THE CURRENT

BY KATE CALAMUSA

Finders, Keepers

Westport’s beloved beachcombing tradition returns as a thousand Japanese fishing floats are now up for grabs during the annual #Wildfloats hunt.

Time to set a southerly course and hunt some treasure: Now through Memorial Day weekend, the popular #Wildfloats event is on in Westport, Washington, as a flotilla of fishing floats are released on area beaches for combers to uncover and take home as keepsakes. Put on by the Westport South Beach Historical Society, the beloved annual event draws locals and visitors alike to South Beach in pursuit of the beautiful floats that, after being dropped in the drink in batches, come ashore with the tide and can often be found right on the sand, or lurking amongst the flotsam and jetsam. This year’s finds, which were mostly sourced from tsunami clean-up in Japan, are true working floats made from recycled sake bottles. Found in a range of gorgeous green hues, the floats are also etched with a distinctive “WSBHS 2023” marking. Beachcombers looking for tips would do well to stop by the charming Westport Maritime Museum to check out the collection of South Beach-combed floats as well as unique collector floats before setting out on foot; and sailors also should note there is convenient overnight moorage usually available at the Westport Harbor Marina. For more information and details, visit: wsbhs.org/wildfloats. Happy hunting!