The Northwest Paddling Festival (NWPF), the brainchild of Alki Kayak and Mountain to Sound Outfitters owner Greg Whittaker is taking shape as a major event set to happen at Jack Block Park (and Seacrest Marina) in West Seattle June 25-26.

The beach at Jack Block Park will be open for the public to use for the first time in over 100 years through the Superfund Cleanup process in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Working with the Port of Seattle enables vendors to sell merchandise at the event without incurring the 10% parks surcharge on commerce, so there will be an open air market at the prime time of year for people getting geared up for the season.

The event takes place at a time that works well with the Port of Seattle, celebrating their own Centennial.

The Port will be using this opening to promote public access, highlight Port parks, and to tell the story of their successful restoration of a site that has gone through historical degradation and years of cleanup.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will use the event to highlight the Superfund project, and it is anticipated that they will be providing a speaker, as well as a booth to help educate the public in the ongoing processes on the Duwamish River.

Visitors to the event will be able to enjoy a 350 ft demo beach devoted to manufacturers reps as well as 35 booths from various companies.

2 speaker tents will provide classes, as well as on water instruction options and demonstrations.

The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is working with the festival to offer local foods and is working to promote the event.

There is an ongoing push to promote Sustainable Tourism and this event will help fulfill a niche that the City of Seattle, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and King County have all been interested in supporting.

Alki Crab and Fish at Seacrest Marina is partnering with the festival to provide an evening venue for festivities, as well as the base for SUP (a paddle board manufacturer) headquarters.

It's FREE to attend the event but classes and demonstrations cost $20 per day or $35 for the weekend.
The classes will be conducted, "by some of the best paddling instructors in the Northwest," said organizer Whittaker.

The event is seeking volunteers for parking, moving boats and registration. Those who sign up and work for four hours get free classes, and other benefits like free "schwag" from manufacturers.

Publicity partners for the Festival include: Sea Kayaker Magazine, Mountain to Sound Outfitters, Kayak Academy, Alki Kayak Tours, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, Alki Crab & Fish Restaraunt, Port of Seattle, Environmental Protection Agency, and Seattle Parks and Recreation