Parking in Klemtu / Alternate Launch

[CrisL]

I'm planning a solo kayaking trip, launching from Klemtu with a fiberglass kayak. I'm reluctant to do that rocky load and launch solo, and arrival time has me planning to overnight in Klemtu before my launch. That, plus a 7 am ferry departure from Port Hardy has me thinking I might be better off paying to ferry my car to Klemtu. Anyone have ideas about a place to leave my car parked safely for several weeks in or near Klemtu? Or better suggestions?

 

[alexsidles]

I would just use the launch in Klemtu, under the ferry dock, as soon as you arrive. There'll be enough daylight hours to paddle off somewhere to set up camp. Don't worry about the launch itself. Somehow, Klemtu has gotten this reputation as the worst kayak launch imaginable, but it's really not that bad. I wouldn't even rank it in the top thirty worst non-surfing beaches I've launched from.

Alex

 

[chodups]

I would just use the launch in Klemtu, under the ferry dock, as soon as you arrive. There'll be enough daylight hours to paddle off somewhere to set up camp. Don't worry about the launch itself. Somehow, Klemtu has gotten this reputation as the worst kayak launch imaginable, but it's really not that bad. I wouldn't even rank it in the top thirty worst non-surfing beaches I've launched from.

Alex

I've launched under the ramp at Klemtu three times and it is the worst launch I've ever used. Managing and loading a boat solo there is no fun at all (done that twice) and is only reasonable, IMO, on a rising tide. I suggest a plastic boat on that launch. The comings and goings from town are certainly MUCH easier and less tide dependant. You could contact the band office for recommendations on where to leave the car if you feel that you must bring it.

 

[SalishSeaNior]

Another option might be to take along a good set of kayak wheels and wheel the loaded boat into the village. It is almost exactly 2 kms on paved road, so a bit of hike but a "much better beach site" to launch from. Of course, again, you should contact the band office to enquire.

I've launched under the ferry dock as well. With a group of strong able paddlers, I agree that it is quite doable. Alone, with a glass boat, doable with a lot of effort and great care.