After 16 years operating in Ballard, the surf ski and SUP school Salmon Bay Paddle is closing down.
Owner Rob Casey shared the news on July 24, saying he wants to focus on his photography, writing, and conservation interests.
Casey started Salmon Bay Paddle in 2010, teaching folks to surf ski and stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Surf skis are lightweight sit-on-top kayaks that Casey says are ideal for touring in both calm and rough water.
Casey also offers tours throughout the Salish Sea, and started the now-popular weekly paddle race in Shilshole Bay, which the Ballard Elks Paddle Club now runs. He has run several paddle-based races over the years, including a Ballard-to-Portage Bay race he put on in 2020.
Salmon Bay Paddle will offer its usual classes through the end of August. Casey says he’ll be running a gear sale in the late summer/early fall; keep an eye on his Instagram for details.
Casey will keep his Instagram page going, but the content will be mainly focused on ferry pictures, beach cleanups, and other Salish Sea-related images. He says he’ll continue writing about paddling tips and learning on his Substack page, Paddling the Salish Sea.
“Thank you for your business and follows over the years,” Casey wrote.
Photo: Salmon Bay Paddle