Spring Adventures

The mountain has been out lately, and that’s a friendly (and welcome) reminder that outdoor adventure season is on the horizon. Whether you want to learn how to rock climb, get prepped for a big bike ride, or explore the lake and flex your maritime skills, SLU is the place to be. Check out these events and opportunities happening in the neighborhood.

Learn to Climb

The REI Seattle Flagship store is in the heart of South Lake Union at 222 Yale Avenue North and is most known for its incredible selection of outdoor gear ranging from rain jackets to crampons, kayaks, sleeping bags, tents, and more. The recent reopening of the Pinnacle climbing wall has customers buzzing over REI’s “Learn to Climb” classes, which are $69 for REI members, and $99 for nonmembers. The 3-hour class includes everything you need to attend, including carabiners, climbing harnesses, climbing shoes, climbing helmet, belay device, and a group first aid kit. The class focuses on the fundamentals of including belay techniques, knots, and equipment and you’ll have lots of time to practice during the session. The general class is for ages 13 and up, but REI does offer the Learn to Climb for kids aged 5 and up and classes for women only.

Get Prepped For STP

The Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic is a 206-mile ride and a storied Northwest tradition considered by many to be one of the best cycling events in the U.S. The REI Seattle Flagship store is offering an information-packed prep session for first-time STP riders. Will Chin, former STP Director, will share info about preparing, eating, training, packing, resources, ride logistics, and more. The session is offered on April 3 and April 21 from 6:30 to 8:15pm.

Rent a Boat, For Free

The Public Peapod Program was The Center for Wooden Boats’ pandemic pivot when COVID put the popular Sunday Public Sail on hold. It persists today, alongside the Public Sail that now runs once a month from April through October (click here for more info). A peapod, if you didn’t know, is a small double-hulled boat that’s great for rowing. These boats fit four grown adults and are perfect for rowers of all experience. The CWB offers a free one-hour rental from Wednesday to Sunday, year-round. Peapod bookings open up every Sunday for the upcoming week. Reservations go fast, so if you miss out, you’re encouraged to check throughout the week as there are often cancelations. Reserve here.

Wax Your Skis Before the Season Ends

Gearhouse (800 East Thomas Street) is a reimagined gear rental and outdoor community experience. It offers a $30 per month community membership that gets you access to the clubhouse, ability to book events and trips, discounts on gear rentals and courses, and more. A $95 per month membership includes everything from the community membership, plus unlimited access to the Guardhouse gear library, free coffee and tea from its in-house cafe, and early access to classes. Gearhouse has plenty of events (everything from chess and board games to run club runs and ski expeditions). Check out the upcoming ski waxing clinic on April 5 (free for members, $40 for nonmembers), or explore the events calendar for more fun stuff to do.

Stories of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse

On March 26 at 6:30pm, Feathered Friends Seattle (263 Yale Avenue North) is hosting an exciting night with world renowned high-altitude mountaineer, guide, expedition leader, and founder of Madison Mountaineering Garrett Madison. He’ll sharing thrilling stories and photos from his expeditions in the Himalayas. Admission is free. RSVP here.