Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking
4 Session Class
Book online, call the shop (206) 281-9694 or stop by to register with the class fee to hold each spot. Refundable up to 2 weeks before class start.
Just about anyone can paddle a kayak on Lake Union after a short orientation and have a great time. To paddle safely and confidently in the marine waters of the Pacific Northwest, however, requires considerably more skill and knowledge.
Paddlers should know how to re-enter the kayak from the water and have a good grasp of paddling strokes and bracing. A basic knowledge of marine weather and an understanding of tides and currents is crucial as well.
Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking helps neophyte paddlers and those looking to improve their skills achieve these goals.
Key Takeaways
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Starting with self and assisted rescues night one allows students to better focus on paddling techniques the following sessions.
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Having four class sessions gives us time to reinforce basic strokes. It also allows us to adjust instruction for different skill levels.
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Our focus on the Sunday Deception Pass trip is learning how to paddle against, across and with current in a safe and fun setting. Arguably, no place is more beautiful or better for a sea kayaking course.
This 4-session fundamentals class is a great way to start sea kayaking. You will have three lake sessions in Seattle to learn stroke and rescue techniques. The Sunday day trip allows you to practice everything in real-life situations with moving water.
During the stroke sessions we will focus on how to use the paddling strokes for maximum efficiency and stability. For our saltwater outing, we will pick a spot to practice with, against, and across currents. This will be in a safe and controlled setting. The emphasis of this class is to build good paddling skills along with good sea-sense.
This class will prepare you to deal with paddling inland waters in moderate current and wind conditions. Topics covered includes boats and related equipment, proper clothing, safety considerations, trip planning, and resource material. You will learn how to rescue yourself and others, and how to prevent capsizing by using bracing strokes. No experience necessary, but be prepared to get wet!
You must be at least 18 for the Deception Pass outing, but those 16 years of age and up can take the first 3 lake sessions of the class.
To upgrade your skills after this class, take the Whitewater Fever class. This will make you more comfortable in rougher water, and improve your boat handling skills immensely!
Class Format
Wednesday evening 6pm-8:30pm: self and assisted rescue practice
Thursday evening 6pm-8:30pm: forward and turning strokes, edging the kayak, lateral strokes
Saturday morning 9am-12:30pm: strokes review plus multiple low-brace techniques and body positioning during bracing. Differences in high vs. low-angle forward strokes and rescue practice
Sunday Day Trip (leave Seattle 8am, return by 6pm): review strokes, edging and bracing. Practice in current typically includes leaving and entering an eddy, paddling against current around a point, and ferrying across a channel of moving water. Additional time to enjoy paddling in one of the most beautiful places anywhere.
Cost
$399/person includes boat, drysuit & gear
For class we'll fit you into a Delta Kayaks model, and have larger fitting options as well, along with a Kokatat Legacy dry suit. Students are welcome to bring their own equipment as well. You are responsible for transportation to and from Deception Pass on the day trip.
2025 Dates
May | June | July | August | September |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4/30, 1, 3, 4 | 25, 26, 28, 29 | 16, 17, 19, 20 | 6, 7, 9, 10 | 3*, 4*, 6, 7 |
14, 15, 17, 18 | 20, 21, 23, 24 | |||
28, 29, 31, 6/1 |
*5:30pm start on 9/3 & 9/4
Fundamentals Refresher
2 Session Class
Limited availability, call for openings.
This class is for our former Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking students as a refresher for their kayaking skills. This includes the Saturday lake session and Sunday trip to Deception Pass. On the lake we will practice solo and assisted rescue, bracing, and moving the kayak laterally. At the pass, we will practice current maneuvers. Playing in the currents, eddies, and whirlpools prepares you for most current challenges you will face. We will practice rescues and other techniques as necessary. It is always better to practice these scenarios before you might actually need them, and knowing them can help you better plan so they might never happen!
Prerequisites: Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking taken within the last 5 years
Cost: $250 with kayak and dry suit rental, $230 with your own kayak
Dry suits are mandatory for this class.
