Where To Paddleboard In Seattle?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Seattle is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) that is surrounded by mountains, evergreen forests, and water. This gives the excellent potential for super special places to visit with a SUP. In fact,

paddle boarding Seattle throws you into the magic and shows you a different side of the city.

Do you need a permit to paddleboard in Washington?

Washington Kayaking Operator Education Laws

Do you need a license to kayak in Washington? No.

A Boater Education Card is only required for operators of motorized vessels

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Can you launch a paddleboard anywhere?

Launching a paddle board might look easy, but unless you do it properly you’ll either fall straight off or stand in the water while your board floats away from you. Once you have mastered the technique,

you’ll be able to launch your board anywhere

to enjoy your paddle boarding wherever you want.

Where can you paddle board in Washington?

  • Lake Sammamish State Park.
  • Deception Pass State Park.
  • Blake Island Marine State Park.
  • Olympic National Park.
  • Dry Falls State Park.
  • Lyons Ferry State Park.

Can you paddleboard in Puget Sound?


You can paddle on Lake Union and Lake Washington, the Sammamish River and all throughout the Puget Sound

. Keep in mind that midday weekends in the summer on lakes will have a lot of motorized boat traffic.

Is it safe to paddleboard in Puget Sound?

It’s best to stay as close to the shore as possible in the Puget Sound in order to enjoy the many sights in this area, and distance oneself out of respect to the large marine life that calls this area home.

Do not paddle deep into the sound as the sounds waters can be treacherous and are known to have strong currents

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Do you need life jackets for paddle boat?

The USCG regulations state that

each paddler over the age of 12 must have a “USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or appropriate Type V” life jacket

. While riders over the age of 12 are not required to wear a life jacket on the water, wearing your PFD certainly the smart approach to staying safe on your paddle board.

Do you have to wear a life jacket on a SUP?


It’s recommended that people using stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) wear a lifejacket

. If this is not possible, it’s recommended that you use a leg rope so you do not get separated from your board.

Should you wear a life jacket when paddle boarding?


Each paddler 13 years of age or older must have a USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or appropriate Type V (see below) life jacket

. It doesn’t have to be worn, although that’s certainly the wisest plan, and one which we strongly recommend. A child 12-years old or younger must wear their USCG-approved life jacket.

Do you need a license to paddle board?

Yes, the use of a paddleboard, or any other portable, unpowered craft on the majority of inland waterways,

requires a license obtainable from the relevant authority

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Can you paddleboard on any lake?

Although weather conditions can influence your trip,

you can stand up paddle board on any body of water

. Rivers, ponds, lakes, and oceans are the most common locations for paddle boarding. However, more people are using paddle boards at whitewater locations, icy ravines, and indoor pools.

Where should your feet be on a paddleboard?

Where do you paddleboard on Wenatchee?

From the calm slow moving section of Icicle Creek between the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and the confluence with the Wenatchee River across from the Leavenworth Golf Course, to standing surf waves a little further down the Wenatchee River at

Happy Wave and Rodeo Hole

, stand up paddle boarding around Leavenworth …

Can you kayak on Diablo Lake?

Paddling through Diablo Lake in summertime is worthy of any Pacific Northwesterner’s bucket list. And,

you can launch canoes, kayaks and other portable craft right from Colonial Creek Campground

, then paddle up to five miles to the end of Diablo Lake.

When should you paddle board?


Get up early, grab your SUP, and catch the sunrise from the water

. If you’re into yoga, try bringing your morning routine to the water! But it doesn’t end there; mornings have other advantages. Paddleboarding in the morning allows you to avoid the crowds.

Where do you paddleboard on Lake Union?

Lake Union is a great place to explore with your inflatable paddle board or rent from

Northwest Outdoor Center or Thunderbird SUP

. There are several launch spots around the lake, but I found the dock at 9th street to be the most accessible.

What do you wear paddle boarding in Puget Sound?


A wet suit or dry suit

will be helpful for beginners, since it’s easy to become overwhelmed if you fall into the water (and you probably will). Lakes in the area will be warm in the summer, so extra layers may not be necessary for those bodies of water, but Puget Sound is chilly year-round and local rivers may be, too.

Do I need to register my kayak in Washington?

Title, registration & renewal

To navigate, operate, employ or moor your vessel in Washington, you must have a Washington title, registration card and registration decals, except:

If your vessel is a canoe, kayak, or a vessel not propelled by a motor or sail

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What do you need for SUP?

  1. Stand up paddle board (SUP)
  2. SUP paddle.
  3. Personal flotation device (PFD)
  4. Pump (for inflatable SUP)
  5. Fin(s) for SUP.
  6. SUP leash.
  7. Rescue whistle.
  8. Headlamp or flashlight (required if paddling after sundown)

Can you paddle board in the ocean?


Absolutely!

But you’ll need a high-quality epoxy or inflatable stand up paddle board with some specific features in order to do so safely. Stability is crucial when it comes to navigating open waves, be sure to choose an iSUP with a wide deck that allows you to take a steady stance for better balance.

What are the rules for paddle boarding?

  • Don’t snake surfers;
  • Take turns, share waves. …
  • When in doubt, give surfers right-of-way;
  • Don’t paddle through the line-up;
  • When paddling out, take the whitewater hit instead of ruining a surfer’s wave;

Are Puddle Jumpers approved for boating?

Here’s the answer:

Coast Guard approved puddle jumpers are approved for boating

, being superb swimming aids. However, they should only be used in certain circumstances such as when swimming and anchored down and some state laws might prohibit their use whilst the boat is in motion.

Why are life jackets not allowed at beaches?


An unapproved devices can slide off, pop, or float a child face down

. Water wings can actually slide off and even trap a drowning child underwater. With any device a child can easily float away and into deep water.

What does Level 100 PFD mean?

Level 100 Plus lifejackets

provide a high level of buoyancy and are designed to turn the wearer onto their back and keep them in a safe floating position

. They usually have a collar to support the back of the head. They are highly visible, with bright colouring and retro-reflective patches.

Can you sup on the Yarra?

We’ve returned to smack bang in the middle of Melbourne and for all its bad publicity over the years (you definitely shouldn’t drink the water but it also isn’t going to dissolve any limbs!)

the Yarra River is a great place to SUP if you know where to go

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What kind of life jacket do I need for paddle boarding?

As mentioned,

Type III and Type V PFDs

are by far the most popular type of life vests for a standup paddleboard. These offer the perfect blend of safety and comfort.

Jasmine Sibley
Author
Jasmine Sibley
Jasmine is a DIY enthusiast with a passion for crafting and design. She has written several blog posts on crafting and has been featured in various DIY websites. Jasmine's expertise in sewing, knitting, and woodworking will help you create beautiful and unique projects.