Additional Information

Why Urban

1. Urban Surf has been a long standing supporter of the community it serves for over 20 years and brought Kiteboarding to Seattle in the late 90's. As Kiteboarding continues to grow we stand dedicated to support our growing community not just through our training program but also our professional, reliable services and equipment to keep you on the water. We believe in face to face retail sales not taking online orders. Keeping it real, we are open 7 days a week.

2. All Urban Surf instructors are PASA or IKO certified. Each one is a progressed rider and has passed a rigorous 5-7day training course that breaks down the learning components of kiteboarding. Instructors must also log a number of supervised hrs before going solo with students.

3. Urban Surf is a fully certified & insured school. For this reason our operation has been approved by the Port of Everett and authorized to conduct instruction on Jetty Island. Be sure your school and instructor are insured!

4. All equipment and island transport included with lessons. This means you get the right gear at the right time. Wetsuit rentals available in advance.

5. Full Jet Boat Assissted Instruction and rescue.

6. Our Lead Instructor, Jeffro has been instructing Kiteboarding for 5 years after previously instructing windsurfing. He is a Physical Education Teacher and has also earned a Masters degree in Outdoor Education and Recreation. After learning to Kiteboard here in Seattle he has kited and instructed in many locations around the world. He manages our skilled team during the summer and offers guided kiteboarding travel options during the winter.

Location
Jetty Island
This little island just 30min north of Seattle off of the Everett waterfront is fast becoming the NW’s best beach for learning and riding. It receives steady and predictable sea breezes almost every afternoon into the evening between April and Sept. With smooth winds, shallow/warm water, a sandy clean beach and miles of open bay, entry level riders learn the basics quickly. The island is owned and operated by the Port of Everett. Its use is split between recreation and serving as a refuge for 45 species of birds. For this reason Urban Surf has sought and been granted use of the property to conduct our PASA/ IKO approved Kiteboarding Training Program. Be sure your school/ instructor is approved to teach at your local site or they could be putting the site at risk for future access. Map
IMAGES of Jetty Island

Transport
It is and Island…Although its not but 50m from the Everett waterfront and 10th St Boat launch. This results in a few options for Kiteboarders:
1. If you are doing a lesson with us, transport is provided via our Jet Boats
2. Many riders opt to be more independent and come equipped with extra gear
3. If you are there at the right time, the Urban Surf Pontoon Boat usually makes one run by the main boat dock to offer a free pick up. But of course we don't head back until the wind is done, so be prepared to stay late and hang with the crew if you want a ride back.
4. Take the free ferry offered by the Parks & Rec mid July-Aug
Beware as your amount of equipment can be limited by the crew.
Beware ferries do not run everyday, and they do their last return run at 5:30pm which is
typically when the wind is best for Kiteboarders. Don’t get stuck without a ride back.

Ferry Services:
The Parks ferries run 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays. There are no ferry runs on Mondays or Tuesdays. Ferries might not run on rainy days.

Directions
From northbound Interstate 5, take Exit 192 in Everett and turn left onto Pacific Avenue. Go through town, turn right on West Marine View Drive, and head north 1.5 miles. Turn left into the 10th Street Boat Launch. From southbound I-5, take Exit 194 and turn right onto Everett Avenue.
Look for our Jet Boats in the water on the lower dock out front. (Traffic Hint) Once Past Exit 189 be sure to be in the far right lane as it moves you through traffic and eventually turns into Exit 192

General Restrictions
No pets or bikes; adults must accompany children younger than 12. There is little cover on the island, so bring sunscreen and water. Alcohol is prohibited on Jetty Island during "Jetty Island Days" and brings a $1000 fine to violators. Kiteboarders should set up equipment and ride well out of the way of any beachgoers, the 2-3 line length as a safety buffer rule should always apply.

Kiteboarding Restrictions
No formal restrictions have been put in place on kiteboarders at this time, mostly due to the proactive approach of the riders themselves.
During busy days with many beach users we advise riders to say away from non kiter areas and make the extra walk further north to avoid these situations.
Please help us maintain the NWs Premier riding location by learning the island etiquette and respecting the Parks and Port regulations. Kite responsibly, and think about/ plan your session before it happens.

History
Jetty Island is 2-mile-long by half-mile-wide man-made island that lies just off the Everett waterfront. A free summer ferry transports visitors about every half-hour across the Snohomish River channel until Sept. 5. The island was created at the turn of the last century by dredging in an ill-fated plan to create a freshwater harbor. The island now serves as a refuge for 45 species of birds. The west side of the island features a gently sloping beach that extends far out into Puget Sound, with the shallow water warmed to pleasant wading temperatures. A short trail wanders south of the ranger station; visitors are requested to keep to the beaches further north to protect the inland habitat.

For more park information, call 425-257-8304 or 425-257-8305, Wednesday through Sunday.

Urban Surf
Your source for equipment and advice.
The Ground Course and NW Wind & Weather Clinics meet at our shop,
just across the street from Gasworks park on North Lake Union in Seattle.
Come on down and see whats new!
2100 N. Northlake Way
Seattle, WA 98103
206.545.WIND

Skills Progression
To start the sport of kiteboarding safely and efficiently the following skills progression chart should be considered. It typically takes two to three lessons or 8-10 instructional hours to become confident with these skills, and another 5-10 days to become proficient:

Orientation
Wind Theory/ Meteorology/ Beach analysis
Kiteboarding wind theory
Equipment Setup
Preflight equipment check
Launching
Kite Control
Understand the Power Intake
Assisted Landings
Simulated Water Experience
Water Relaunch
Use of Safety Systems
Self Rescue/ Self Landing
Body Dragging
Upwind Body Dragging
Board handling technique
Water Starts
Controlling your Speed/ Short Runs
Going Upwind/ Longer Runs
Jumping

Beware


Some kiteboarding Schools operate without any formal training, insurance, or experience ñ These programs can put both students and riding location access at risk - be sure to check if your kiteboarding instructor and school are professionally certified by one of the industry recognized training programs PASA or IKO.
© 2006 Urban Surf