Lake Union Kayaking

Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club is located just south of the University of Washington on the shore of Portage Bay on Boat St. I arrived mid afternoon, just in time to see company president Rey Lopez and crew helping some customers into their kayaks. I watched as he told them each how to lower themselves into the narrow crafts and how to fasten their spray skirts onto the lip of the boats’ cockpits. “It’s all about transforming people, getting them out on the water and helping them begin to understand the area,” said Lopez, a passionate Kitsap Peninsula native who grew up tending his crab pots via kayak.

After pushing off, my friend and I took Rey’s advice to paddle west along the northern shore under the I-90 Bridge, past the Dale Chihuly glass exhibit and to Gas Works Park. Just as Lopez said, there was a favorable afternoon wind to bring us back into Portage Bay. On the southern shore we passed a variety of unique houseboats, old and new. Continuing east, we hugged the concrete shore of the University Cut and found clumps of blackberries to snack on.

Agua Verde
1303 NE Boat St.
Seattle, WA 98105
206.545.8570
For more info visit www.aguaverde.com

NWOC (Northwest Outdoor Center) is located on the western shore of Lake Union under the afternoon shadow of Queen Anne. You’ll spot it by the big “Julies Landing” signage and the clock tower at 2100 Westlake Dr. The NWOC shop sits lake level nestled amongst racks of kayaks, life preservers and wetsuits. “We’ve been kayaking for thirty years, we do this because we enjoy it and we want others to get excited about the sport,” said John Meyer, NWOC business Partner.

The NWOC offers rentals, tours, classes and boat demos. Their retail store sells gear all sorts and a variety of boats. Their shop has maps of Lake Union, Lake Washington Vancouver Island, San Juan and Gulf Island; a library of local guidebooks; and texts on kayaking techniques, and photography. Beyond the library were shelves of gloves, hats, booties, dry bags, life jackets, wetsuits, paddles and much more. Catering to all level of kayakers, Meyer said, “Beginners come in all day long, as do veterans. People just want to get out on the water.”

Their staff selected a kayak they thought best fit my experience level and I shot off heading south to watch the Kenmore Seaplanes taxi in and out of the southern end of the lake.

Northwest Outdoor Center
2100 Westlake Ave N
Ste. 1, Seattle, WA 98109
800.683.0637 or 206.281.9694
For more info visit www.nwoc.com

Moss Bay Rowing, Kayaking and Sailing Center is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Union amongst several marinas and restaurants. Since 1986 they’ve been located on 1001 Fairview Ave North. This is where you’ll find their office floating on a dock amongst crew shells and kayaks hanging in wooden rafters.

Their unblemished 20-year safety record helps keep their easy-going reputation and thriving business afloat. Moss Bay seemed to be where life on easy street started with the light lake air blowing about, the gentle sway of the dock below and the sun peeking through the clouds every so often; a definite comfortable haven.

Moss Bay runs a camp for kids six to 13 and an advanced camp for kids over 14 with some experience. These week-long rowing, kayaking, and sailing camps always sell. It’s a great way to get your kids out of the house and on the water during the hot summer months. “Our kids programs are huge all summer long, they keep us very busy,” said Manager Kevin Bynum. Rowing, kayaking and sailing lessons are also available for people of all ages.

Moss Bay Rowing and Kayak Center
1001 Fairview Ave. North #1900
Seattle, WA 98109
206.682.2031
For more info visit www.mossbay.net