Kayaking School

Class Offerings

Kayaking Essentials

This four day sea kayaking immersion class will launch a lifetime of safe and inspiring kayaking adventures.  We will cover everything you need to get you started exploring the Salish Sea.  Taught by a master mariner,  American Canoe Association Certified Instructor, and professional educator, the course includes all the skills and content for ACA Coastal Kayaking Level 1 through Level 3.

Prerequisites:

• Your 14 foot or larger sea kayak, or rent one of ours. 
• Dry suit or wetsuit
  
  

• Personal preparation for paddling
  
• Kayaks & gear
• The paddling environment & hazard mitigation
• Getting in & out without getting soaked 
• Paddle stokes & maneuvering skills
• Bracing  (3 types)
• Wet exit
• Group Rescues - different techniques for different situations
  
• Self Rescues
• Paddling judgment
• Trip Planning
  
• Tides & currents
• Weather
• Charts & compass
• Safety preparedness & emergency management
• Signaling and safety devices

Schedule:  9 - 5 for 4 days; combination of shore school and on-water skill development.

One-Day Skills Clinics

In & Out, Paddle About

Skills Covered:

• Getting in and out of a kayak at the beach without getting soaked
• Your first assisted rescue: How to get out and back into your kayak in deep water if it tips over
• Basic paddle strokes for getting around and maneuvering effectively
• Essential gear to keep you safe
• Balance and bracing to keep you right side up

Capsize Prevention & Recovery

This is the most important skill set to learn after being introduced to kayaking, and before venturing away from the shore.  This six-hour class will cover the knowledge and skills to keep you safe while paddling.

Prerequisites: Beginning level kayaking experience.  In & Out, Paddle About fulfills this requirement, or any prior experience such that you can do basic paddling and maneuvering of a kayak.

Venue:  Bowman Bay

Skills Covered:

• Sea kayaking safety & rescue gear
• High and low bracing techniques to keep you upright
• Wet exit practice for the times that you don’t
• Assisted rescue methods for helping a companion back in their boat - multiple scenarios & stratigies
• Self-rescue methods for getting back in by yourself

Schedule:

• None currently scheduled
• Recommended alternative: Kayaking Essentials

• Prerequisites:  
• You have participated in a number of day paddles led by others, and possibly even over night kayaking trips.  
• You have good paddling and maneuvering skills.
• You have a solid self-rescue and skills to assist another kayaker back into their boat.

Schedule:

• Choose your class from the registration drop down menu below.
• 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Optional group paddle the next day (weather permitting)

Location:  Seafarers' Memorial Park Building, Anacortes.

Skills Covered:

• Using charts to plan a safe route for the skills of the group; interpreting chart symbols accurately and tracking your location
• Reading tide and current tables; planning your trip to accommodate them
• Finding and interpreting the marine weather forecast for your paddling area
• The importance of judgment
• Safety planning and emergency management
• Communication while paddling and safety protocols
• Identifying hazards on a route and planning to avoid or mitigate them
• Apply your skills to planning a kayaking trip for the next day.

Instructors