Kenmore Waterfront expands recreational programming with a splash

Locals and visitors are heading to Lake Washington’s shoreline in Kenmore to dive into numerous water activities that are new features this summer with additional waterfront improvements planned for next year.

The northern tip of Lake Washington is ready to be enjoyed by residents and tourists with various opportunities to cool off during the summer months. New water sports are making a grand entrance in Kenmore with WhatsSup Stand-Up Paddle Board and Surf’s new kayak and paddle board concession at Log Boom Park. WhatsSup also offers packages for customers to paddle one way and rent a bike to pedal back along the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Learn to flyboard at AV Water Sports in Kenmore

Headquartered in Kenmore, AV Water Sports has been operating from the pier at Log Boom Park since mid-June. Here, visitors with reservations can take advantage of flyboarding, wakeboarding, waterskiing, inner tubing and jetski rentals.

For those up for an adventure, flyboarding is a watersports apparatus where a flyboard is attached to a person to propel them underwater and into the air. Unique and easy to learn, flyboarding allows people the opportunity to fly through the air and dive back into the water, all under their control. Experienced certified instructors are on site to instruct and guide participants’ flights.

“These expanded recreational activities are contributing to Kenmore’s plan for a vibrant shoreline,” says Mayor David Baker. “It’s great to have residents and visitors enjoying our shoreline this summer with so many ways to play in the water.”

While new North Lake Washington recreation choices have been added, many public improvements are planned for the future. More improvements to Log Boom Park are in store, and by summer 2014, a new ramp and float intended for small watercraft will be installed on the south shore of the Sammamish River, just on the east side of the Sammamish River Bridge.

The Washington Department of Fish / Wildlife and the City are partnering to improve the Sammamish River boat launch near the mouth of the river, which will allow for double water entry and exit, restrooms and a new parking lot and landscaping.

“As the City develops its waterfront access strategy, we will enlist the help of local marinas, waterfront property owners and other stakeholders,” added City Manager Rob Karlinsey.