My company hosted last weekend’s Deception Pass Dash and I’d like to thank the Oak Harbor business community for their support. Well over 200 paddlers traveled here from outside the Island/Skagit county area, with guests and spectators bringing the total far beyond the 300 we originally estimated. This was the Sixth Annual Dash, but the first time the local community got involved. We’re happy and proud to say that a lot of those visitors left their dollars in our local dining and lodging establishments.

Thanks to our generous sponsors and event participants we also raised $1,800 for two deserving causes, $900 of which stays right here in the hands of Medical Safety Net of North Whidbey.

We’re grateful to the News-Times for your pre-race coverage, and special thanks go to Anacortes Kayak Tours, Island Trollers, Whidbey Coffee, Flyers Restaurant, Sho Nuff Foods, Best Western, Acorn Inn, and the Oak Harbor Chamber for all your support. Jack Hartt, Deception Pass State Park manager, and his staff of rangers were amazing and accommodating hosts. The Island and Skagit county sheriffs’ marine units, North Whidbey Fire and  Rescue, and the U.S. Coast Guard all had key roles in on-water safety and, in spite of this year’s flat conditions, we are always thankful for their backup to our dozen safety paddlers on the course.

We had one (yes, just one) participant from Oak Harbor, a young lady named Kara who dealt with her well-justified fear of the pass by helping out on land as a volunteer. Thanks Kara!

The Seventh Annual Deception Pass Dash Winter Paddling Festival is set for the weekend of Dec. 8 and 9, 2012. Hope to see another great welcome from our local community.

Bill Walker
Ruby Creek Boathouse LLC
Oak Harbor