I have quite the "To Do" List for summer, and something that has been at the top is Kayaking, so with the weather last weekend in record highs, I finally got my husband on board and we took a little family paddle in the South Sound.
We started our adventure at Adventures Unlimited on McChord. You have to have a kayak "license" which consists of a 40 minutes video on kayaking and a test. All answers are found in the video and I thought the video was pretty interesting. They have some new gear, and when you rent you get all the equipment you need (kayak, paddles, Life vest/PFD and kayak necessities bag with pump,sponge and whistle).
We were able to reserve two tandems, and the very knowledgeable staff helped secure the kayaks when my husband picked them up.
**NOTE** It's wise to call ahead to make sure they have what you need. During the summer, the kayaks are popular!
We launched from Solo Point between Steilacoom and DuPont and headed out into the water towards Ketron Island. We had originally planned on paddling out passed the western side of the island, then head north towards Chambers Bay, but here's the thing: Kayaking is strenuous. We had our two younger kiddos with us, and we had to take many breaks but sometimes changed plans end up being the most fun!!
When we first entered the water, Ruby and I had to get down the basics of paddling as a team, and I lamented not properly adjusting my seat and foot pegs prior to our wiggle launch, but it only took a few minutes to get comfortable. I think about three minutes in we saw our first jellyfish! They were plentiful and the kids got a kick out of seeing them "float" by. As we paddled up to Ketron,the waters just beyond the shore of the southern point of the little island were filled with huge starfish, sea-stars and crabs. We kinda parked there for a bit and just explored the waters beneath us. It's so beautiful, and I'm assuming the wildlife is in abundance there because it's pretty much deserted in that area. Not a lot of activity in the waters, we didn't see any boats in that area the entire day. I suggest just paddling around that area and waiting for the water to stop rippling. You will be amazed at what you see so close up.
After that break, we paddled over to the western side, and stopped to have a little snack. The water was super glassy and it was such a beautiful day to be out on the water. My husband felt the call of nature and paddled into shore to...er... find a bush, and just before he beached, out of nowhere an eagle coasted along the shoreline and landed on an uprooted tree. Ruby and I decided to continue down the shore line and we discovered a crane in the water, just at the shoreline. Just a we got to the northern point of the island, the girls asked if we could go to shore so they could take a dip in the water, but they both chickened out once they got ankle deep. They settled for soaking their hats instead. Even when it's 94 degrees out, the Sound is still pretty chilly.
Back in the kayaks and paddling past the north side, we regrouped and decided to try for Sunnyside beach before heading back, but only got as far as Salter Point. WE stopped by the beach there and had another snack before deciding to head back. The kids were tired and we still had quite the paddle back to Solo point, plus there was a stopped train and we all wanted to investigate. As we cleared Saltars my husband discovered something in the water... a sea lion!! I never got a good picture, and he was definitely being elusive but it was an awesome sight for sure. All in all, a fantastic family adventure! We will for sure be heading back into the sound again soon!
Things to consider:
Plan on getting wet. Just simple paddling will leave you wet, but water does get in. If it's a hot day, wear wicking attire (running/hiking nylon shorts are good).
Remember sun protections: Even when it's cool, the sun is still on you. bring sunscreen and a hat. The hats worked well to keep us cool in the heat.
Bring plenty of water and a snack. This is hard work. Stay hydrated.
Bring towels for the ride home, and possible a change of clothes.
There are several places to kayak around the south sound. If you're military, I do suggest Adventures Unlimited on McChord. The selection is good and the price is awesome. $20 per tandem per 24 hour period. Niiiice.
Make sure to tell them if you're bringing kiddos so you get s correct sized PFD.
LINKS
http://www.kayakonline.com/washington.html
http://www.mcchordafb.us/adv_ctr.html
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