After winning the lease for the concession at Seacrest Park, Marination, owner of Marination Mobile and Marination Station in downtown Seattle, found they needed to work out the lease terms with the City of Seattle. As that process goes forward Alki Kayak Tours has signed its own short term lease with the city and is up and running for the 2012 season. For the time being they are allowed to sell drinks and pre-packaged food too.

Owner Greg Whittaker said, "During the Seacrest Boathouse RFP process we have been patiently waiting for the final contract, and have now have reached an agreement with Seattle Parks and Recreation and signed and interim concession contract to continue to serve West Seattle and visitors. This agreement is in place until the RFP Award winners, Marination, can finalize the concession contract with Parks and Rec."

Whittaker is also hard at work on other pursuits including a submission to Seattle Parks to do skate rentals on Alki proper near the Alki Bathhouse, operating out of trailer nearby, "I put it in and it's currently under review," Whittaker said. If accepted he will operate there from May through September renting in-line skates, stand-up paddle boards and "sit on top" kayaks.

The first Tuesday in May he's bringing back Tuesday night SUP'r a weekly event in which stand up paddle board users get together from 6 pm to sunset, "You can demo all the boards for $10, with a 1 1/2 mile race starting at 7 pm."

Also on Whittaker's agenda is the return of the Northwest Paddling Festival which moves from Jack Block Park where it was held last year to Lake Samammish on May 12.

He and his wife are also expecting their second child later this month on April 24.

You can learn more about Alki Kayak Tours on their website @ www.kayakalki.com or by calling 206-953-0237.