Water Sports Round-Up

Kayaking

Whether you prefer the lake, river, or the bay, kayaking is one of the most popular ways to explore the waters of the North Sound. You’ve likely gathered by now that there are quite a few waterways to explore; to get you started, the Port of Bellingham even has a Whatcom Water Trails map. It highlights 22 water trails in the county and is accessible at bellingham.org.

The San Juan Islands and Skagit and Whatcom county’s shorelines also fall within the Cascadia Marine Trail, which is a water trail spanning the length and width of the Puget Sound. It’s one of just 16 National Millennium Trails, or trails considered nationally significant at the turn of the century. Though the trail is not yet complete, the goal of the Washington Waterway Trail Association (WWTA) is to establish camping areas every five to eight miles for the safety of “human- and wind-powered boaters” and yes, this includes kayaks!

You can purchase your very own kayak from Yeager’s Sporting Goods or rent from places including Bloedel Boat Rentals, Bellingham’s Community Boating Center, or Blue Otter Outfitters in Anacortes. Alternatively, if you’d like to try your hand at sea kayaking, you can take a how-to course from the Community Boating Center.

For a day of adventure, take a guided tour from companies like Anacortes Kayak Tours (Anacortes), San Juan Island Outfitters (San Juan Island), or Moondance Sea Kayak Adventures (Bellingham). The latter two companies even offer nighttime bioluminescence tours!

Spotlight on Dragonfly Kayak Tours

Even before founding Dragonfly Kayak Tours, Tori Ayres knew she could find refuge on the water. She began kayaking with her uncle in New Hampshire when she was just a child, and in the years that followed, getting on the water provided solace amid life’s ups and downs. After a divorce, Ayres had the opportunity to reshape her life in a big way and, once again, she found her answer on the water.

“I had gone to Europe for a few months, and when I was there, I discovered this kayak touring business in Portugal,” Ayres says. “I was like, ‘Huh, that’s a great business model.’ So I … started doing some research on what it would take to start one. I knew I didn’t want to be landlocked anymore.”

Ayres moved to Bellingham in 2016 and immediately felt a sense of belonging. She started Dragonfly Kayak Tours just one year later, then led her first official tour in 2018. Dragonfly Kayak Tours focuses on small groups of up to 12 people, and while the main offerings are half-day trips, day trips, and bioluminescence trips, they also run a kids’ camp and occasional overnight excursions.

Ayres focuses her business on the waters surrounding Bellingham, and some favorite spots for sea kayaking include Larrabee State Park, Dogfish Point, and Chuckanut Island. Her client range is diverse, encompassing everyone from children with their grandparents to a bachelor party and everyone in between. (She even offers customized tours to those who request them!) Kayakers also don’t need extensive experience to participate: Ayres even offers courses in the basics, and tour participants wear life jackets for the duration of the trip.

While her solo kayaking endeavors inspired a sense of peace, Ayres says that the Dragonfly group tours lean towards a different atmosphere. Being out on the water often brings out a playful, adventurous side of her customers or, in other words, a sense of freedom that’s not always accessible in dayto-day life.

“I’ve had people sing sea shanties,” Ayres says. “People just get out there and they have fun. They’re not stressed. They’re not thinking about anything else. If I have a smaller group, you do feel more Zen calmness, [but] I see more playfulness than anything.” Bellingham, 360.453.7036, dragonflykayaktours.com

Spotlight on SUP Yoga with FLUX Power Yoga

The idea of doing a headstand on dry land is intimidating enough but Melissa Longfellow goes a step further by taking her practice to the water. As an instructor with FLUX Power Yoga, she offers SUP Yoga classes on Lake Padden during the summer and no, you don’t have to be a paddle or yoga pro to participate.

Longfellow moved to the West Coast to become a surfer in San Diego, and she’s been teaching yoga for more than 20 years. She saw SUP yoga as a way to unite these two big passions, so when she was presented with the opportunity to become a certified teacher, she jumped at the opportunity. 10 years later, Longfellow is used to getting questions about the practice. The most common one: “Will I fall in?” Yes, she says, it’s possible but it can be avoided by skipping more balance-oriented poses like crow and headstands. Plus, yoga SUP boards are sturdier than you think: They’re longer, wider, and more stable than their traditional counterparts (though you do need to pay special attention to your center of gravity).

Students don’t have to have previous yoga or paddleboard experience; in fact, they don’t even need to know how to swim. Longfellow supplies the boards to all students and sets them up on a line before classes begin. She even brings students to their spot via a “taxi ride” on her own board, meaning that no paddle experience is necessary, and life jackets are readily available and attached to each board’s front end via bungee cord.

But the most unique thing about SUP yoga isn’t the board or even the yoga it’s the water itself. It’s rare to have such close contact with the elements in a yoga class; plus, Longfellows says the water’s nature tends to inspire more fluid movement.

“The difference between doing yoga on a flat, sturdy ground and on water is that you are forced to bring your attention to that fluid feeling,” Longfellow says. “And if you stiffen up and get rigid, then you’re gonna go in the water. But if you stay fluid, the joints will absorb that motion. It really brings you present to the element of water.” 1140 10th St., Ste. 101, Bellingham, fluxpoweryoga.com

Paddleboarding

Here’s a fun fact: While canoes were invented long ago in the Arctic to be used as hunting vessels, paddleboards originated in Hawaii, and their popularity didn’t take off until the 20th century. While kayakers sit down and operate their vessel with a double-bladed paddle, stand-up paddleboards (or SUPs) are propelled with a single-blade paddle. Kayaks have the advantage when it comes to stability, but SUPs are more portable and some of them are even inflatable!

Most places that rent kayaks also rent SUPs, and we’d also be remiss not to mention Lakewood on Lake Whatcom. Students, alumni, and faculty members at Western Washington University are all eligible for discounted rentals on water crafts from SUPs to sailboats. You can also rent or buy your very own SUP from Kite Paddle Surf at Squalicum Harbor. (Thrill seekers take note: If paddleboarding isn’t extreme enough for you, they also specialize in kitesurfing, windsurfing, and more!)

Rivers and Rafting

When we think of water-based outdoor recreation, the lakes and bay might come to mind first but don’t forget about our region’s rivers. Some might opt for a leisurely float in some of the Skagit or Nooksack’s calmer waters, but for folks who prefer a bit of adventure, both rivers have whitewater rapids that can be experienced with the help of a trained guide.

A note: It should go without saying, but while it may be a safe bet to go paddleboarding alone, you don’t want to do the same on a raft. Whitewater rafting is dangerous, and it’s imperative to go with an experienced and certified professional.

The Nooksack is rated as having Class III rapids, whereas the Upper Skagit River has easier Class II rapids as well as Class III. Companies like Triad River Tours can guide you through these waters safely, as their certified guides receive extensive training and operate tours using state-of-theart equipment. The Glacier-based company Wild and Scenic River Tours also offers excursions on the Nooksack River.

If you want an adventure on the river but would prefer to skip the rapids, Triad also has more laid-back scenic tours. Their company Skagit River Guide Service offers Skagit River Eagle Tours, outings that are centered around bald eagle sightings, as well as photography tours during bald eagle migration season. Skagit River Tours specializes in small-group tours of the Upper and Lower Skagit River, as well as private charters out of La Conner, on a fast-moving SJX Jet boat. Additionally, if you’d prefer a laid-back lake tour, the North Cascades Institute has several options for cruises along Diablo Lake (which flows in and out of the Skagit River).

Spotlight on Whitewater Rafting with Triad River Tours

TRIAD RIVER TOURS has bases in both Seattle and Bellingham, and their experienced guides lead rafting tours on several rivers in Washington State, including the Skagit and Nooksack rivers. It was founded by Luke Baugh, who has more than two decades of experience as a whitewater raft guide. His approach to whitewater rafting places a heavy focus on sustainability, safety, leave-no-trace ethics, and genuine immersion in the nature that surrounds us.

“When it comes to rafting, instead of bringing a bunch of amenities that make people feel like they never left home, I advocate for a more legitimate experience with nature,” he says.

From the very beginning, Baugh took his role as a guide very seriously. He says that while the industry in those early days was largely populated by “adrenaline junkies,” his need to provide for his young daughter kept him grounded. Now, he says rafting has become more of a recreational, naturefocused experience.

“If a human being is a part of nature, and our suffering comes from being separated from that, it would make sense that when we bring someone back into rhythm [with nature] … they would be healthier,” Baugh says. “So, in theory, the whole company is built on health.”

In regards to the Skagit River, Triad offers a Class II-III whitewater rafting tour that’s appropriate for beginnerand intermediate-level rafters. Running from June through September, Baugh says it’s a great introductory trip for new rafters.

They also offer scenic rafting tours on the Skagit River, including a bald eagle viewing tour that drifts through eight miles of bald eagle sanctuary. Rafters on this tour can also expect to learn about salmon and eagle migrations, plus the roles they play within the river’s intricate ecology.

Safety is also a core focus of every tour, as Washington’s rivers can be dangerous without proper expertise. Thus, in addition to receiving advanced medical training, every Triad River Tours lead guide is SRT-1 (Swiftwater Rescue) trained and certified by the Swiftwater Safety Institute. They also make sure to invest in top-rated equipment.

Baugh says that the safety protocol talks at the beginning of their trips are also meant to bring riders to a place of feeling like they’re on the same team. Ideally, they create a foundation of collaboration and teamwork that lasts throughout the tour.

“You can see people that, if they’re with their family or their spouse, are … so busy, so [they] don’t spend much time together,’” Baugh says. “And then here you are and you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, this person’s actually depending on me,’ and you learn how to paddle and participate as a team through the rapids and it’s a wonderful experience.”

Baugh also expresses his respect for the Salish peoples who have stewarded these waters, including the rivers, for generations. Overall, he believes that ethical and sustainable nature contact such as being surrounded by mountains, the smells and sounds of the forest, or just getting splashed in the face with glacier water can bring people closer to the earth, to the region’s histories, and to each other.

“People used to go on multi-day expeditions with me, and then I drop them off at their hotel and they’d be like, ‘Oh, yeah, we got to catch a flight. Back to reality,’” he says. “And I always thought that we have it backwards that’s not reality. This is reality.” Bellingham, 360.510.1243, triadrivertours.com

Diving

While there’s plenty of fun to be had on the water, don’t overlook the adventures that lie beneath the surface. The Salish Sea is a treat for divers of all stripes, from snorkelers to scuba divers and even free divers (who, unlike scuba divers, do not use a breathing apparatus).

Gone Diving in Bellingham is Whatcom County’s top resource for everything from gear to lessons, whereas Anacortes Diving is a full-service diving center in Skagit offering gear, classes, and even diving trips to locales as close as Vancouver Island or as far-flung as Indonesia.

Spotlight on Gone Diving

WE MIGHT NOT have the Bahamas’ crystal-blue waters or Australia’s coral reefs, but Diver Sigrid Williams says that the depths of our bay are more interesting than some might assume. Moreover, while it’s exciting to spot aquatic life, octopi aren’t the only things worth observing in the Salish Sea.

“From walls, to pinnacles, to islands, to kelp forests, or even eelgrass, we have a lot of biodiversity,” Williams says. “Most new divers care about seeing the big things giant Pacific octopus, wolf eels, et cetera but as you do more and more dives, you start to notice all the small things, like the grunt sculpins hiding between rocks, the tiny nudibranchs munching away, and the barnacles feeding.”

Williams is an employee of Gone Diving, which has been Bellingham’s No. 1 diving resource for more than 15 years. It’s a full-service shop offering everything from retail to repairs, gear maintenance, professional training, classes, travel advice, and much more. “Diving,” in this case, encompasses everything from scuba diving to free diving, snorkeling, and hopefully in the near future even mermaid classes.

“Diving is like no other experience I have ever had. It is probably the closest you’ll get to being in space,” says Williams. “The feeling of weightlessly gliding through the water with no outside distraction, just being able to be completely present in the moment and enjoy a world that the majority of the population will never get to see or experience. It can be one of the most peaceful and tranquil feelings.”

Additionally, Williams notes that diving is a much more versatile sport than some might imagine. The technologicallyadvanced gear we have available in 2023 means that just about any body of water can be explored at any time of year, whether that be in the Bahamas or Antartica. (Locally speaking, Williams is a big fan of diving sites near the San Juan Islands, Keystone on Whidbey Island, and Skyline Wall in Anacortes.)

Want to get started on your own diving journey? The first step is to give the folks at Gone Diving a call. Once they know your goals, they can support you in getting the requisite gear, training, and certifications. Additionally, Gone Diving hosts a once-monthly meetup where new and seasoned divers alike can build community. 1740 Iowa St., Bellingham, 360.738.2042, gonediving.org

A note: If the opportunity to see sea creatures is more appealing than the act of diving, then bring the whole family to the Marine Life Center at Squalicum Harbor. This freeadmission attraction lets you get up close and personal with local marine life (including an octopus!), and they even feature a touch tank.

Bellingham (and Beyond) by Boat

IN WHATCOM COUNTY, the Port of Bellingham manages three main public boat launches: Squalicum Harbor (in Bellingham, accessible year-round), Blaine Harbor (just south of Canada, accessible year-round), and Fairhaven (Bellingham, available April-October and best suited for smaller vessels). There’s also a boat ramp in Larrabee State Park, plus freshwater launches at popular spots like Baker Lake, Lake Whatcom, and Lake Samish.

Top marinas and boat launches to know in Skagit County include La Conner Marina (open year-round), Mount Vernon’s Twin Bridges Marina (which, according to its website, is “the first full-service indoor heated dry stack marina in the state of Washington”), Anacortes Marina (which is within walking distance of Downtown Anacortes), and the Swinomish Channel Boat Launch.

For those hoping to connect with fellow boat enthusiasts, the Port of Bellingham (portofbellingham.com) has a comprehensive list of local boating organizations on its website. These include the Bellingham Yacht Club (byc. org), Squalicum Yacht Club (squalicumyc.org), and Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron (boatingisfun.org). Outside of Bellingham, check out the Swinomish Yacht Club in La Conner (swinomishyachtclub.org), plus Anacortes Yacht Club and Freedom Boat Club in Anacortes (anacortesyachtclub.com, freedomboatclub.com).

Charter or Buy: A Quick Boating Guide

If you’re looking to explore our waterways by boat, the North Sound is home to several charter companies worth considering. (For a comprehensive list, check out portofbellingham.com!).

We love San Juan Cruises because they offer far more than just charters. Customers can join a sunset crab dinner cruise, island sightseeing voyages, and of course whale watching excursions (you can read even more about them on p. 29).

History buffs can take a ride on the historic MV Plover Ferry, which is Washington’s oldest foot passenger ferry. It even offers kids the opportunity to steer the ship and become “captain for a day.” Speaking of history, there are more than a few reasons to take a ride on the classic, 160-foot Schooner Zodiac: You can rent a private charter for weddings or events, or join in on public excursions including brunch events, afternoon adventure sails, and even occasions like Mother’s Day or July 4.

Want to explore the San Juan Islands by sail? Sail the San Juans bills itself as “the premier crewed sailing charters in the San Juan Islands,” and they offer two options for excursions: a private charter (in which groups of up to six receive the exclusive treatment) or a cruise (in which customers reserve a stateroom for two, and the other cabins are filled by the company).

If you want to go the totally retro route, Schooners North specializes in day, overnight, and multi-day charters aboard traditionally gaff-rigged vessels (and yes, they totally look like pirate ships). Additionally, you can get up close and personal with orcas by taking a whale watching tour through Outer Island Excursions (departing from both Anacortes and Orcas Island).

Gato Verde Adventure Sailing is unique in that their customized small-group charters (from 1.5 hours to seven days, limited to up to six people) also include hands-on sailing instruction, natural and social history, and environmental stewardship. They also have options for whale watching tours. Fun fact: The Gato Verde catamaran is also the first wind electric hybrid charter boat on the West Coast!

If you’re looking to make a more permanent investment, would-be boat owners have more than a few options in the area. In addition to charters, NW Explorations and Bellhaven Yacht Sales and Charters offer brokerage services for those who are looking to own, not rent.

Bellingham Yachts has more than 39 years of experience, and their lineup includes high-end brands like Sabre, Back Cove, and Cutwater yachts. Cardinal Yacht Sales in Bellingham also specializes in buying, selling, and repairing boats. Anacortes residents have options including Pacific Marine Sales and West Yachts, whereas La Connerites can look to La Conner Yacht Sales (they’ve been providing the community with yacht brokerage services since 1971!).

Five Tips for Staying Safe on the Bay

Wear a wetsuit.

According to Bryan Rust, the Community Boating Center’s executive director, the bay doesn’t get above 55 degrees, even during the hottest days of summer meaning that hypothermia is always a risk. Humans can suffer severe health consequences after just 20–30 minutes of immersion in cold water, which is why it’s important to take precautions (like wearing a wetsuit).

Make a pre-departure checklist. If you’re going out on the water, you’re going to want to make sure that you have all the right tools. Make a predeparture checklist that encompasses everything from food and water to flotation devices, and check it twice before heading out.

Check the weather before you go. Part of being water-savvy means being weather-aware, so you should always check conditions before heading out on the bay. (Hint: boatingcenter.org/ weather has a great list of resources for monitoring wind, current, and weather conditions.)

Make your location and plans known. Don’t go out on the water without making a check-in plan with friends and family and moreover, don’t go out alone unless you are confident in your skills.

If you’re not feeling 100% certain of your skills, take a course!

The Community Boating Center offers courses and skill tests for a variety of water crafts, so if your sailing knowhow isn’t up to scratch just yet, you can (and should) learn from the pros.