Crossing the Fraser River Jetty/Bar

[JAC]

Hey Guys

I was wondering if you could tell me what arm of the river is the safest for going in and out of the ocean? I have used the north arm before and I have hit some pretty rough water but maybe this is normal? Is one arm safer than the other and is there a better tide to come in on? I know when the wind is blowing can make things worse but is an Incoming or Outgoing tide better to head in or out on? I'm looking to cross this spring to head over to the gulf islands.

Thanks
JAC

 

[Dogbreath]

Can't say one is better than the other but you should see the South Arm with wind over a 15' tide!

 

[getbent]

Hey Jac,

Some of the worst water around can be located at the South and north arms of the Fraser. I am moored (in the summer) off the South arm and usually it is reasonable with a good seaworthy boat. As Dogbreath says, pick your time on the tide and just watch the winds and all should be okay.

Cheers
Getbent

 

[JAC]

what tides or time of the tide is the best to cross?

 

[spring time]

don't car about the tide as much care more about the wind if the tide is good enough to launch then good enough to go the wind is the biggest factor

 

[beemer]

Hey Jac , Wind over tide (wind going the opposite direction of the tide) makes Sandheads off the South arm pretty wild. The predominent wind in the summer is usually S/SW , so heading out on the flood would seem to be your best bet. Things change really quickly there though , look for a rising barometer(high pressure system) and the flood tide and you should be golden.

Here is the # for the Steveston Gas Dock. Ray and his son who run it are pretty dialled in on the what is happening on Sandheads. Give em a call prior to heading out if you are unsure. 1-604-277-4712 .

I personally think that off the North Arm is less turbulent if you are heading across to Porlier Pass or Nanaimo.

beemer

 

[Jimmy]

Hey Jac , Wind over tide (wind going the opposite direction of the tide) makes Sandheads off the South arm pretty wild. The predominent wind in the summer is usually S/SW , so heading out on the flood would seem to be your best bet. Things change really quickly there though , look for a rising barometer(high pressure system) and the flood tide and you should be golden.

Here is the # for the Steveston Gas Dock. Ray and his son who run it are pretty dialled in on the what is happening on Sandheads. Give em a call prior to heading out if you are unsure. 1-604-277-4712 .

I personally think that off the North Arm is less turbulent if you are heading across to Porlier Pass or Nanaimo.

beemer

This is very good advice it can get pretty scary of the south arm when the conditions are right.