Hammer the Inlet is roughly a 16 mile race in swift tidal current on Hammersley Inlet in South Puget Sound. Take the 1.9 knot ebb out from Shelton and the 1.4 knot flood current back up the winding picturesque inlet.

Paddlers call this run the ‘Hammersley Shuttle’ or ‘Shuffle’ for the tidal push allowing for a nice glide with current. Back eddies and eddy-lines add a little spice or challenge around the various bends and curves at Skookum and Libby Points and Cape Horn.

COURSE: Shelton Yacht Club down the narrow windy Hammersley Inlet to Pickering Passage on the remaining ebb. Turn around a boat at the mouth and return on the flood current.

WHO SHOULD RACE?
Competent with currents and open water: Prone, SUP, OC, row, pedal craft, surf ski, kayak. Kayaks 13’+ and SUP minimum 12′-6″. Know how to swim. *Must finish no more than 3hrs. *2p teams in same household

Thanks to the Shelton Yacht Club for use of their facilities and Explore Hood Canal for local support! Some proceeds donated to the South Sound Restoration Project.

QUESTIONS? rob@salmonbaypaddle.com