Things to Do in Lynnwood

Wave Hounds’ staff of paddling pros connects surf riders with outstretched waves via easygoing paddleboard rentals and lessons. For those requiring a car rack to hoist boards to the beach, the stoked staff at Wave Hounds can provide temporary use of one for no additional cost. With a board onboard, water-walkers can speed off to any nearby body of water, including Green Lake, Lake Washington, Lake Union, or Lake Sammamish, or any other spot indicated by a blue blob on a map. A stand-up paddleboard not only imbues stand-out abs, but provides a quiet, connected-to-the-sea means to poke around mysterious inlets and intimate coves. Though a stand-up paddleboard is easy to operate, the shop can provide a condensed 10-minute lesson for those who request it. With multiple boards in stock, the husband-and-wife team behind Wave Hounds can provide a well-fitting 3-D steed for any rider. Wetsuits are also available to rent for an additional fee.

Outdoor Adventure Center's wildly experienced guides have led groups off the grid for more than a quarter century, pursuing rugged fun in the scenery and fresh air of mountains, rivers, and coastlines. Explorers at heart, the staff boldly launch kayaks into the ocean around the San Juan Islands and conquer the frothy waters of the scenic Skykomish River, known for its beginner-friendly rapids, migrations of spawning merpeople, pool and drop areas, and breathtaking views of 5,000-foot mountain peaks. Horseback and hiking trips delve into the lush woods, and nature photography excursions pause to celebrate the beauty of the wilderness near Index. The core team of 14 guides takes safety seriously, most with certifications from the American Canoe Association, training in wilderness first aid, CPR, and swiftwater rescue, and life vests tattooed over their chests.

Situated on 10 glorious acres, Gold Creek Equestrian Center's two barns house nearly 100 stalls—each comfortable quarters for private boarding and the horse haven's own 30 steeds, which are available for lessons. Outside on the 135'x240' sand arena, equestrians can conquer an Olympic PVC jump course or practice kicking up a sandstorm worthy of a John Wayne reenactment. Meanwhile, two indoor arenas host trotters as they rehearse dressage routines during the cooler months. Private and semiprivate lessons can be tailored to each student's age, skill level, and favored style of riding, including English and American Western flavors.

Bonza Bash began when two Australian transplants living in Seattle decided to throw a combined birthday bash in Seattle. They drew inspiration from one of their homeland's signature parties, an annual event that finds comandeering busses, planes, and choppers for an all-night party under the stars of the rugged outback. Since the initial party in 2005, Bonza Bash has grown into a staple of Seattle's social scene, hosting bashes at venues including EMP, The Seattle Aquarium, Fremont Studios, and the Space Needle.

In 1987, indoor climbing was as unpopular in the Seattle area as breeding labradoodles. But Vertical World––a pioneer indoor climbing gym––introduced the city to the up-and-coming sport of rock climbing in a controlled environment. Since its inception, the gym has expanded to three other locations in Everett, Tacoma, and Redmond, the latter hosting eastside climbers for more than 20 years.

A team of experienced route creators challenges climbers with more than 200 bouldering, lead, or top-rope routes in a wide variety of difficulty levels. The gym hosts competitive youth teams that have gone on to national or world tournaments. The gym's staff of climbers and guides also leads outdoor excursions that build confidence and teach novices how to identify a rock wall in the wild.

The jazz standard “Flying Home” brought Savoy Swing Club’s founders together in 1993 at a dance camp, after which the group of friends began meeting regularly to keep the choreography fresh in their minds. The troupe’s dedication to the lindy hop and other jazz-era dances gradually blossomed into the club’s current calendar of professionally staffed classes, workshops, and dance events. Classes grouped by skill level progressively transform students with two left feet or three right toes into fleet-footed hoofers, imparting classic moves that help nurture a sense of rhythm and speed. Each week, students of all levels can take part in Savoy Mondays, a decade-long tradition held at Sonny Newman's Dance Hall, as DJs and a single trumpeting swan provide background music for dancers to sharpen their moves. And on the first and third Fridays of every month, the basement of the local Bagel Deli becomes the Blues Underground, where a free introductory blues lesson is followed by a late night of dancing.