Kitesurfing in Madrona Park, Seattle, United States (USA), Washington

World • North America •

United States (USA) • Washington

Water type

lake

Beach type

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Crowd

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Rider level

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Tide dependent

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Waves

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Overview

This is a good launch for kiting on the lee side of the I-90 bridge on southerlies. Sometimes southerlies will not make it to Magnuson but you will find wind between the I-90 and 520 bridge. It is also close to downtown for those pot work sessions.

Temporarily park at the north side of the park where you set up and launch. You will need to park in the south parking lot for your session. This is an easy self launch site on grass. Just place your kite right above the seawall with your bar towards the street. Keep your kite up and over the water while you jump off of the seawall. This is not hard at all. When you return it is an easy self land. There is a big tree that looks like a big bush where you launched. You can just drop your kite behind it and you kite will rest in a dead zone.

It is a good idea to stay upwind of the launch, so you have a margin of error if you run into problems and need to self rescue to shore. There are no easy downwind exits. You should be comfortable self rescuing, packing up on the water and exiting through private waterfront property. There are also a few public exits further north if needed.

It is your responsability to check whether kitesurfing is allowed at the spot; you might need a 'special permit' or membership from a local kite organization, etc. Local rules can change. Respect others - kiters or not; kite safely and enjoy the wind!