Practice Schedule: Apr - Sep 2010

Tuesday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday mornings, 9:30-11:30am
at Leschi Marina SOUTH Dock
Rain, shine or snow!

Practices may be canceled for race events, selected holidays, extreme weather, or other special situations. To confirm, email the captains at info@hotsake.org. You are welcome to join any practice! No requirements on prior experience or fitness level. Dragon boating is a sport for just about everyone.

Practice Location

Hot Sake practices are held at Leschi Marina, located on the west shore of Lake Washington a short distance north of I-90. There is a NORTH Dock and a SOUTH Dock. Here is a map link. (Go to Aerial view and you can even see the dragon boats!)

The SOUTH Dock parking lot is on Lakeside Ave across from Leschi Park, just south of BluWater Bistro (102 Lakeside Ave). Street parking is available in addition to non-reserved spots in the parking lot. We meet on the lawn at the south end of the parking lot.

The NORTH Dock parking lot is on Lake Washington Blvd across from E Alder St, just north of Daniel's Broiler (200 Lake Washington Blvd). Street parking is available in addition to non-reserved spots in the parking lot. We meet at the north end of the parking lot.

See further below for detailed directions.

Testing the Water?

Newcomers can attend up to three practices for free to evaluate the sport. If you decide to do more, you can join Club Sake for year-round access to practices. You will also have many opportunities to race in dragon boat festivals near and far! Club membership is $90 for the calendar year 2009 (and includes the rest of 2008). Senior and student discounts available.

What should I bring? What should I wear?

Beware: You will get wet!

Recommended Clothing
Gear recommendations are similar with other boating sports.
Comfortable, water-proof or water-resistant shorts or pants. No jeans or khakis.
Comfortable top (quick-dry shirts are ideal, cotton shirts are acceptable).
Layering is recommended, just make sure your outer layer is waterproof or water-resistant.
Wear kayaking shoes, water socks, wetsuit booties, or old shoes that can get wet (sandals, flip-flops, old sneakers).

Also bring
A medium to large bottle of water or sports drink (even in the winter!)
Sunglasses/sunscreen as needed.
Dry clothes and a large towel so you can dry off and change afterwards.

For Cold/Rainy/Windy Weather
To stay warm, wear thermals and fleece as under layers. Better safe than hypothermia!
Be sure to wear a spray jacket or sports jacket, and water-resistant pants.
Layering is still important since you may get hot from paddling.
Wear a knit cap or other headgear to keep your head warm.
Thicker shoes and appropriate socks if you can.
Gloves will help keep your hands warm (sealskin, waterproof, kayaking gloves). You may need to test out different types to see what works the best for you.

Paddles and PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices a.k.a. life jackets) will be provided.
A dry bag to keep small things safe and dry while on the boat will also be provided.

Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

Detailed Directions to Practice Location

From SR-520 (Bellevue)

- take 520 WEST to Seattle
- exit at Lake Washington Blvd
- turn LEFT at the stop sign
- follow the road through the arboretum, past Madison
- keep going... and going... and going...
- eventually, you will see water on your left hand side
- The NORTH Dock parking lot is on your left, just before Daniel's Broiler
- The SOUTH Dock parking lot is further down on your left, across from Leschi Park

From SR-520 (Seattle)

- take 520 EAST to Bellevue
- exit at Montlake Blvd
- go STRAIGHT through the traffic light and continue through the arboretum, past Madison
- keep going... and going... and going...
- eventually, you will see water on your left hand side
- The NORTH Dock parking lot is on your left, just before Daniel's Broiler
- The SOUTH Dock parking lot is further down on your left, across from Leschi Park

From I-90 (Bellevue)

- take I-90 WEST to Seattle
- exit at Rainier Ave. NORTH
- at the five-way intersection with Jackson St, bear SLIGHTLY RIGHT onto 14th Ave S
- at the next traffic light, turn RIGHT onto Yesler Way
- see below for directions from Yesler Way

From I-5 South (coming from North)

- exit at 165A (James St)
- turn LEFT at Yesler Way
- see below for directions from Yesler Way

From I-5 North (coming from South)

- exit at 164A
- follow the signs to exit to Dearborn St
- turn RIGHT (East) onto Dearborn St
- turn LEFT at 20th Ave S
- turn RIGHT at Yesler Way
- see below for directions from Yesler Way

From Yesler Way (heading East)

- go all the way until the last intersection heading into a Dead End
- turn LEFT onto 32nd Ave
- follow the winding road downhill until you hit the stop sign (you are now on E Alder St)
- turn RIGHT onto Lake Washington Blvd
- For NORTH Dock, turn left immediately after the right turn, before Daniel's Broiler
- For SOUTH Dock, go further until you see Leschi Park on your right