Surfing in Washington is famously challenging, only available to those brave enough to trek into the brutally cold and turbulent waves of the Pacific. But happily, there’s another option for wave enthusiasts right in the middle of Snohomish and it’s a heck of a lot warmer!
When I showed up for my lesson, I passed by slides and water cannons, basketball hoops, and a steadily circulating river. While I was waiting, I watched a series of divers clad in red, astronaut-style suits leaping into the deep end of the lap pool. Moments later, others from the same class were working together to flip over a massive raft.
All of these wild, wonderful water activities share the same impressive home at the Snohomish Aquatic Center. Located right in the middle of the town of Snohomish, it’s more than just your average swimming pool. It’s a place for families to play, students to develop new skills, and water lovers of all ages to enjoy some splashy fun.
A World of Wonder at The Snohomish Aquatic Center
With 52,000 square feet of space, the array of options here can be a little dizzying. But all of that real estate gets put to good use, serving for all ages to learn new skills. In fact, education is at the heart of the whole enterprise.
The space opened in 2014 with the goal of connecting community members with new athletic and leisure opportunities. It is owned and run by the Snohomish School District and serves as the training space for Glacier Peak High School and Snohomish High School.
But as the website says, they [Believe in promoting an active aquatic lifestyle that fosters health, wellness, and community spirit,” and there is no shortage of options for visitors to enjoy.
Even the smallest visitors can get in on the action, romping around the Spray n’ Play Area with its little slides and cascading fountains. Right next to this pint-sized waterpark, the Lazy River’s steady, looping current is filled with guests enjoying a leisurely float and several intrepid walkers enjoying a distinctive form of exercise.
While the main waterslide is currently out of commission, it is scheduled to be repaired and will be ready for riders soon.
In between all of the action, you can take some time to relax in the massive hot tub, but not before trying out some of those fantastic athletic opportunities!
Sharpen Your Swim Skills in Snohomish
For all of its whistles and bells, the Snohomish Aquatic Center is still a wonderful place to get back to the basics.
The ten-lane competition pool is ideal for such programs as the U.S. Masters Swimming classes, where you can learn different strokes and perfect your technique.
But it’s also easy to branch out with such a smorgasbord of other sports, from water yoga to triathlon training groups.
For younger swimmers, there are plenty of training programs available, including free lessons for residents and free lessons for every second grader enrolled in the Snohomish School District, courtesy of the Second Grade Swim Program.
Unsurprisingly, this is also a popular forum for other clubs and athletic organizations around the region, hosting everything from diving and water polo to underwater hockey classes.
And if you’re looking for something more utilitarian, they also offer plenty of CPR, First Aid, and lifeguarding programs.
But let’s not forget one of the most unique and thoroughly entertaining lessons you can learn at the facility is how to (try to) catch a wave.
A Unique Kind Of Fun At Snohomish Aquatic Center
The FlowRider machine is one of the only ones of its kind in the state, offering a combination of surfing and boogie boarding for adventurous students. Riding the perpetual wave of water streaming down its foam slope, visitors can practice a distinctive sport known as “flowboarding.” Stylistically, it takes after snowboarding, skateboarding and, of course, surfing. Much like the activities that inspired it, this is the kind of activity that can be modified to individual needs and interests. While there’s no shortage of twists, flips, and sliding maneuvers to try, you can also opt for a slightly mellower, bodyboard-style ride, where you lay flat on your stomach and focus on moving across the current.
As you cruise through the wake of the wave (or, in my case, go flying off the board and slide every which way like a particularly incompetent penguin), you’ll quickly see why this facility is so special, not just because of its world-class lap lanes or its fantastic variety of entertainment options, but because it is wholeheartedly devoted to bringing people together, no matter their goals. There’s always a new reason to come back and enjoy the water!
If you want to get in on the fun, the best place to check is the Snohomish Aquatic Center’s website. That’s where you can get all of the necessary information on classes, fees, and operating hours for the different aquatic areas. The center is open from 5:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Snohomish Aquatic Center
516 Maple Avenue, Snohomish
360.568.8030
