Olympic Coast Prevailing Currents

I'm a new member. I bought a kayak from another member, Wayne. Thanks Wayne!

It looks like during the summer, prevailing currents along the coast are from north to south.

Does it change with the wind? Is it consistent? Strong? Weak?

Any firsthand experience, advice or links would be appreciated...

Thanks!
- Matt

Howdy, Matt-K!

On the outer coast, the winds rule. They influence the currents, and have greater affect than the currents.

On the Straits of Juan de Fuca side, there are tidal currents that you can check for at Dairiki- http://www.dairiki.org/tides/daily.php/jua

Even on the Strait, 10+ winds will cancel out a 2-3 knot current. (Actually, you can use vector calculations, especially in cases the wind and current aren't directly opposed, and realize you may be blown almost 90 degrees off the wind or tide directions.

In any case, beware of tides opposing the wind- you'll get the biggest windwaves and whitecaps.