Winter paddling on Lake Washington reveals the lakes beauty and intensity. I paddle year round and have spent time on the lake almost every day for the past two winters. I have cracked ice near foster island with my board fin, have paddled through intense rainstorms, have encountered wind, whitecaps, and bone chilling cold. There is nothing so mind and body focusing as to see lightning in the distance while you are out on the lake, aware that you have a carbon paddle in hand. That paddle to shore is exhilarating! 
Nature presents an abundance of wildlife to watch from close up. I’ve seen eagles dive for fish and have stood on my board in awe as a flock of Canadian Geese fly close by me just above the water. There are days when salmon are jumping out of the water, turtles are out sunning near foster island with Herons close by, or beavers are swimming by. Look in any direction and you will find something!
My daily adventure usually starts at Madison Park Beach for a Bill and Back, my default paddle. I put in at Madison Park beach and paddle straight across the lake to Bill Gates house and back. If I paddle hard, its a 50 minute 3.2 mile trip. For variety, I paddle south to the I-90 bridge, or Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island, or Clyde Hill City Hall Park. If I head north I have stopped at Hunts Point or Magnuson Park. If I go west, I can paddle on Lake Union after going through Union Bay and Portage Bay. Sometimes for variety I will put in at MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry, now closed). I try for 20-30 miles a week. This summer I’ll be looking for some longer paddles to Kirkland, Renton or who knows where! I have gained many summer paddling friends, and one or two winter ones.
Most people assume I wear a wetsuit to brave the weather but most likely I am just wearing my normal gear: hat, sunglasses, two shirts and waterproof thin shell, smart wool pants, 7 mil booties, gloves and a waist pack flotation device. I am leashed to my board at all times but rarely fall in. On wild days where falling in is possible, I do wear a 4/3 wetsuit. I do not bring electronic devices, except a camera at times.
