GoXpeditions

Location: John Wayne Marina, 2577 West Sequim Bay Road, Sequim

Phone: 360-300-7544

Email: getout@goxpeditions.com

GoXpeditions — Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals — emerged from Sunset Marine Resort on East Sequim Bay Road as a result of community interest in kayaking and the up and coming popularity of Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP).

Owned and operated by Lavon Gomes and Tracie Millett, Sunset Marine Resort on the east side of Sequim Bay, had been the only source of paddle sport rental on Sequim Bay for a number of years.

Recognizing the growing interest, but also conscious of the impact of increased resort activities on guests, the decision was made to open GoXpeditions at John Wayne Marina fully dedicated to the community.

“Our desire was to create a place for families, youths and visitors to our area — to have easy access to getting out on our beautiful bay,” said Millett.

“Our main floating dock was once located at our resort across the bay. Once the decision was made to open GoXpeditions, we completely refurbished the deck of our existing floating dock, designed and built the kiosk and then pulled it across the bay to its current location at the transient dock at John Wayne Marina. It was a sight to watch a 24-foot-long dock with a building on it — being pulled across the bay.”

Gomes noted when paddlers come to the location, “they are standing on docks we built ourselves from the design to the hardware, lumber and floats.

“We are advocates of repurposing and reusing materials,” Gomes said. “Our kiosk was built largely from materials specifically selected for the design. We still have the cardboard model created from our drawings which helped in determining the use of space.

“This summer, we built two additional docks and pulled them across the bay — this time with our waverunner. These docks were added to make entering and exiting kayaks a breeze. We want to make sure that accessibility is not an obstacle to enjoying the water.”

For paddlers interested in something different, GoXpeditions also has the extremely popular Hobie Mirage kayaks. The Mirage Drive system allows paddlers to use their legs and “pedal,” for forward motion while using just a small lever to steer. Hobie designed these pedal drive systems similar to how a penguin “flies” through the water.

“They are really fun — and if your legs get tired, you can always paddle,” Millett said.

“Our traditional kayaks are all ‘sit on top’ rather than sit inside. Our decision to use sit on top kayaks is deliberate. We wanted very stable boats that are simple to use for all paddlers. Our selection of paddle boards covers everyone from the beginner just getting out on the water for the first time — to the experienced paddler looking to go fast or get a good workout.”

GoXpeditions, just like Sunset Marine Resort, is dog friendly, too and will try its best to accommodate pup paddle companions as much as possible.

Renting is really easy, say the women.

“We’ve tried to create a fun environment on the dock, with music playing and places to sit and enjoy the sunshine. When it’s time to get outfitted and ready to paddle, we get lifejackets (PFD) adjusted, paddles ready, talk about safety and off you go. It’s super easy,” said Millett.

“We have space to leave shoes, keys, etc., on the dock if needed. Safety is our No. 1 concern so we also have a wave runner on the dock in the event of paddler distress. Sequim Bay is relatively calm most days but paddler safety is a priority,” said Millett.

“We started this business to connect with our community because that is what is most important to us. Just recently we’ve had experiences meeting people out in town who had similar reactions when we told them about the rental dock. In both cases they said ‘oh — you’re the women who wave at everyone coming in and out of the marina!’ We smiled and said ‘yes — that’s us!’ That is why we do what we do.”