Ballard Kayak Locks Tour
This Summer I have made it a point to try new things. I have taken a scenic flight of the city, attended a French cooking school and learned how to use a vintage letterpress machine. When I noticed Ballard Kayak offered a Ballard Locks Tour I knew I had to try it out. Over the years, I have visited the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks numerous times, but I have never been through them before in a kayak. Before the tour I was both anxious and excited to see how navigating a kayak through the Locks would be.
Upon meeting our tour guides, Cooper and Nick, I was immediately put at ease and knew we would be in good hands. We launched our kayaks off the shore of Golden Gardens and paddled our way into Shilshole Bay. As we paddled our guides pointed out local wildlife which included two different types of jelly fish: lion's mane and egg yolk jellyfish, a mother harbor seal teaching her baby how to swim, a heron, baby seagulls and salmon jumping in the bay. In a short period of time we were able to witness a wide variety of wildlife and I immediately felt both a fascination and a sense of pride for this beautiful place we are lucky enough to call home.
As we made our approach into the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Cooper was confident and eager to show us the ropes. We patiently waited our turn to enter into the Locks and made certain to yield to any boat larger than us. Once we were called up we quickly paddled into the Locks and did as we were directed. As we held on tightly to the grips we watched in amazement as the water level and our kayaks started to rise higher and higher.
Experiencing the thrill of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks is something everyone ought to experience from the seat of a kayak. Cooper and Nick gave us both the tools and knowledge necessary to feel confident going through the Locks in the future on our own.
If you are looking for a fun date night, an exciting adventure with friends or a memorable experience for out of town guests then Ballard Kayak is the perfect outfitter for you. In addition to kayaking tours, they offer kayak and SUP rentals and sailing tours. Parking is ample even during the Summer around Golden Gardens, the scenery is spectacular and the guides are top notch.
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. All opinions stated here are my own and I was under no obligation to write anything other than my personal experience. I will never write about anything I did not enjoy or find to be a valuable experience.
