====== Bellingham, WA (and nearby) ====== Bellingham's Fairhaven Harbor and South Hill with Mt Baker in background. Photo:www.scenicwa.com - Click to enlarge {{ :locales:bellingham:bellingham.jpg?direct&315x211 |bellingham.jpg}} ————————————————————————————————————————– ===== Intro ===== Bellingham has an avid surfski community with one of the highest per capita numbers of surfskiers of any city in the continental United States ([[:hood_river_columbia_gorge|Hood River]] is possibly the only other city with a close or higher number per capita). There are a number of reasons for the local surfski popularity, not the least of which is the variety and quality of opportunities for paddling, downwinding, and outdoor sports in general. Clearly Bellinghamsters have embraced downwinding as a primary way to experience "uitwaaien"((jogging or walking into the wind, especially in the winter, for the purpose of feeling invigorated)) ((See in [[:terminology#uitwaaien|terminology]])) . **Questions for locals**? [[https://groups.io/g/Whatcompaddlers/join|Get a membership on Whatcom paddlers]] and post your questions/requests. [[:bellingham_water_trails_map|Bellingham Water Trails Map.pdf]] ---- **TCSurfski interview** with Bellinghamster **Reivers Dustin** about **creating a paddling community** with **Bellingham** as an example. (excellent interview, but if you find Reivers' and Nick's delivery a bit slow you can speed up the playback (1.5X may be enough, 2X is probably too much)) [[http://tcsurfski.com/2021/05/03/ppp-episode-35-bellingham-downwind-and-creating-a-paddling-community/|Intro]] {{youtube>I7U2Cvsfjqc?large}} ---- ===== Conditions ===== ---- * **[[:bellingham_wide_area_conditions|Bellingham Wide Area Conditions ]]** tide, winds, weather, webcams * … ---- ===== Downwinders ===== ---- What is a [[:terminology#downwind|Downwinder]] ? ---- ==== Bellingham ==== * **[[:bellingham_bay_downwinders|Bellingham Bay]]** * **[[:lake_whatcom|]]** can also be good for downwinding (and safer than the Bay as long as the water is not too cold) when the wind is strong * … ---- {{randominc>start_movies:washington:bellingham&max-height:400px&nofooter&nodate&noeditbtn}} **Bellingham Bay Downwinding** ---- ==== South of Bellingham ==== * **[[:camano_island|Camano Island ]]**A good south wind and an ebb tide can stack the waves up nicely on both the west and east side, while north winds may work better on the west side. * **[[:jetty_island|Jetty Island, Everett, WA ]]**A good place for laps. * **[[:whidbey_island|]]**…( with **[[:tidalrace:deception_pass|]]**) * **[[:puget_sound#downwinding_in_puget_sound|Downwinding in Puget Sound]]** (talking about farther south, [[:seattle|Seattle area]], etc.) * **[[:hood_river_columbia_gorge|The ]]** **[[:hood_river_columbia_gorge|Gorge ]]**The Columbia River Gorge and Hood River are about a 5-6 hr drive south from Bellingham * … ---- ==== North of Bellingham ==== * **Lummi Bay** * A strong south wind coming up Hale's Passage (between Lummi Island and mainland) can produce a great 10 mile run from the Lummi Ferry to Gulf Rd Beach. Don't leave any valuables in shuttle vehicles left at Gulf Rd. **[[:sandy_point|Sandy Point Conversation ]]**Sandy Point is the peninsula at the north end of Lummi Bay, just south of Neptune Beach. If you go farther north - stay away from refinery docks. * [[https://www.facebook.com/100001254739805/videos/923365001604005/|Downwinding video]] (facebook) * [[https://tempestwx.com/station/19577/|Neptune Beach Weather]] * **[[:birch_bay|Birch Bay ]]**The long fetch coming from the west and northwest can provide surfable waves, ocean sized swell coming from the Strait of Georgia, and downwind laps. * **[[:vancouver|Vancouver, BC]]**, an hour away if you are traveling to/from Bellingham with a [[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/local-media-release/blaine-nexus-office-appointments-readily-available|Nexus Pass]], or there may be a much greater delay at the border when it is busy - as it is on most weekends. Vancouver's options include **[[:tidalrace:ambleside|Ambleside Surf Laps ]]**- first class tidal race surfing when it is firing. * … ---- ==== Videos ==== * [[:bellingham_bay_downwind_videos|]] ---- ===== Surf ===== Bellingham is not really known for surf because it is completely protected from ocean swell, but occassionally when there is very strong wind there can be some noticeable surf at Marine Park ([[https://youtu.be/XmEBifLrTIU|video]]) or at the [[:bham_bay_launches#upper_bay|north end of the bay]] at places like Squalicum Beach. ---- ===== Flatwater ===== **[[:bellingham_marine_flatwater|Bellingham Area Marine]]** ==== Local Lakes ==== * Always take care with cold water - most years you need to take adequate precaution for dealing with water in the __//mid 30’s Fahrenheit//__ (1-2 deg. Celsius) in the winter in our lakes. * You will need an invasive species sticker. [[https://whatcomboatinspections.com/|Whatcom Boat Inspections]] The checking station at Lake Whatcom - Bloedel Donovan Park is closed in the winter, but you should always follow the recommended precautions to prevent invasive species spread. * **[[:lake_whatcom|]]** largest of our local lakes. Home of the [[:races:bellingham_area_races#weekly_races_workouts_and_local_time_trials|Wednesday night races]] in the warmer months. * **[[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lake Padden/@48.7024237,-122.4630083,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x5485a1a0fc6bafdd:0xeba52d346df6f6e8!8m2!3d48.7022122!4d-122.4519377|Lake Padden ]]**There are several launch sites and a decent amount of parking for a small lake. Padden can get wind, but it is usually the best protected from wind of the local lakes. Please take extra care in avoiding spreading the little snail that has now invaded Lake Padden to other lakes. Location for [[:races:bellingham_area_races#weekly_races_workouts_and_local_time_trials|Monday night interval training]] during warm months. Lake Padden photo 1 Dani Giddens, photo 2 Cynthia ? Click on photos to enlarge {{:locales:bellingham:padden.jpeg?direct&390x220|padden.jpeg}} {{:locales:bellingham:padden_k1s.jpeg?direct&165x220|padden_k1s.jpeg}} ---- * **Lake Samish** * [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lake Samish County Park picnic area/@48.6711712,-122.4120443,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x80c0bf3ad5ce095!8m2!3d48.6711712!4d-122.4120443|Lake Samish County Park Picnic Area and Beach ]]Parking is pretty limited and the park often gets quite crowded during the summer. You can scope out odd hours when it is less crowded during the summer or go off season when it typically is much less crowded. Or launch from the [[https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lake+Samish+Public+Boat+Ramp/@48.6667658,-122.3788541,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x5485a1d470d35567:0x45dc7329fb7af43d!8m2!3d48.6667623!4d-122.3766654|Public Boat Ramp]] on the east side of the lake farther south. ---- ===== Races ===== * [[:races:bellingham_area_races|]] ---- ===== Safety ===== * Bellingham Bay is cold water paddling. The average monthly water temp varies from 6 degrees Celsius (42.8 Fahrenheit) to 13 degrees Celsius (55.4 degrees Fahrenheit). When in doubt, dress to swim. * The Bellingham Coast Guard has a program where you may register your [[:emergency_signal_devices|GPS/DSC radio]] and with one button push they will know your location and that you need assistance. * Shipyard Rules and Safe Distances - from commercial/gov docks and ships * [[:stories:distances_dock_ships_2013|Fairhaven Drydock Discussion 2013]] * [[{|bstyle2}stories:bellingham_stories|Bellingham Stories & Incident Reports]] ---- ===== Adaptive Paddling ===== * Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation of Whatcom County ([[https://airowproject.com/|AIROW]]) held its first adaptive paddling event on June 30, 2019 with 29 participants. Watch for more to come. * [[:adaptive_paddling|Resources]] ---- ===== Injury and Recovery ===== [[:broke_down_paddlers_4_29_2019|Broke Down Paddlers Discussion 4/29/2019]] All of the following have received strong recommendations from local athletes and paddlers * [[https://www.primebellingham.com/|Prime Sports Institute]] Kerry and her team are there to coach you to better performance or help you recover from an injury. * [[https://www.corephysiopt.com/|CorePhysio]] "Top physical therapists that get athletes. Sarah Paxon is amazing, but all their staff is excellent." * Lindsay Kizinkewich [[https://www.precisionbellingham.com/|Precision PT]] PT work in association with Prime (same building) * Michael Hill DC, CCSP chiropractic and sports rehab [[http://performancehealthnw.com/|Performance Health NW]] * Brad Jones [[http://rolfingbellingham.com/|Rolfing]] * Carolyn Watson [[http://www.biomechanix.com/apps/mindbody/staff|CoreKinetics/BioMechanix]] Pilates/Acupuncture * **Local Shoulder Specialists?** * [[:rotator_cuffs_1_19_2017|Rotator Cuff Help 1/19/2017]] * [[:shoulder_pros_5_5_2025|Local Professional Help for Shoulder Impingement 5/5/2025]] * … ---- ===== Clubs and Groups ===== ==== Surfski & Sprint Kayak ==== * [[https://groups.io/g/Whatcompaddlers|Whatcom Paddlers]] - is a loose "confederation" of individuals with a wide variety of interests and personalities drawn together for conversations about their shared love of paddling - with an emphasis on racing and downwinding. While basically an online discussion group started by a nucleus of paddlers in Bellingham, WA., pods of the group sometimes effectively act together when they wish or need to represent their common concern, interest, and passion for the delight and freedom of human-propelled watercraft. See also [[:bellngham_surfski_godfather|]] * [[https://www.bellinghamcanoekayak.org/|B'ham Canoe Kayak Sprint Team]] youth sprint kayak team. Although their primary focus is flatwater sprinting in ultra tippy sprint kayaks, these kids have long been encouraged to try various other kinds of paddling, particularly surfskis and downwinding. The 15-18 yr age group women's world champion in downwind surfskiing for 2019, **Ana Swetish**, trained, raced and thrived with this team that practices on Lake Padden. * [[:stories:bckst_start|BCKST Startup & Regatta Announcement 2013]] * [[:races:us_sprint_nationals|Sprint Nationals]] * [[http://www.soundrowers.org/|Sound Rowers]] - Pac Northwest club with a very active racing calendar supporting rowers, surfskiers, OCers, SUPs, etc. ==== Outrigger/Canoes ==== * **Native American Canoes ** (and other canoe types) * [[https://www.facebook.com/Autumn-Rose-Canoe-Club-108621519174276/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARBd0dYp_zDyjoAZmWBm8IHt6nhcGKMLCB87_Gg_US0F52nWRg86eoXRjdEIiNPThz-Trn_U7YDHvmmg&hc_ref=ARR8iilBB21Hl20RT4E1Qo5SKoY2KWdqx34rOTZgA0Ae8BaOUvHEr_5H3VKf9JG4szQ&fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARAFAyDepuNg1VbTHFGzm_JMq0_Io4O1jqHL2xL5UUT7qkPYmfIp361SnNiCmvO8B0miO_AMd9G0iXlVcn7Sqyy2mK0aPHQii6yQmonNGIK6uaEWAcvjyBZNztTohEwcnNta_aCGuNzMU7CCYklIiGS_dt2ePUQUtZycKVkTaCG_Xwt9mLSY7Qm5aSnbGlV1_VR-5l3V1zqcb82eL-he1j_rVdcAa-0q7_0n0lSb0z-duIDBWilOiktICdJzC89aLlEw-P1ka9YVw2cTRyqFd0vUdMG1LxYnwtqaYZ8K0VJG4AFx0JYOauTFuEN2EJeYKSvflO8HldudUt-ndevxcf_ziQ|Autumn Rose Canoe Club]] * [[https://www.facebook.com/RikkoleCree/|Rikkole Cree Canoe Club]] (facebook) [[https://vimeo.com/901699057|video about club]] * **Outrigger Clubs** * **Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers** * [[https://www.bbop.us/|Website]] * [[https://www.bbop.us/youth-program|Youth Program]] * [[:races:bbop_startup|Origins]] * [[http://www.kaipanaoutrigger.com/about-us/|Kai Pana Outrigger Club]] ---- ===== Coaching ===== ==== Local ==== ==== Sprint Kayak ==== * [[https://www.bellinghamcanoekayak.org/|Bellingham Sprint Canoe and Kayak Club]] listed above for youngster training - bantams → juniors (through the year kids turn 18). The club has been very successful in regional and national competitions and club alumni have gone on to great international success (Jonas Ecker, Ana Swetish). ==== Surfski/Downwind ==== * **Ana Swetish** 360.306.4191 * **Wilson Reavley** wilson.reavley@gmail.com * [[https://www.pacificnorthsports.com/|Pacific North Sports]] Rentals & Beginner Lessons. Granary Building next to Waypoint Park ==== OC/Canoe ==== * [[:bellingham#outriggercanoes|Local Canoe Clubs]] provide OC coaching and youth training [[:coaches|Online Coaches]] ---- ===== Surfski/OC Dealers ===== [Many of the local dealers may be reached through the [[https://groups.io/g/Whatcompaddlers|Whatcom Paddler's listserv]]. They are free to post their contact info here.] * **Paddling Accessories** * [[https://www.kitepaddlesurf.com/|Bellingham Kite Paddle Surf]] Wetsuits, Gloves, Booties, PFDs (Vaikobi dealer), OC & SUP paddles, changing mats & ponchos, Garmin * [[https://www.pacificnorthsports.com/|Pacific North Sports]] Granary Building next to Waypoint Park; Paddling clothing and gear, Jantex & Epic wing paddles, ZRE Canoe paddles * **Surfskis** * **Carbonology Sport - [[https://sitontopkayak.com/product-category/kayaks/|Sitontoppros ]]**sells primarily recreational sit on top kayaks, but they do sell the beginner model surfski from Carbonology Sport - the "[[https://carbonologysport.com/product/cruze-surfski/|Cruze]]", and the upper beginner model Carbonology Sport [[https://carbonologysport.com/product/boost-surfski/|Boost]] * **Epic** - [[https://www.pacificnorthsports.com/|Pacific North Sports]] Granary Building next to Waypoint Park, Epic surfski sales and rentals (V5 Roto, V7 Roto, V8 Pro in performance composite, and V9 in Performance composite), & some paddling accessories * **Fenn, Carbonology Sport ** ( [[https://www.oceanpaddlesports.com/|Ocean Paddlesports]] West Coast distributors) - Ana Swetish 360.306.4191 * **Nelo** [[https://www.pacificnorthsports.com/|Pacific North Sports]] Granary Building next to Waypoint Park * **Nordic Kayak ** ([[https://www.nordickayaksusa.com/|nordickayaksusa]])[[https://www.pacificnorthsports.com/|Pacific North Sports]] Granary Building next to Waypoint Park * **Think** - Jamie Klein wildhills@yahoo.com * **Farther Away From Bellingham** * **Vancouver, BC** * **Epic, Think ** [[https://www.coastoutdoors.ca/|Coast Outdoors]] (sales), [[https://www.deepcovekayak.com/|Deep Cove Kayak]] (rental) in Vancouver * **Hood River/Columbia River Gorge** * [[:hood_river_columbia_gorge#surfskispaddling_gear_rentbuy|Surfski, OC, Accessories]] (Epic, Fenn, Carbonology Sport, Nelo, Nordic Kayak, Outrigger Zone, Stellar) * … ---- ===== Repairs ===== * [[:bellingham_repair|Bellingham Repair Resources]] ---- ===== Storage ===== * [[https://www.boatingcenter.org/|Community Boating Center]]. The CBC offers inexpensive storage for skis and other boats right on the Bay with an excellent place to launch. ---- ===== Rental ===== [[:rental|General Rental Advice]] In recent past there were no surfski rental businesses in Bellingham. But as of 2023 check with [[https://www.pacificnorthsports.com/|Pacific North Sports]] for Epic surfski rental options. Or you might be able to work something out with one of the local paddlers…(vacation swap - exchange for use of yours?). Get a membership on [[https://groups.io/g/Whatcompaddlers/|Whatcom paddlers]] then post your request. * **Epic** - [[https://www.pacificnorthsports.com/|Pacific North Sports]] Granary Building next to Waypoint Park, Epic surfski sales and rentals (V5 Roto, V7 Roto, V8 Pro in performance composite, and V9 in Performance composite) * [[:vancouver#rentals|Vancouver]] * [[:seattle#rental|Seattle]] * [[https://www.gorgedownwindchamps.com/boat-rentals|Rentals]] for the Gorge Downwind Championships ---- ===== Resources ===== * [[https://www.boatingcenter.org/classes/adult-lessons/indoor-classes/|Tide and Current Class at CBC]] * [[https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1Y0gOoL4o9MF-6i4jJ2eFmewPf28xjYU0&ll=48.32810806636685,-123.67815113545507&z=9|Map of Puget Sound (and nearby) Kayak Launches]] * Interactive [[https://webapp.navionics.com/|Navigational Chart]] (may open up with an intial view of whereever you are) ---- ===== Wildlife ===== * [[:bham_puget_sound_critters|Bellingham Marine Critters]] * … ---- {{:wildlife:sealions.jpeg?direct&402x359|sealions.jpeg}} sea lions photo:? ----