Day 5 – Sea Kayaking On The Puget Sound
For my 5th day of r 31 days of 31 activities my sister and I headed down to Alki Beach to do some sea kayaking on the Puget Sound. Known by Seattle residents as one of the only “real” beaches area in the city, Alki beach is often compared to Southern California for its rollerblading, bicycling and jogging activities along the waterfront. Reminiscent also of European seaside towns, its narrow strip of sand accents the bustling cafes along the boardwalk. Outdoor activities abound, and cultural opportunities are present within walking distance of the waterfront.
Alki beach steches for 2 1/2 miles along the coastline of the Puget Sound, from Alki Point to Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay, the Alki Beach Park runs parallel with Beach Drive in West Seattle. It is public land, teeming with life year-round. In the summers, the people-watching is reason enough to be there, with rollerbladers, bicyclers, volleyball games, boarders and more. Stay into the evening for a bonfire right on the beach; Alki is one of only two public beaches in Seattle that allow them.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8UL1ZSdTJg&hl=en&fs=1&]
Whether you want to join a guided tour or strike out on your own, kayaks are available from Alki Kayak Tours. The guided tours include an Alki Lighthouse Sea Kayak Tour, one on the Duwamish River, Elliott Bay, Blake Island, and a sunset tour. No experience is necessary and the guides teach you all you need to know on the spot. Hourly rentals are also offered to those who are confident in their abilities already and wish to explore the Seattle waters in their own way. Singles and doubles are available, and a three-seater, which provides an opportunity to take your kids out in a kayak.
Go out joing the fun and make sure to share your experience on NWevolution.
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The only problem with these guys is that their prices are so expensive! I guess they get away with it pretty easily for the location.
The location is amazing! Do you have any suggestions for rentals to go out in that area?
I have a couple of suggestions, but they’re both to be taken with a grain of salt.
I find Moss Bay ( on South Lake Union ) extremely friendly, cheap, and well equipped. But I have a bias, in that they’ve under charged me for rentals many times. I also like NWOC, who’s prices are quite fair, and where the staff is extremely knowledgeable. NWOC ( North West Outdoor Center ) also rents things like dry suits, which are very important this time of year. But they’re also on Lake Union, albeit half a mile north.
So the two choices are to either paddle up the shipping lane ( through Fremont and Ballard ), out the Locks ( a fantastic experience ), and then south across Elliot Bay – or to drive them to the beach and set in somewhere near Alki. Moss Bay has tie downs for the car, and lots of padding to put between the roof of your car and the kayak. But this is a bit of work. It’s much less strenuous than paddling out to the Locks, but I especially hate porting the boat overland at the end of a long paddle.
Another great spot to set in, if you do brave a drive, is Golden Gardens Park.
I know the University rents kayaks and canoes, and speaking of great locations ( though not as great as the one you discovered ), they’re just across the water from the Arboretum.
I’ll shut up now. I’m an outdoor junkie, and could bore you to tears.