Sea Kayak - Lake Washington: Concrete Beach

Let's meet around 2:30, launch by 3 latest, back on beach by around 5.

Launch location is the sail sandpoint hand launch area at concrete beach in Magnuson Park.  NOT the side by Arena Sports.  Portapotty and indoor restrooms available here and in Magnuson Park

For anyone intending to take a surf or rock gardening class or go to the pass, this is the kind of short, sudden, higher intensity paddling that mimics what you will need in dynamic water.  This is also hoping for interval training and skills practice in winds and waves.  Well, can't promise the wind or waves every time but they are bound to show up more than not.  Usually.  Or at least sometimes.  Either way, you can always sprint. 

We will also look to build in some skills practice time based on group needs/desires.  There is no requirement to participate in any particular skill element that may be attempted; its a practice opportunity.  (challenge by choice)

The primary route is to leave the Sail Sandpoint hand launch beach, follow shoreline past NOAA and dog park, go around Pontiac point and proceed south to approximately the Magnuson park boat launch area and return.  Windspeed will likely vary significantly from week to week.  This can generate some entertaining waves  south of Pontiac Point if there is a strong southerly (fairly usual for this time of year)  and therefore the experience (and effort) of paddling into the wind, some moderate waves, and turning and running back downwind over short distances.  Sometimes those waves are enough to allow some low intensity surfing, but that can also be avoided.  Route on any given day will depend on group composition and desires as well as overall conditions.   This route is around 3 miles; the conditioning comes in the interval training aspect not the distance.  

The launch and recovery area is generally protected from most winds and can provide an area in which to paddle even if wind on the lake itself is more than the group may enjoy on any given day.  Route and specific plans to be finalized on the day of depending on conditions and group

The lake is cold at the moment so dress for emersion.

Bail out and bio break locations are numerous along the route, including at Magnuson swimming beach, boat launch and the sail sandpoint area.  

There is a small dining establishment with outdoor covered patio on site for post paddle gathering if desired.