It's finally time to start paddling regularly around here! First step, head out into Shilshole Bay as much as possible (pictures above and below from this week). Then, the planning phase. Be sure to check out the new Washington State Map section of the site to plot your next adventure. We'll be adding blue dots (a.k.a. kayaking/exploring) to the South Sound, the San Juans, and the Olympic peninsula soon!
   ~Paul    ETC

 Warmer spring temps + sun + wind = fun at Seattle's Golden Gardens. Usually I see kiteboarding going on up north at Richmond Beach,  but its popularity must be heading south!
   ~Paul & Amber   ETC

   Looking to paddle in the saltwater? Never tried it before? A great practice run in Seattle, weather/tide/current dependent, is from Shilshole Marina to the green buoy just off Golden Gardens beach. It's a great way to paddle with light current, especially if you are new to checking the tides and stuff. When you get to the buoy you'll be able to see the water passing by it in one direction or the other (ebb or flow) - proving your tide research actually works! 
   We use a combo of US charts West Coast and Tide Graph for currents and mapping (iPhone apps), and weather underground for weather - make sure to click on marine forecast. Don't have a smart-phone? There are plenty of online resources to check the weather/tides/current before paddling in currents. Be safe!

   Off you go from the public boat ramp on the north side of Shilshole marina, just south of Golden Gardens beach park.

   Above - current at the green buoy! Below - A look back towards the beach and marina from the buoy.

   Boom. Done.
       ~Paul   ETC

   September in Seattle has been amazingly dry and warm...to celebrate the big yellow shiny thing in the sky, we got some club members together and took our Innova kayak fleet around the Shilshole Marina breakwater here in Seattle, WA. It turned out to be one pretty scene after another...
   ~Paul, Amber, Keith, Vic, Greg   ETC