Top Watersports Adventures to Enjoy on Washington's Lakes and Coast

Washington might just be the best watersports playground in the country.

Whether you’re paddling in reflective alpine lakes or seeking big waves on the rugged Pacific coast, Washington has a place for most outdoor pursuits. In fact, stats show it. Nearly 225,000 vessels were registered in Washington last year, according to Washington State Parks. That’s not even counting the stash of kayaks and paddleboards taking up space in homeowners’ garages statewide.

The best part?

You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy any of these activities. Want to paddle board, surf, sail or simply lounge around with friends? Washington has a lake or coastline just for you.

Here’s the good stuff…

What’s coming up in this guide:

Why Washington Is A Watersports Dream
Top Watersports To Try On Washington’s Lakes And Coast
Where To Get Your Gear
Staying Safe On The Water

Why Washington Is A Watersports Dream

Think about it for a second…

Washington has more than 8,000 lakes, 3,000 miles of coastline and access to Puget Sound. That’s a ridiculous amount of water to play on. Plus you actually get variety here unlike other states.

Here’s what makes it different:

Freshwater lakes for calm paddling and swimming
Saltwater bays and inlets for sailing and fishing
Coastal beaches with actual surfable waves
Rivers for whitewater kayaking and rafting

Of course, before you leave you’ll need some proper equipment. Nothing beats a great sporting goods store. Visit a Sun & Ski Sports location near you for watersports gear like paddleboards, wetsuits, dry bags, personal flotation devices and more. A quality sporting goods store should be saved in your phone ASAP — test the gear in-store, have questions answered and walk out the door ready to play that day!

Now let’s get into the fun part…

Top Watersports To Try On Washington’s Lakes And Coast

Here’s our list of the top watersports to try in Washington. Choose one, choose five. Your call.

Let’s dive in.

Kayaking On Lake Union & Lake Washington

Kayaking is easily the most beginner-friendly watersport out there.

Rent one, get in, and you’ll be paddling in minutes. Turns out there are plenty of others who feel the same. Close to 30 million Americans paddled in 2024, which is a 22% increase since 2019.

Located centrally in Seattle lies Lake Union. Bustling skyline views, houseboats, and access to paddle directly up to seaplanes as they take off makes Lake Union your ideal gateway experience.

Want something bigger?

Lake Washington is huge. You could spend a day and go from cove to swim area. On a sunny weekend there are tons of paddlers, boats, and sun bathers on the shores.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding On Alpine Lakes

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) has become huge in the past 10 years and Washington has some of the most epic lakes to SUP on.

Here’s why people love it:

Full body workout without feeling like work
Easy to learn — most people stand up on their first try
Peaceful — no engines, no crowds, just you and the water

Visit Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, you can literally see to the bottom. See Diablo Lake in the North Cascades, their turquoise color looks Photoshopped but isn’t.

Pro tip: bring a waterproof phone case. You’re going to want photos.

Surfing The Washington Coast

Yes, people surf in Washington.

Yes, the water is cold. Yes, it’s worth it.

Washington’s spot for surfers is Westport. It has reliable waves and a nice laid back atmosphere. There are also surf schools there for beginners. Another world class spot is La Push (on the Olympic Peninsula). The waves and views are what many surfers dream of.

A few things to know before you paddle out:

You’ll need a thick wetsuit (5/4mm minimum, plus booties and a hood)
Check the tide charts — Washington surf changes fast
Take a lesson if it’s your first time in cold water

The Pacific Northwest is not Hawaii. But for those who don’t mind bundling up, it offers some of the best waves on the West Coast.

Sailing & Boating On Puget Sound

Puget Sound is a sailor’s paradise.

You have protected water, predictable wind and views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains. Renting a small sailboat for the afternoon or chartering a larger boat for the weekend gets you prime, bucket-list real estate.

Popular sailing spots include:

Bainbridge Island — quick trip from Seattle
The San Juan Islands — orcas, hiking, and quiet anchorages
Bellingham Bay — great for beginners and rentals

Don’t have a boat? No worries. Many local companies rent boats and offer lessons for any ability level.

Wakeboarding & Waterskiing

Want something more high-energy?

Wakeboarding/waterskiing is still big on lakes in Washington. Lake Chelan and Lake Roosevelt rank among the top spots. Reasons being; long open water, warmer summer temperatures than the coastal areas and rentals if you don’t have your own tow vehicle.

If you’re new to it, take a lesson. It’s difficult to get up on the board at first. But once you do it, you’re addicted.

Kiteboarding At The Columbia River Gorge

Kiteboarding is one of the fastest-growing watersports in the world.

The Columbia River Gorge (near Hood River on the WA/OR border) ranks among the best kiteboarding destinations in the world. Consistent wind and massive open water create ideal conditions for kiteboarders of all skill levels.

Keep in mind: kiteboarding is harder to learn than SUP or kayaking. Get a lesson before purchasing any equipment.

Where To Get Your Gear

You don’t need to drop thousands of dollars to start.

Here’s what you actually need for most watersports:

A life jacket (non-negotiable)
A wetsuit or rash guard for cold water
A dry bag for your phone and wallet
Sunscreen — reef safe if you’re in salt water

Rent before you buy. Rentals allow you to test drive equipment you may never use again.

Staying Safe On The Water

One last thing. Water safety matters more than you think.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 80 percent of deaths on the water were caused by operators who failed to complete a formal boating safety course. Eight-zero percent.

Always:

Wear a life jacket — every time
Check the weather before heading out
Tell someone your plan and when you’ll be back
Never mix alcohol and water sports

Simple, but it saves lives.

Ready, Set, Splash

Washington has watersports for every level, every season, and every kind of adventurer.

Want to paddle an alpine lake? Surf some coast side waves? Or fly across the water on a kiteboard? Hey, the state’s got you covered. Choose one. Grab some gear. Get out there!

The water’s waiting.