Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking
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, have a good grasp of the strokes, including bracing, understand and be able to predict tides and currents, and have basic knowledge of marine weather. Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking is designed to help the neophyte paddler to those looking to improve their skills, achieve these goals.
Book online, call the shop (206) 281-9694 or come see us to register with the class fee to hold each spot. Refundable up to 2 weeks before class start.
Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking
(FOSK)
A great way to get into sea kayaking, this 4 session class gives you three lake sessions to learn stroke and rescue techniques, and a day trip where you get to practice all of the above in real-life situations. You will learn about boats and related equipment, proper clothing, safety considerations, and resource material. You will learn how to rescue yourself and others, and how to prevent capsizing by using bracing strokes. During the stroke sessions 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. This class will prepare you to deal with paddling inland waters in moderate current and wind conditions. No experience necessary, but be prepared to get wet!
Must be at least 18 for the Deception Pass outing, the first 3 lake sessions of the class can be taken by those 16 years of age and up.
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!
Format: Wednesday and Thursday Evening on Lake Union from 6pm-8:30pm. Saturday on Lake Union from 9am-1pm. Sunday Day Trip (leave Seattle 8am, return by 6pm).
Cost: $399/person includes boat, drysuit & gear
2024 Dates:
April 17, 18, 20, 21
May 1, 2, 4, 5
May 15, 16, 18, 19
May 29, 30, 6/1, 2
June 26, 27, 29, 30
July 17, 18, 20, 21
August 7, 8, 10, 11
August 21, 22, 24, 25
September 4, 5, 7, 8 *5:30pm Weeknights
Drysuits are mandatory for this class.
4 Session Class
Fundamentals Refresher
2 Session Class
Call or stop by the shop to register
This class is for our former Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking students as a refresher for their kayaking skills. This includes the Saturday lake, and Sunday trip to Deception Pass. Limited availability, call for openings. 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 drysuit rental, $230 with your own kayak
Drysuits are mandatory for this class.
