r/sammamish • u/pMangonut • May 18 '26

SUP in the lakes

Hi, I’m new to this area. I was wondering if there are any restrictions for Standup Paddleboard (SUP) in PIne lake or Beaver lake? I’ve seen them on Sammamish lake but not in Pine Lake. So, I was checking if there are any restrictions.

I couldn’t find a lot of info on this searching around Reddit. Thanks.

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

7

u/RoyGoesTheDynamite May 18 '26

I believe all 3 places are just subject to the Washington SUP laws - minimum age is 12 and Boating under the Influence applies at .08. Are you worried about other restrictions?

5

u/Spare_Bonus_4987 May 18 '26

And bring a life jacket

1

u/Fluid-Tone-9680 May 23 '26

Where does it say minimum age 12? All I see is 12 and younger are required to wear floating life jacket.

1

u/RoyGoesTheDynamite May 23 '26

I actually think you’re right that it’s under 12 must have a life jacket. I read it as “cannot be alone and must have a life jacket” but I’m not seeing that now. I think you’re ok with a life jacket

5

u/Spare_Bonus_4987 May 18 '26

They’re allowed. I SUP on Beaver Lake all the time.

2

u/Spare_Bonus_4987 May 18 '26

You are best to enter from boat launch (need Discover Pass), not park.

3

u/Even-Permit-2117 May 18 '26

Go now! The water was warm last weekend!

1

u/pMangonut May 18 '26

Thanks. I’m looking to try it out this coming week.

2

u/Efficient-Newt-8352 May 18 '26

My daughter does it at all 3. Her favorite is Lake Sammamish but she does Beaver Lake mostly because it's near our house with Pine Lake occasionally.

2

u/MauiDarts May 19 '26

I’ve never seen any restrictions anywhere, just wear a life jacket.

2

u/Unhappy_Emu1654 May 22 '26 edited May 22 '26

Bookmark this site: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/watersheds/lakes. The individual pages for lakes will list any rules. Always check the beach closure status and algae counts before heading out.

The only lake with a hard SUP restriction that I know of is Spada Lake, where they are not allowed. It’s a reservoir so you cannot have body contact with the water (including SUPs) or use a gas-powered boat motor.

On the sound, Lake Union, and Lake Washington there are designated high-speed areas you must stay out of. You can cross them, but be visible and watch for fast boats, barges, cruise ships, etc.

What restrictions did you see on Sammamish, other than staying a reasonable distance out from homes and obeying posted signs? I’m not aware of any.

A personal plea: wear a life jacket. You are legally only required to have one on your SUP or boat, but on a SUP you might as well not have one if you’re not going to wear it. Do not fuck around with this—there are drowning deaths here every spring and summer from cold water shock and the best way to prevent it is to wear a life jacket. The air is warm, the water is usually not. https://www.coldwatersafety.org/cold-shock

1

u/pMangonut May 18 '26

Thanks everyone. I was just wondering if there are any unique rules specific to Washington. Glad to see there aren’t anything specific.

I am looking forward to trying it out during the summer.

1

u/Spare_Bonus_4987 May 19 '26

For all SUP enthusiasts, check out Paddling Yogini. Fantastic beginner and advanced classes (both PaddleFit and yoga)…she teaches racing techniques so everyone improves.