Sailing & Kitesurfing

Fresh breezes blow consistently along Lake Washington's eastern shores filling sails of many shapes, sizes and varieties.

Visitors and residents can learn to sail through programs at the Kirkland Sailing Club where lessons are geared towards beginners and operate safely in small single-sailed boats.

Kitesurfing has recently become a destination spectator and participant sport in Kirkland, particularly along the downtown lakefront with the epicenter of activity at Houghton Beach Park one of Kirkland's signature urban waterfront parks. Here you can watch the intrepid kitesurfers practice flying their colorful kites on shore, and when the wind is just right, watch as they skim the lake's surface at high speeds, hydroplaning above the waves on thin fins, even jumping and flipping in acrobatic displays that are jaw-dropping. If you are inclined to participate rather than watch, the active can learn at a number of regional kitesurfing schools including Urban Surf in Seattle.