How Strong are the currents?

Ive been considering, getting a little salt on my kayak this summer, but want to know how strong ocean currents really are?? Ive been fishing in a charter boat before and done lots of jetty fishing, but really i have no clue. My family always has a re uninon at Bullards beach state park (bandon) and its been crossing my mind to play around the light house rocks, where is somewhat mellow. but my wife's afraid i will be towed out to sea, shes normally right but i want to prove her wrong on this one. But i figure i better ask you guys first. Thanks

The currents offshore of the oregon coast run either north or south depending on time of year.  In the summer they run mostly from the north and are nothing you couldn't easily paddle against.   The tidal flows at the mouths of large bays, and the small ones for that matter, can be quite strong on the outgoing and should be avoided for a number of reasons.

The currents aren't bad.  The wind can be a problem though.
Make sure to read Pelagic Paddler's write up on assessing ocean conditions.  The ocean is easy and lots of fun if you choose your days wisely.

Keep an eye on the board or post a meet-up request and I'm sure you'll find someone to paddle out with you.  We've got some really salty individuals around here.

-Spot-

yea, what these guys said, the swell and waves are what you gotta worry about and Bullards is very exposed and pretty rough, I don't recommend launching around there at all

You can come up here to Sunset Bay, it's only 20 miles. If i am around i'll go out with ya. When are you coming down this way?

Yea ill defiantly give you a ring if I'm headed your way, i get jobs over there for work sometimes. so hopefully i could work a trip out that way. If not ill post when I'm headed over. sounds like alot of fun!

Rips can be pretty powerful, just gotta get an eye for them and either use them or avoid them. They're usualy in or around the surf zone/beach break though.

J