Kayaking Classes
Seattle Kayaking Classes on Lake Union
Learn sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking in Seattle with experienced instructors. Our classes focus on efficient stroke technique, practical rescue skills, and real-world confidence in wind and current.
Whether you’re brand new to paddling or looking to refine your stroke, our structured progression helps you move beyond “just getting by” and into paddling with control, awareness, and efficiency.
4-Session Sea Kayaking Course
Our most comprehensive sea kayaking class for beginner paddlers and those looking to improve and practice their skills in manageable wind and current. Over four sessions you’ll build strong fundamentals in:
• Forward stroke efficiency
• Turning and boat control
• Bracing for stability
• Solo and assisted rescues
• Managing wind and current
A great class for anyone who wants structured progression before joining trips or memberships.
2.5 Hour Lake Union Technique Class
This is our beginner class for those who want to learn proper paddling technique. We'll practice:
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Boat handling skills, including an efficient forward stroke
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Turning strokes
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Reverse strokes
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Moving the boat laterally
The instructors will demonstrate solo and assisted rescue techniques at the end of class.
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2.5 Hour Kayak Safety & Self-Rescue Class
Learn the essential rescue skills every paddler should know before heading onto Lake Union or Puget Sound. We'll cover:
• Paddle float self-rescue
• Assisted T-rescue
• Bracing skills
• Controlled wet exits
Practical skills that build confidence in real conditions. Can be taken before or after Basic Strokes.
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4-Session Whitewater Kayaking Course
An intro to whitewater kayaking focused on active learning and confidence building. Two lake sessions and two river days introducing:
• Eddy turns
• Peel outs
• Ferrying
• Reading current
• Wet exits and self-rescue
Designed for paddlers ready to move from flatwater into Washington’s rivers with control and awareness.
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Why Take Kayaking Lessons from NWOC?
With better technique, kayaking becomes even more fun and safe, and that’s exactly what we focus on in our classes.
Wind, current, and boat traffic make it even more important to have good form and be capable of rescuing yourself.
Taking a structured kayaking class helps you:
• Paddle farther with less fatigue
• Recover confidently from a capsize
• Handle wind and boat wake
• Prepare for Puget Sound and San Juan Islands trips
• Transition safely into river kayaking in our Whitewater Fever class
At Northwest Outdoor Center, we teach kayaking skills that translate beyond the lesson and support long-term progression on the water.
NWOC Instructors
The crew at NWOC love sharing their knowledge, and seeing their students progress to new levels of ability. They have honed their skills while paddling in many places, from the the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Alaska, and California, to Baja, Belize, New Zealand, Tonga, and Chile. They have between 2 and 30 years of teaching experience, and many choose to spend time paddling on their vacations and days off. With whitewater, sea, and surf kayaking in their repertoire, they know what you need to know and how to impart that knowledge with a sense of humor and respect.