Gloves, check. Map, check. Freezing temperatures, check. Coffee? Double check. I catch a gust of salty air, knowing full-well that the perfect morning tides will offer a sturdy, flowing ride. Early morning kayak rides are a family tradition.

“Beauty is in the eye of the paddler” – a phrase my Kayak, the SV Thank You, knows well. I pull the slumbering sea vessel off its comfy bed and place it on the frigid waters. She glides nicely and my journey begins. The first rule of kayaking (coincidentally, one impossible to resist) is to always test the water’s temperature with your hand. I greet the birds with a friendly glance and push through the water slowly, leaving a gentle wake. At its Northwest point, Seaside’s estuary is well-known for its scenic views. Panoramic scenery of gold and deep blue provides endless entertainment for the wandering mind.

A few sips of coffee later and I am under the Broadway Bridge. Ocean barnacles grow here, too. I paddle up to the dock, pull myself out of the water, and set my empty mug on its side.

Editor’s Note: Looking for kayak and canoe routes in and around Seaside. Check out our kayaking page for more details.