Puget Sound Islands for Fitness Training Paddles

Lummi Island

Darrell Bedmark, a pro prone paddle boarder from Seattle who I regularly paddle with, mentioned that he was seeking trips where he could use to train for races.  His hope was to find routes which are scenic and interesting rather than just a straight line or in our urban environment. I recommended the following..

Here's a few suggestions of cool places to paddle if you're seeking a challenging distance or water conditions...

- Squaxin Island (South Sound) - undeveloped and owned by the Squaxin Tribe.  You can't land there but it's undeveloped shores is probably how Wilkes of Vancouver saw the Sound for the first time.

Marrowstone & Indian Islands

- Lummi Island (North Sound) - Off Bellingham Bay, Lummi is partially developed but very interesting with beach homes, reef fishing platforms on it's west side, and vertical cliffs on the south side.  Expect tidal currents.  Best launch is adjacent to the Squaxin Ferry terminal.

Squaxin Island, south side.

- Marrowstone Island & Indian Island (Port Townsend) - One of my favorites while skipping music camp classes to hide in Fort Flagler's bunkers in the late 70's. Both lands have sections of very calm protected water and exposed areas to tide rips, wind, and freighter waves.  Check the book for details.  Best launches are Oak Bay; Port Hadlock; Mystery Bay; Fort Flagler; East Beach.

Determine distances using Google Maps, marine charts or if you can find them, the SeaTrails maps (we think this company has closed).

Prone Paddling: Using a long narrow surf ski like surfboard powered by hand paddling on knees or chest.

Others...
- Vashon Island
- Harstene Island
- Anderson Island

BC:
- Pender Island
- Saturna Island
- Wallace Island

Learn more about my book Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips. I also offer SUP and Kayak lessons available throughout the year at Salmon Bay Paddle. Questions about paddling on the Salish Sea, give me a holler anytime at salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com or 206-465-7167

Support the Washington Water Trails Association and the Cascadia Marine Trail. The wwta works to create and protect access for paddlers on Puget Sound as well as provide an extensive network of over 60 paddle-in camping sites - www.wwta.org