In 2016, the Ballard Elks established the Ballard Elks Paddling Club (BEPC) to create a community for club members who enjoy paddling from the club’s Shilshole Bay location. The club is open to all human powered paddlers and rowers.
Who Should Join the Paddle Club?
The BEPC is open to any Ballard Elks member who is interested in paddling – SUP, rowing, kayak, outrigger canoe, surf ski, or prone – at any level of experience, from curious to adventurous.
Member Benefits:
The club offers paddle craft storage to BEPC members based on availability, as well as social paddles and trips, gatherings, monthly events and discounted fees to our races.
Club Meeting & Events:
2025 Events:
Jan 1 – New Year’s Race on Shilshole Bay, 10am. Two courses, short and long depending on conditions.
Jan 21 – 7pm – Club Meeting & Event: Member Rob Casey presents his new book “Paddling the Salish Sea, 80 Trips.”
Feb 18 – 7:30pm – Seventy48 Race panel – Participants of this epic race share their experiences.
March 18 – 7:30pm – Puget Sound Restoration Fund presentation
Paddle Board Storage:
In 2016 we established our first paddle board storage area for members. In 2020 we added a second storage area built by members. We’re hoping to have kayak and outrigger canoe storage in the near future! Contact us below for info.
Paddle Events for Charity:
We hold year-round paddling-focused fundraisers that benefit Elks charities and provide fun volunteer opportunities
Summer Monday Paddle Nights:
Join us every Monday evening May through September for our paddling and rowing race and social paddle. The race and social paddle are open to all paddling craft and all proceeds are donated to charity. 2024 Season starts the first Monday in May. Learn More
Other Races We Host:
The Paddle Club puts on a few other races a year to raise additional funds for Elks charities. The Halloween Race and Costume Contest has been an annual event for several year and is a hoot! And the New Year Day Race.
Get in Touch!
Contact us for membership, event and storage info: Club email: bepc827@gmail.com
Membership –
How to Join the Club:
You must be a member of the Ballard Elks Lodge #827 then you can join the Paddle Club.
Club Races and social paddles at the races are open to anyone
Join the Ballard Elks – This is a 3-4 week process (Ask the club about obtaining signatures for the form)
Once you’ve been initiated as an Elk member then you can join BEPC! Paddle Club Membership Form here.
Annual BEPC Membership Fee: $20
Paddle Board Storage:
Open to BEPC members in good standing and based on availability.
Contact us for rates. Contact us for details.
2024 BEPC Board Members:
- President: Alex Vaughan
- VP Race Liaison – Christian Oliver
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VP Events – Travis Harth
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Treasurer – Christy Cox
- Secretary: Tim Everson
Follow Us:
Shilshole Bay Cam & Weather Station:
Check out this view of Puget Sound on our Shilshole Bay Webcam and local weather from our Tempest Weather Station both on the roof and installed by our club.