||| FROM DARRELL KIRK for ORCAS ISLAND PADDLERS GROUP |||
WHO: Nearly twenty enthusiastic water lovers gathered for the first-ever meeting of the Orcas Island Paddlers Group on Wednesday evening. Co-organizers Tenar Hall and Darrell Kirk welcomed paddling enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds, including experienced guides and newcomers alike.
WHAT: The inaugural meeting of a community paddling organization focused on building a culture of safety, inclusivity, and water access on Orcas Island.
WHERE: The gathering took place inside the wooden pavilion at Moran State Park, where a warm crackling fire cast a golden glow across the room, providing a cozy atmosphere as darkness settled over nearby Cascade Lake.
WHEN: Wednesday evening’s meeting combined informational presentations with casual networking opportunities.
WHY: To establish a vibrant community dedicated to fostering safe paddling practices, environmental stewardship, and meaningful connections among island water enthusiasts.
Inside the pavilion, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees exchanged contact information and shared paddling experiences. Notable guest Andree Hurley, Executive Director of Washington Water Trails, discussed her four decades of guiding paddlers around Orcas Island’s pristine waters since 1980.
Local paddling expert Matthew Nelson captivated the crowd with tales of “foilboarding” and various paddling opportunities throughout the San Juan Islands, while emphasizing crucial safety practices for local waters.
The diverse gathering included unexpected highlights, including one participant from Georgia who fished Cascade Lake throughout the meeting, generously sending fellow paddlers home with cleaned trout ready for cooking. Another surprise came when a local attending the get-together revealed details about the Kokanee hatchery operation on Cascade Lake, extending invitations for community involvement.
“We want this group to reflect what everyone needs,” explained Kirk and Hall as they outlined the group’s dream of promoting community, water safety, building partnerships, and advocating for improved water access while supporting conservation efforts.
As the evening concluded with handshakes and excited conversations about future paddling adventures, the newly formed group had already begun creating the bonds that Hall and Kirk envisioned—a community united by their passion for exploring Orcas Island’s waters together.
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