Paddling Bass River: Navigating the Tides, and Wind Direction

What to Know Before You Go

Bass River is classified as “flatwater” with a Class 0 rating which means it’s calm, safe, and ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding.

What Does “Class 0” Mean?

A Class 0 rating is the most beginner-friendly classification a body of water can have. It indicates a high-quality river or estuary with minimal obstructions and smooth flow, perfect for recreational activities and nature lovers alike.

How Fast Does the River Flow?

Bass River’s current moves at about 9 inches per second (that’s around 45 feet per minute, or roughly 0.5 miles per hour). It’s gentle enough that you won’t feel like you’re fighting the water.

What About the Wind?

While the current is steady and predictable, wind can play a big role in how your trip feels. Low winds are easiest to paddle in. If encountering wind, look for the smoothest water. Smooth water means the water is being protected from the wind (houses or trees may be blocking wind.) 

It’s best to go the ‘hardest’ way first so when you turn around, paddling will be ‘easier’. This could mean against the current or against the wind if the wind is stronger. You can test this by paddling each direction a short distance and decide which is ‘harder’, then paddle in that direction. In wind, typically, double kayaks are easiest, then solo kayaks, then paddle boards.

Understanding the Tide

On Bass River, water flows North for six hours as the tide comes in (high tide), and South for six hours as the tide goes out (low tide). There are two high tides and two low tides each day, but the timing shifts daily due to the tidal cycle.

Smart Paddling Strategy

To make the most of your energy and time:

• Paddle against the tide first, so you can ride the current back when you’re tired.

  
  

• Unless... the wind is stronger and blowing against the tide, in which case it’s often better to paddle into the wind first and let it push you home.

  
  

• Paddle on the smoothest side of the river for the easiest paddling when going into the wind.

If you have a multi-day or week trip to Cape Cod, look for times where the wind will be 10 mph or less for the easiest paddling. A little planning goes a long way in making your Bass River adventure smooth, safe, and enjoyable!