Up early? Watch ‘king tides’ along West Seattle shores this week

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Debra Salazar Herbst for sharing the view from south of Alki Point before sunset today – and David Hutchinson for a closer view of what we believe is the same kayaker:

The waves came as the day’s second high tide approached – but today’s afternoon high tide wasn’t as high as the morning high tides coming in the next two days (here’s the chart). Tomorrow (6:41 am) and Tuesday (7:16 am) bring the highest of this season’s so-called “king tides” – both 12.8 feet. Obviously that’s before it gets light, but the day after that, you might get a good look at a tide almost that high, 12.7 feet at 7:51 am on Wednesday. P.S. If you photograph any of these really-high tides, the state Department of Ecology would love to see your photos (and so would we!).

ADDED TUESDAY: We did go out early this morning to see what the “king tide” looked like – a little dark for anything really spectacular but if you regularly visit Seacrest, for example, you can tell in our photo (taken just after 7 am) that the tide was quite high:

S December 25, 2011 (7:41 pm)

I was down there today too. Saw this man out there in his little Kayak and got some pictures of him too. The waves were great, thought he was a little crazy. It was so cold. Brrrr but he looked like he was enjoying himself and the “White water” conditions. :)

Alanah December 25, 2011 (10:49 pm)

Didn’t see him, but can attest to the fact that he is (on occasion) a little crazy. Mostly for being my husband. Rest assured, he was having a VERY good time! When he hears the words, “gale warning”, his first thought is, “Sounds like a great time to go kayaking!”

Mark December 26, 2011 (8:50 am)

That’s me!

The waves yesterday were pretty big and on a few of the I was completely airborne!

I wait for the storm warnings and that is the time to head out to the point…wind out of the SW, 25kn or so. The reflected waves create some intersting conditions that simulate paddling along the coastal cliffs on the coast.

In case you’re interested in learning more about kayaking you can contact Alki Kayak Tours or Mountains to Sound Outfitters, where I am the Senior Kayaking Instructor, to set up a lesson. of course, we won’t use Alki Point as the class room.

WSB December 26, 2011 (9:00 am)

Thanks for the photo context, Mark! David Hutchinson actually sent TWO great closeup photos of you, I had to pick one, but both were excellent. We mention AKT and M2S here often since they are unique local businesses and involved with a lot of community happenings, but anyone interested in the direct links:
http://kayakalki.com
http://m2soutfitters.com
.
TR

Kayakalki December 26, 2011 (10:12 am)

Nice timing Mark

Debra December 26, 2011 (10:36 am)

Mark, I took a bunch of pictures of you. You were fun to watch. One of these days I’ll get on a kayak!

Mark December 26, 2011 (11:45 am)

Debra, I’d love to have some, if you’re willing. I never have photos of me as I’m usually the one with the camera. You can contact me through Kayak alki or m2s so there;s no public display of contact info.