With the arrival of boating season and improving weather on the horizon, many people stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island yearn to get out on the water or are on the lookout for outdoor activities to enjoy.

Crescent Harbor Adventures may hold the answer to their sporting questions.
Sure, Crescent Harbor offers plenty of boats to rent, but it isn’t just boats that draw the military customers, it’s everything else, too.

Crescent Harbor Adventures, located on the Seaplane Base in the Marina behind the commissary, offers a full gamut of gear.

They have camping gear — from tents and sleeping bags to lanterns and stoves.

If you don’t feel like camping in a tent, you can choose to use a pop-up camper or camping trailer — family camping packages are available.

You can get hiking and biking gear, canoes and kayaks and all the gear to go along with them, plus mountaineering, fishing and boating gear.

If you’re in need of a boat, you’re in luck.

Crescent Harbor Adventures has boats floating in the marina or ready to go on a trailer.

They carry aluminum lake boats of various sizes, Bass boats, Navigator Sports boats, 18-foot center console boats and sailboats, both open and with cabins.
But you might want to make reservations for boats after July 1, said Mike Rowe, recreational manager of Crescent Harbor Adventures and the Convergence Zone, because that’s the beginning of crabbing season, and that’s serious business.

“It’s a big deal for the marina,” said Rowe. “Practically all of our boats are in the water until late September during crabbing season and Friday we’re crazy with boats. And this year crabbing season is open Thursday through Monday.”

Crab and shrimp pots and rings are available for rent at Crescent Harbor Adventures, as are fishing rods and gear.

They also offer sailboat and kayak instruction.

But if you want to get out on the water, you must be qualified to paddle, motor or sail the boat away from the dock.

Anyone interested should have a Washington state boaters safety card, a certificate from the Coast Guard or other recognized boating organization.

As far as the documentation goes, getting it is not that hard. Rowe said you can get some of it online, at Crescent Harbor Adventures, and there’s also a Navy sailing club on base or the Coast Guard.

Just make sure you have a card before you decide to rent a boat.

It’s also wise to have a float plan, an extra person if using a bigger boat and a cell phone (not required, but eminently helpful). All can make it safer for you to rent a boat.

These services are available to all active duty, reserve or retired military, according to Rowe.

It’s easy to access the gear, but it can be habit-forming.

“A family from the middle of the country gets out here and they start renting camping gear and then a camping trailer,” said Rowe. “Then they’re looking to store their RV in our lot.”

Crescent Harbor Adventures also has moorage and car storage available.
In addition, the office has been redone to display the gear they offer on one wall, like snowboards, snow shoes, packs, warm, waterproof clothing, stoves, climbing boots and helmets.

In addition there’s a table and chairs next to the gear wall to sit in front of a monitor and watch DVD’s, or go over books on your favorite adventure.

Crescent Harbor also offers guided hikes and trips, spring adventures like a Penn Cove kayak trip, a disc golf tournament, a sea kayak class, GPS and Geocaching adventures, after-work hikes, biking, a Mt. Adams summit trip and more. Trips leave from Crescent Harbor Adventures’ Boathouse Deck.

All you need to do is call, search online or stop by to find your adventure.

Contact them:
Crescent Harbor Adventures is located at NAS Whidbey Island Seaplane Base, 150 West Tulagi, Building 2735.
Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Monday.
Call the office at 257-1164 or customer service at 257-4842.
Find out about their adventures at navylife.com or www.facebook.com/WhidbeyFFR.

Spring Outings offered by Crescent Harbor Adventures:
Anacortes Forestlands After Work Hike: June 27, 4:30 to 8 p.m. Register by June 26. Cost: Free; includes guide and transportation. This hike will explore the Whistle Lake and Sugarloaf Mountain areas of the Anacortes Community Forest Lands. Beginners are welcome. Bring you own snacks and water.

Sea Kayak Class: June 7-8, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Register by June 5.Cost: $55; includes guide and kayaking gear; class is three sessions. View a video and complete required paperwork and testing at Crescent Harbor Adventures prior to first class. Learn how to get in and out of kayak, what to do if your kayak capsizes and various rescue techniques. Head out on the open water in the third session to develop paddling skills and learn the rules of the sea
Enjoying the Northwest Outdoors: May 19, 5:30 to  8 p.m. Register by May 18. Free, open to ages 10 and older. Take a look at the parks, hiking haunts and camping areas that are everyone’s favorites as well as a few hidden gems. Explore water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing. The information  provided is applicable to al audiences.  This workshop will be held in Crescent Harbor Adventures’ Classroom.

Memorial Day Disc Golf Tournament: May 30, 12:30 to 6 p.m. Register by May 25, free. Disc Golf is a rapidly growing sport that challenges your control as you throw, avoiding obstacles and sticking to the greens and fairways, as in the game of golf. There are several categories to participate in. This tournament begins at the gym on Ault Field.

Wenatchee River Rafting: June 4, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Register by May 26. Cost is $85 and includes transportation, equipment, rafting guide and lunch. Open to ages 10 and up. Whitewater river rafting offers diverse scenery and excellent rapids. Beginners and veterans can both enjoy stretches of the river named Rock ‘N Roll, Drunkard’s Drop, Gorilla Falls and the Suffocator. Bring snacks. Trip departs from Crescent Harbor Adventures’ Boathouse Deck.

Penn Cove Kayak Tour: June 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $30  and includes guide, transportation, wetsuit and paddling gear. Register by June 9. Penn Cove features a three-mile-long sandy crescent beach with birds of prey, a wharf and a small town. Upon arrival at the wharf there will be a chance to explore and enjoy lunch before you paddle back. You must have completed Beginners Kayak Class to be eligible for this trip. Trip will depart from Crescent Harbor Adventures. Hold-harmless and medical screening forms must be completed prior to departure. Please bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as you will be on the water.