Wednesday on the water

Wednesday is upon us. The weeks are flying by, and summer is almost underway. You’re going to blink and suddenly it will be fall. You bitch about the weather all year long and even question why you live here at times. Summer is your season. It’s time for you to get off your ass and DO SOMETHING. Yes, YOU.

Around here, Wednesday means taking a couple kayaks down to Ruston Way, dropping into Commencement Bay, cracking a cheap beer and casually paddling around behind Harbor Lights while the sailboat race plays out. The degree of inner peace you will experience is staggering. Just 50 feet from shore lies your Zen zone Your phone should stay home or in the car. Did I mention the beer?

Not 30 seconds after you set adrift, you will be untouchable. Nobody can bother you, and this, you’ll realize, is just what the doctor orders, week in and week out. No traffic, no text messages, no jerks, no sibling rivalry, no parental guidance, no responsibility (especially if you wear a life jacket).

The growing sentiment appears to be that many people do not have boats at their disposal. Relax. We can fix that. You can either step up for a really nice kayak from NC Kayaks, or Backpackers Supply (not worth linking their awful website – although, the retail outlet does have a great selection of high-end kayaks), or you can find more affordable options at places like Sports Authority or Joe’s Sporting Goods.

I looked into kayak rentals for you as well. Backpackers Supply seems to be your best bet. Rates are $40/day, $85/weekend or $175/week. Ruston Recreational Kayak Rentals can be a good option for some of you, but their boats are primarily for launching at Owen Beach on Point Defiance, and they close at 6pm. While this is a fine place to paddle, it doesn’t help much with Wednesdays on the Water, because the sailboat races across from Ruston don’t start until 7 and we don’t usually get going until after 6.

See you tonight. Need a boat? Check these places: