Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking
4 Session Class
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.
Who this Class is For
Students in this class range from those with little or no kayaking experience to paddlers who have been kayaking for years but want to build stronger skills and confidence through structured instruction.
FOSK is a great fit if you:
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Have paddled before but want stronger skills and confidence
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Want to learn rescues, boat control and safety for open water
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Are considering buying a touring or sea kayak
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Want to join trips around Puget Sound or the San Juan Islands
All equipment is included — Delta sea kayaks, Kokatat drysuits, and safety gear. You just bring synthetic or wool layers to wear underneath.
This class is a great option if you want to take advantage of the paddling opportunities around Seattle, are considering buying a touring or sea kayak, or want to build the skills needed for trips ranging from Ross Lake to the San Juan Islands.
2026 Dates
Register early if you have a particular session in mind.
April | May | June | July | August | September |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
22, 23, 25, 26 | 13, 14, 16, 17 | ⭐10, 11, 13, 14 | 15, 16, 18, 19 | 12, 13, 15, 16 | 9*, 10*, 12, 13 |
27, 28, 30, 31 | 24, 25, 27, 28 | 26, 27, 29, 30 |
*5:30pm start on 9/9 & 9/10
Cost
⭐ classes are fully booked! Email or call to be added to our waitlist
$450/person includes boat, dry suit & gear
For class we'll fit you into a Delta Kayaks model, and have larger fitting options as well, along with a Kokatat dry suit. Students are welcome to bring their own equipment provided it is appropriate for paddling in open water. You are responsible for transportation to and from Deception Pass on the day trip.
What Makes This Class Different
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Starting with self and assisted rescues on the first evening lets students focus on paddling skills during later sessions with confidence.
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Four sessions gives time to reinforce strokes, rescues, and boat control while adjusting instruction to each student's pace.
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The Sunday Deception Pass trip lets students learn 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 four-session course combines three lake sessions in Seattle with a Deception Pass day trip where students practice their skills in real but manageable current and moving water in a safe, supportive setting.
During the stroke sessions we will focus on how to use 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!
Many of the strokes, rescues, and boat control techniques taught in this class are explained in detail in our Kayaking Instructional Guides, where we break down skills like edging, sweep strokes, draw strokes, and wet exits.
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.
Fundamentals Refresher
2 Session Class
Limited availability, call or email 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: $299 Includes kayak and dry suit rental (if you don't have your own gear)
Dry suits are mandatory for this class.
