Kiteboarding in Everett

Right off the Everett harbor is a unique landmark called Jetty Island. Jetty Island is a two-mile long, man-made island with rare sandy beaches, unique birds, nature trails and shallow, warm water (unlike the typical cold water and rocky shoreline of Puget Sound).

The small island lies right in Port Gardner Bay (the Everett harbor) and across from the mouth of the Snohomish River. It was dredged up more than a century ago from Everett’s harbor and is framed by piles of jetty rock. It is accessible by ferry from July 4th to Labor Day. Or you can paddle to the island year round.

In addition to nature lovers, bird watchers, and sun bathers, the Jetty is frequented by a large group of Kiteboarders. At times, we can see 30+ kites surfing off the Jetty from our back yard. “Steady Jetty” is often the only location in the Puget Sound with kiteable wind on summer evenings and, therefore attracts many kiteboarders. Its large sandy beaches, warm, shallow water and steady wind make the Jetty one of the best places to "hang ten." (Ironically, another really poplular place to kiteboard is Fort Pierce, Florida--where my parents have a condo.) I often wonder how long it will be before I have to make room for kiteboarding gear in the basement (not for me...but for Tracy).

Here is a fun three-inute video of some kiteboarders spending the day on the Jetty. It looks like a riot!