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This class is our basic water session for beginners who are just checking out the sport, and want to learn some proper paddling technique. We encourage students to also take the Bracing and Rescue class, and attend some of our lectures in the Armchair Kayaker Series on trip planning and other relevant topics. Students in this class will practice basic boat handling skills, including an efficient forward stroke, turning strokes, reverse strokes, braces, and moving the boat laterally. The instructors and student volunteers will demonstrate rescue techniques at the end of class, earlier if necessary! COST: $55.00 See Calendar for dates
Looking for a great way to enter the world of Sea Kayaking? Paddling the inland waterways of the Pacific Northwest can be fun and safe, providing you have the necessary knowledge and skills. In two lecture sessions, you will learn about the boats and related equipment, proper clothing, safety considerations, navigational tools, and resource material. In the rescue session, you will learn how to rescue yourself and others, and how to prevent capsizing by using bracing strokes. During the lake session you will learn how to use the paddling strokes for maximum efficiency and stability. For our saltwater outing, we will choose a location where we can practice working with, against, and across currents, in a tightly controlled situation. The emphasis of this class is to build good paddling skills along with good sea-sense. No experience necessary. FORMAT: Evening classroom (6:30-8:30pm at NWOC) Evening rescue (Friday Pool in April, Lake Union May - Sept). Lake session/Lecture (9am-2:30 or *10am-3:30 after a Friday night pool class) at NWOC on Saturday, all day Sunday outing (leave Seatle 8am, return by 6pm). COST: $195.00 See Calendar for dates
Basic Rescue, and Rescue II. The Basic Rescue class is a must for the sea kayaker. During the 2-1/2 hour session, the students will be practicing re-entry techniques and some bracing. Both self-rescue and assisted rescue procedures will be covered. Students will be provided wetsuits or drysuits and booties for the lake classes. You should wear a bathing suit or shorts for the pool, and for the lake, add synthetic top and long johns, wool, or synthetic sweater (medium to heavyweight, depending on how easily you get cold), synthetic socks under your booties, and if you wear glasses, a retaining strap that is tight enough it won't allow your glasses to go for a dive to the bottom of the lake. The Rescue II Class is a seperate class that continues your education in helping yourself and your paddling buddies. We will practice towing people (in and out of their boats), how to get injured/unconscious paddlers back in their boats, and practice additional self & assisted rescue techniques. This class will give you many ways to rescue your paddling partners, and more practice at saving yourself. Must have taken a Rescue class previously. COST: $55.00 See Calendar for dates
Why not spend 5 days with us learning to paddle your own boat - along with surfing it, gliding it, navigating it, and, of course, rescuing it, yourself, and others, all from the convenience of your own personal comfort zone? The class spends three days camping on Puget Sound, learning everything from holding the paddle upright and planning a safe trip to staying upright while negotiating current. Then it's off to the spectacular Washington coast for two days of fun in the surf - and we do mean fun. We're not talking about nightmare walls of water, just some good, friendly waves you'll learn how to launch through, brace and surf on. With knowledgable instructors who love sharing their enthusaism for the sport, everyone gets plenty of personal instruction, attention, and reassurance. Plus, we do all the cooking. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. This is our most comprehensive and most popular class - better sign up early! COST: $675.00, $600 w/ your own equipment See Calendar for dates
Where does one go for a little excitement during the hot summer months when the rivers get lazy and Puget Sound becomes glassy? The beautiful Washington Coast, of course. This class is a sure-fired way to learn how to brace, negotiate surf and develop confidence in your paddling skills. And besides that IT'S REALLY FUN! Great for whitewater and sea kayakers alike. We concentrate on lots of bracing practice in the surf zone, where you will learn what it really means to tilt your boat and moon the beach! Once you can handle the waves breaking on you from both sides, you can then move on to going out through the surf zone, and practice coming in between the waves for a dry landing, or surfing the waves in for a more exhilarating and dynamic ride. We will be situated on a gently sloping sand beach, so that any swimmers will find it a simple matter to stand up, collect their gear, and walk in to shore. Students must have taken a FOSK or bracing and rescue class, or their equivalent, prior to this class. The best and most fun way to learn bracing and overall boat control there is. FORMAT: Lake session/Pep talk at NWOC 6:30-9pm followed by Saturday and Sunday on the beach. No Beginners! Must know bracing and rescue techniques. COST: $175.00 See Calendar for dates
We will spend some classroom time getting to know the concepts and tools of basic navigation, then take to the water on the 2nd day to put some of this knowledge to the test. We will follow compass courses, calculate our speed in knots, and adjust all the calculations on the fly as we deal with possible traffic and wind. Making sensible decisions based on knowledge of water and weather conditions can make all the difference between a safe, enjoyable outing and a struggle for survival. In this class you will learn the basics of chart reading, how to take a compass bearing, calculate tides and currents, identify hazards, and use it on an everyday outing. You can take one or both days of the class, but we recommend doing both to get any real benefit out of this class. COST: $50.00 See Calendar for dates |
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