Stories With Video

Paddle a kayak for a local adventure

By Patrick Robinson

Monday, August 11, 2008

If you've found yourself wishing for a quick getaway but are discouraged by the high price of gas you might want to check out Alki Kayak Tours. You can take a kayak down to the Alki Point lighthouse, paddle around the mouth of the Duwamish River or enjoy a Seattle Sunset from the water. Tours of what can be a busy part of Puget Sound are conducted by experienced guides who, according to guide Cory Johnson "constantly keep an eye out for other boats." Greg Whittaker, the owner and the first guide for the company is also the tourism representative for the Washington State Oil Spill Advisory Council and part of the citizens advisory committe for the City of Seattle's Shoreline Master Program Update. During the tours, Greg and other guides share facts about the local environment, history, and marine life. "I talk a lot about birds," said Greg, " I'm a bird nerd."

The tours are normally "doubles" , meaning two seat kayaks are used. The boats themselves are "Sea Kayaks" not the "White water" version you might confuse them with. They have a capacity of 600 pounds each and are extremely safe.

Alki Kayak Tours is located at the Seacrest Boathouse, 1660 Harbor Ave SW and if you still have some energy or prefer land based adventure, they are also now renting roller blades, and skateboards,

To learn more about kayaking in West Seattle visit kayakalki.com

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