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.

NWOC Skills Memberships are for paddlers who want to keep improving and have a consistent group to do it with. If you're comfortable on Lake Union, you're ready. These are structured reasons to get back on the water with people who genuinely enjoy paddling and want to get better at it.

Progress comes from regular time on the water with coached feedback. Skills Memberships give you that: monthly sessions, group paddles throughout the season, and a community that shows up consistently and has fun doing it.

Rentals and classes still stand on their own. Skills Memberships are for paddlers who want more consistency, more time on the water, and a clear way to keep improving. Sessions are currently open and available to all members — we'll communicate any changes to capacity in advance.

Membership Levels

Lake Level

$399/year

For paddlers who want to keep improving and don't want to lose momentum between seasons — regular coached sessions, a consistent group, and structured reasons to get back on the water.

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

For paddlers who want to be on the water constantly. Free kayak access on Lake Union all season, plus coached sessions and an annual coaching benefit included.

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

Join anytime — you'll receive a full year of access beginning with the next scheduled session.

Sessions are currently open and available to all members. We'll communicate any changes to capacity in advance.

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?

You don't need to feel confident yet — you just need to be comfortable paddling on Lake Union. Skills Nights are designed for paddlers who want more practice, not for people who already have everything figured out.

Many members join after taking Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking, but it isn't required. If you're comfortable paddling on Lake Union and want to keep improving, you're ready.

Tide Level members can also schedule a private coaching session before their first Skills Night — a chance to build confidence, ask questions, and arrive feeling prepared.

You don't need to attend every session to get value. Even a few Skills Nights and Member Paddles over the season add up — consistent time on the water with coached feedback moves your paddling forward faster than occasional solo outings.

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.