Standing Up for water trails

The Puget Sound Challenge is a 150-mile route around the Kitsap Peninsula, from Belfair to Allyn, that passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in western Washington. Tacoma paddler Ken Campbell is attempting to be the first to make the trip on a standup Paddleboard (SUP) and is raising money to support Washington Water Trails. To pledge your support with a financial contribution, click here.

To follow Ken’s progress, check the Last Wilderness blog regularly. The second leg of the Puget Sound Challenge is complete. A five-day, 60 NM journey north through Hood Canal, around Foulweather Bluff at the top of the Kitsap Peninsula, and south to Bainbridge Island… updates are being posted daily… only the southern Puget Sound section remains.

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The Puget Sound Challenge is a 150 nautical mile paddling challenge that goes out to all kayakers, canoeists, rowers, and any human powered craft to complete the selected course in one year. The paddle is from Belfair to Allyn, WA. The purpose of this event is to create a fun challenge unique to Washington state and help raise money for Washington Water Trails.

The main goals of the Washington Water Trails Association (WWTA) are to promote advocacy, education, and stewardship of public access to Washington's waterways for people in human and wind powered beachable watercraft. WWTA is a non-profit organization that incorporated in 1990, after realizing that urbanization and privatization of Washington's shorelines are limiting access to and rapidly changing the pristine nature of Washington's waterways. WWTA provides a clear voice for small boater's rights and a helping hand to preserve access to Washington's waters for future generations.

I have been exploring Washington waters by sea kayak and canoe for the last two decades. Paddling my own small boat has been, and continues to be, an integral part of my outdoor experience but it is not the only way I have found to enjoy the water. This year, I plan to paddle the Puget Sound Challenge on a Standup Paddleboard (SUP), something that has not been done before. Although SUPs are quite common elsewhere—Hawaii, California, etc.—they are just starting to make an appearance here in the Pacific Northwest.

I am happy and proud to make this attempt in order to raise money for a very worthy cause. Throughout my paddling pursuits, I have found WWTA to be a stalwart defender of this unique environment as well as a voice for access that would otherwise not have been there. Every kayaker, canoeist and paddleboarder owes this fine organization their gratitude and support. Your donation will help to ensure that WWTA can continue to expand and improve water trails in Washington.

Thank you for your time and your support. I’ll see you on the water!

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Pledge Your Support

We can accept your donation online. Just click the button below to make your donation securely via PayPal.

Please make checks or money orders payable to Washington Water Trails Association and send your pledge to:

WWTA
c/o Azimuth Expeditions
2522 N. Proctor St, #360
Tacoma, WA 98406

If you would like a receipt for your donation, please include your address. Receipts will be mailed as soon as possible after receiving your pledge.