunteers and organizations it became a reality. John will be on the trip this year.

In June 2014, the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail was designated a National Water Trail by the National Park Service, one of only a handful in the country at the time and the first salt water trail. Our 371 mile trail encompasses all of the Kitsap Peninsula and is one of the most spectacular paddling destinations in the world. Come out and join us as we celebrate the wonderful, majestic and diverse natural resources the peninsula has to offer. For more history visit KPNWT History Page.

Celebrate a decade of adventure on the trail with our upcoming anniversary event, Ride the Tide: Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails Anniversary Rendezvous on June 8, 2024.

What is the Route of RTT?

The paddle will go from the SIlverdale Waterfront Park to the Port Orchard waterfront park. The distance is approximately 8 miles. Paddlers will be riding the outgoing tide through Port Washington narrows which will assist paddling as the tide runs like a river.

Get Your Group/Club/Family or want to be a Sponsor ?

To be included in this list please email info (group name, # participants) to: [email protected].

• NW Kayaking Facebook
• Cascadia Marine Trail
• You Could be Listed Here!

Here’s how your participation could benefit you:

Community Connection: Joining us on June 8th isn’t just about paddling; it’s about forging connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion for exploration and conservation. By donating, you become part of a community dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula for future generations.Memorable Mementos: As a token of our appreciation, donors will receive special event mementos to commemorate their participation in this historic celebration.
Personal Fulfillment: There’s a unique sense of satisfaction that comes from giving back to a cause you believe in. Knowing that your contribution directly supports the maintenance and enhancement of the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trail fills you with pride and joy, amplifying the joy of your paddling adventure.Lasting Impact: Your donation doesn’t just fund a single event; it contributes to the long-term sustainability and accessibility of the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trail. With your support, we can continue to maintain and improve this remarkable resource, ensuring that it remains a source of inspiration and wonder for years to come.So, why wait? Seize this opportunity to not only embark on a thrilling adventure but also to make a difference in the world around you.
Event funds will be used to support the trails and run the event which includes renting facility and equipment, event logos, event mementos, planning, social media advertising. All funds will be donated to the Kitsap National Water Trail and none will be going to the organizers so please participate.

Where do I meet ?

Start of Paddle – Silverdale Waterfront Park, Click for Directions:

End of Paddle – Port Orchard Boat Launch, Click for Directions;

What is the Timeline?

Friday June 7, 2024 Pre-Event Party & Early Checkin

Location: Host Hotel: Oxford Suites Silverdale Hotel

Join us for the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails Anniversary Rendezvous! Early check-in for paddlers, a fun meet and greet, and a unique “Ride The Tide” cocktail await. Don’t miss out on dinner and a chance to win local goodies in our raffle. Mark your calendars for June 7, 2024 at the Oxford Suites in Silverdale.

Activities:

• Early Checkin for Paddlers
• Event Gathering Meet and Greet
• Cocktails “Ride The Tide” cocktail
• Dinner Available
• Meet John Kuntz, Founder of KPNWT
• Goody Raffle (tickets available) of local Items

5:00 PM – Checkin, Bar, and Dinner OPEN

6:00PM – Raffle of Goodies

7:00PM – Checkin Closes

Saturday June 8, 2024

6:30am – Check-in Opens in Port Orchard for early shuttle

7:00am – Check-in closes in Port Orchard

7:00am – Vans leave Port Orchard for Silverdale

6:30am – Check-in Opens Silverdale

(All paddlers should plan on being in Silverdale and ready to GO by 7AM)

7:30am – Checkin closes Silverdale

7:45am – Safety Talk in Silverdale

8:00AM – Paddle Starts Silverdale

9:00AM – Paddlers Arrive Tracyton Group Up for Trip Thru Narrows

9:30AM – Paddlers Leave Tracyton

11:30-Noon – Paddlers arrive Port Orchard

1:00 pm – 3pm Paddler Celebration at the Park

2-3 pm Shuttle Leaves Port Orchard Boat Ramp and returns to Silverdale.

What’s Included for registered participants?

Basic Event Price

• Commemorative Water Bottle
• Event Badge

What’s Not Included?

• Kayak/Paddleboard Rental
• Shuttle – Transportation stops at Port Orchard and Silverdale
• 5L Commemorative Dry Bag (drybag color can vary)

What’s Are Some Good Ideas to Have for the Paddle?

• Snacks
• Fill your water bottle at the event
• Bring money for the celebration, food is available at the end
• Dress for the weather
• Bring an extra set of clothes
• Sun screen, lip balm,
• waterproof case (zip lock baggie) for your phone/camera
• and of course (go to the bathroom BEFORE leaving the start)

Shuttle Information (optional):

If you want the shuttle you will need to sign up by purchasing a ticket on this site.

Please be patient we have enough capacity to shuttle 28 paddlers at a time, there may be up to 1 hour delay between shuttles. If you need to leave in a hurry after the event, it is best to take the early shuttle, if not, let us know and we will do our best to put you in one of the first shuttles after the event.

If you are renting gear from Olympic the shuttle is included in the price.

What is the Shuttle and What does it Cover?

The shuttle is an optional paid service provided by Olympic Outdoor Center. We currently have the option of running 28 passengers per shuttle. The shuttle takes approximately 20 minutes each way. We can transport one boat/board per ticket with the passenger if needed.

There are two options for the shuttle.

Option 1. Before Event AM Shuttle – 1 Ticket/Person. This shuttle goes from Port Orchard to Silverdale before the event. IF you want your car/auto at the end of the trip this is the shuttle you should chose. For this shuttle we recommend that the participant drop their passengers and equipment off at the start of the event at the SIlverdale watefront boat ramp before coming to Port Orchard. This is your shuttle timeline:

6:00am – Drop your passengers and gear off at the SIlverdale Waterfront Park, then Drive to Port Orchard (Directions) and catch the shuttle back to Silverdale

6:30am – Check-in Opens in Port Orchard for early shuttle

7:00am – Check-in closes in Port Orchard

7:00am – Vans leave Port Orchard for Silverdale

Option 2. After Event PM Shuttle – 1 ticket/person. This shuttle goes from Silverdale to Port Orchard after the event. IF you want your car/auto at the beginning of the trip this is the shuttle you should chose. THis is your shuttle timeline:

6:30am – Check-in Opens Silverdale Waterfront Park, arrive with your passengers and gear.

7:30am – Checkin closes Silverdale

2-3 pm Shuttle Leaves Port Orchard Boat Ramp and returns to Silverdale.

What to Wear:

The paddle will go Rain or Shine. The only way we would cancel is if there were high winds or other severe conditions.

• Sun Hat
• Sun screen & lip balm
• Comfortable shoes that can get wet
• Outdoor Clothing that can get wet.

What to Bring on Olympic Tour:

• All electronics in waterproof cases or double ziplock bags
• Bring extra set of clothes and leave in your vehicle for after the trip

Need to Rent Equipment for the Event?

We have single kayaks, double kayaks and stand up paddlebaords available to rent for the event. All rentals include individually fitted personal flotation device and paddle. Kayak rentals include a bilge pump and paddle float. A short lesson or refresher is also included with each rental, as well as help with fitting of all equipment. All rental equipment will be delivered to and picked up from the event by us.

Note: Kayaks must be fully compartmentalized (bulkheads or flotation front & back) and seaworthy; no missing hatches or broken parts. Those not renting will also need to bring a life jacket, which must be worn at all times, a whistle, bilge pump & paddle float. Due to the challenge of the course Recreational Kayaks (10 feet and under) or kayaks without proper bow and stern flotation will not be allowed. Does it float or sink if capsized?

Where Can I Stay on RTT that is close?

Stay at our HOST Hotel and SAVE. This hotel is a short walk or a short paddle distance from the start of RTT at the Silverdale Waterfront Park. Stay and SAVE and ask for the discount!

Host Hotel: Oxford Suites Silverdale Hotel

Discount 15% of standard rate

Booking link: https://www.oxfordsuitessilverdale.com/

Promo code: TIDE2024 (Code is good for June 7-9, 2024, for the event. So, participants can either book the whole weekend or just the night of the 8th.)

Phone: 360.447.6446 (Call Jamie Murray to book directly with the hotel for the Ride the Tide Event)

Other Local Hotels and Accomodations:

• Visit VisitKitsap.com for accommodations.
• HipCamp by NightOwl Cycling (Kingston, WA) – Tent, RV, Dome, or Van Camping. Also the 122 acre private trail system, hiking, biking, fun.
• In Port Orchard you will find comfortable lodging at Comfort Inn at the Bay and Red Lion Inn & Suites.
• Downtown Silverdale hotels include Oxford Suites, Best Western Plus Silverdale Beach Hotel, and Quality Inn & Suites.
• Poulsbo is also a favorite place to stay.
• Local State Parks and RV lots

Ride the Tide Safety Considerations:

We will be riding the current through Port Washington Narrows. It will be flowing around 4-5 knots which is fast, like a river. It is important that we follow the following safety procedures which will be covered in the safety meeting. There are also the bridge abutments on two Bridges to be avoided.We will be crossing the ferry lane in Bremerton. In order to do so in an orderly and safe manner we will group up and paddle straight across the lane together.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to Register?All paddlers are welcome to the event.Yes, if going on Olympics tour, this is a supported paddle and all participants must register whether using your own equipment or our rentals and sign a release form. See Add To Cart Above and press the NEXT button.
No, if paddling with your own group and not being part of the organized paddle with Olympic. You are on your own timeline. Group and individuals are welcome to paddle separately but please plan on being on the water and meeting the organized paddle at the Tracyton boat ramp at 9am for the paddle through the narrows and arrival in Port Orchard. Event organizers and sponsors are NOT responsible for participants not signing up for Olympics organized tour.
Who can Paddle in the Event?Anyone with an adequate human powered craft. (Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboard, etc.) Your craft must meet coast guard requirements and you can not exceed manufacturer limits. We want to make sure everyone is in a sea worthy craft and has fun.Can I bring alcohol?NO, this is a family friendly event and state and federal laws do not allow you to drink and paddle.What if I am renting equipment, where do I meet?All of your equipment (Boat/Board, PFD, paddle,safety gear) will be at the start of the trip in Silverdale.

Does the shuttle go to the Silverdale waterfront park?

Yes, the shuttle goes from either Port Orchard or SIlverdale. If you want the shuttle you will need to sign up with Olympic Outdoor Center.

Who do I contact if I have a question?

• Send general questions to : [email protected]
• Call Olympic Outdoor Center: (360) 297-4659

Check back here often for more answers to FAQ’s.

Our Sponsors (Please Thank Them):

• Kitsap County
• CIty of Port Orchard
• Port of Bremerton
• Port of Silverdale
• Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail Alliance
• Visit Kitsap Peninsula