THE LIST: Surf's Up!

Yes, you really can surf here.

No, really.

I know, I know. This isn’t the warm and kickin’ waters of those killer Hawaiian beaches, nor does it offer the awesomeness of a surfer dude and dudette’s paradise in California.

But we do have some action here, believe it or not. Yeah, even under the canopy of gray clouds and in this cooler climate. Just may need that wetsuit so you don’t freeze to death.

So where do you surf? Brave and hearty souls DO grab their boards and try their luck on the Washington coast.

However, here there are surfing-related sports that use the same skills.

Before we begin, let’s get some definitions.

Paddle Surfing: The Hawaiian-rooted paddle surfing sport is where you stand up on your board, maintain your balance and use a paddle to manuever yourself around.

Windsurfing: Combines surfing and sailing all in one. A small sail is connected to the surfboard and the rider must work the sail while maintaining balance on the board.

Skimboarding: This sport takes a smaller board and uses it to glide across the surface of the water.

Kitesurfing: This is not for the faint of heart. This sport combines all the elements of all the surfing sports with a healthy dose of gymnastic skill. A kite like element fastened to a smaller board takes the power of the wind to propel the rider. Stunts are performed using the board.

Now that we have the definitions down, let's get the list going:

Why here: The right kind of wave action and/or a great wind is all that's needed on this part of the bay to get some serious action. The Puget Sound Kiteboarding Association notes it as a kite beach. Local Stand Up Paddlesurfers (SUP) and windsurfers have been spotted training in these waters.

Commencement Bay/Ruston Way/Dash Point

Why here: This bay is a featured waterway for Paddlesurfers and paddlesurfer racing!  Windsurfers rountinely catch the wind off Dash Point. Skimboarding classes are held at Dash Point as well.

Chambers Creek

Why here: This is THE home for the skimboarding throwdown! This area takes skimboarding to the next level. Stunts and obstacles make this a skimboarding paradise for locals.

The Purdy Spit

Why here: Pop over the bridge to this awesome beach area. It's popular with windsurfers and give a great viewing spot for spectators.

Want to blow your mind? Check out this video from the Chambers Creek Skimboarding Throwdown!