Skills Memberships

A small paddle club for paddlers who want to improve, paddle consistently, and build confidence on the water.

Paddle More. Learn More. Belong Here.

Skills Memberships are for paddlers who want to refine their technique and spend more time on the water. Less like signing up for a class, more like being part of a small paddle club that meets regularly throughout the season.

Progress comes from time on the water, with feedback you can apply right away. A single class gets you started. Consistent sessions with the same group move you forward.

Memberships support ongoing skill development and community. Rentals and classes still stand on their own. A Skills Membership brings them together and gives you a group to paddle with.

Recommended Preparation

Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking is an excellent foundation for paddlers looking to build confidence in rescues, boat control and open-water skills.

Tide Level members also receive a private lesson as part of their membership — a great opportunity to get oriented and build confidence before your first Skills Night.

Membership Levels

Lake Level

$399/year

Great if you own a kayak or rent occasionally, and want structured skills + community

Monthly Skills Nights
- Instructor-led evening sessions focused on practical paddling skills throughout the season
Member paddles
- Relaxed group paddles throughout the season on Lake Union
15% off kayak rentals
10% off retail accessories
View the full 2026 Skills Nights & Member Paddles schedule on the member resources page

Join Lake Level

Tide Level

$699/year

Great if you want to paddle Lake Union frequently and a private coaching session included to kick off your season.

Everything included in Lake Level
Included kayak rentals on Lake Union
- Members may rent a single, double, or triple kayak at no charge for use on Lake Union
- Rentals are weather dependent and subject to availability
Annual coaching benefit — private lesson or Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking refresher weekend (FOSK completion or equivalent required for refresher option)
- A private lesson is a great way to get some practice on the water before Skills Nights begin — worth scheduling soon after you join
Fewer barriers to just getting out
View the full 2026 Skills Nights & Member Paddles schedule on the member resources page

Join Tide Level

Both Lake Level and Tide Level include:

Skills Nights

Member Paddles

10% off retail in the shop

Your membership begins with the first scheduled skills night of the season. Join anytime - you'll receive a full year of access beginning with your first session on the water.

Why Join an NWOC Skills Membership?

Our Memberships are built around Skills Nights to give you regular, coached practice on core paddling techniques throughout the season.
Paddling with others builds confidence. Member Paddles give you additional chances to get on the water, stay connected, and keep momentum between Skills Nights.

What Are Skills Nights?

Skills Nights are coached lake paddles, not classroom-style classes. These sessions are designed for paddlers who want to practice and refine skills while spending real time on the water.

Expect:

Real paddling with intentional skill stops
Focus on rescues, edging, bracing, and strokes
Less lecture, more time on the water
Capped events to keep group sizes manageable and instruction effective

Skills Nights are meant to feel practical, supportive, and low-pressure. You should already be comfortable paddling on Lake Union, but you do not need to be an expert.

Details:

Often scheduled midweek evenings (commonly Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30pm)
Typically held once per month through the season, with select sessions in the off-season
RSVP required; space is limited

Available to Lake Level and Tide Level members only.

Skills nights and Member Paddles are released in small batches and shared directly with members by email and on the member resource page.

Membership offerings may evolve slightly over time to reflect conditions, participation, and instructor availability.

Member Paddles

Relaxed, staff-led group paddles that make it easier to stay consistent, connect with other members, and spend time on the water between Skills Nights.

Open to:

Lake Level members
Tide Level members

RSVP required. Capacity is limited.

Rental note: Kayak rental is included for Member Paddles for Lake and Tide Level

Annual Coaching Benefit

Each Tide Level member may choose one of the following coaching options per membership year:

Option A: FOSK Refresher Weekend
For paddlers who have completed Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking (FOSK) or have equivalent experience approved by NWOC.
Includes:

Saturday Lake Union session (Join day 3 of a current FOSK class, 9:00am–12:00pm)
Sunday Deception Pass day trip

RSVP required and subject to class capacity.

Option B: Private Coaching Session
One 2-hour private lesson, focused on your goals (technique, rescues, edging/bracing, confidence building, etc.).

Available April-September (weekday mornings). Additional availability October-March when instructor schedules are more flexible.

One selection per membership year. Coaching benefits have no cash value and may not be exchanged.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Lake Level if you:

Want coached practice while still renting on your own schedule
Paddle somewhat regularly and want to stay connected to the community
Are looking for a next step after a class
Own your own kayak or rent infrequently

Choose Tide Level if you:

Paddle regularly on Lake Union
Convenient, flexible kayak access on Lake Union
Want deeper individualized coaching or a FOSK Refresher weekend option
Want a private lesson included to build your foundation before joining Skills Nights

Not sure if a Skills Membership is the right fit?

Most members are not experts. Skills Nights are designed for paddlers who are comfortable paddling on Lake Union and want coached practice in a supportive group.

If you're unsure, a private lesson or class is a great way to build confidence and get oriented before joining.

If you want individual coaching before jumping into group sessions, Tide Level includes a private lesson as part of your membership — a natural way to build confidence and get oriented before your first Skills Night. If you're unsure which level is right for you, give us a call or send an email and we're happy to help.

When are Skills Night and Member Paddle dates announced?

The full season schedule is posted here on the member resource page. RSVPs open four weeks before each session — email or call the shop to reserve your spot.

Our goal is to provide consistent, high-quality opportunities to paddle, practice and connect without overloading events or compromising safety.