Skills Memberships
Paddle More. Learn More. Belong Here.
NWOC Skills Memberships are for paddlers who want to keep improving, paddle consistently, and stay connected to a supportive community. Learning does not end with a single class. Progress comes from practice, feedback, and time on the water.
Memberships are designed to support ongoing skill development and connection. Rentals and classes still stand on their own. Skills Memberships bring them together.
Lake Level Membership
$399 / year
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Best for: Paddlers who want structured skill development and community while maintaining flexibility in how they rent.
What’s Included
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Up to 5 Skills Nights (Typically one per month, May–September)
Instructor-led evening sessions focused on practical paddling skills like rescues, edging, bracing, and stroke efficiency.
RSVP required; capacity is limited.
Our goal is to offer a consistent monthly rhythm through the season. Events are capped and scheduled intentionally to maintain quality and safety.
Up to 5 Member Social Paddles (scheduled throughout the season)
Relaxed, staff-led group paddles that make it easier to stay consistent, meet other paddlers, and keep momentum between Skills Nights.
Rental & Retail Discounts
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15% off kayak rentals
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10% off retail accessories (excludes kayaks; no discount stacking)
Good to Know
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Skills Nights and Member Social Paddles schedules are released in small batches
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Paddles are planned around seasonal conditions and instructor availability
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Membership is valid for one year from purchase date
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Annual payment only
Lake Level is a great fit if you:
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Paddle occasionally but want to improve
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Enjoy learning in a low-pressure group setting
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Value community as much as skill progression
Tide Level Membership
$699 / year
Tide Level is designed for paddlers who want consistent access to Lake Union, ongoing skill development, and a clear pathway beyond introductory classes. This membership is best suited for paddlers who have completed Fundamentals of Sea Kayaking or have equivalent experience and plan to paddle regularly with fewer barriers to getting on the water.
What’s Included
Everything in Lake Level, plus:
Free Kayak Rentals on Lake Union
Tide members may rent single, double, or triple kayaks at no charge for use on Lake Union, launching from NWOC’s docks.
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Includes use of one kayak per visit
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July & August weekends excluded
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Optional $100 add-on to include July & August weekends
Annual Coaching Benefit (Choose One Per Year)
Each Tide Level member may choose one coaching option 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:
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Saturday Lake Union session (Join day 3 of a current FOSK class, 9:00am–12:00pm)
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Sunday Deception Pass day trip
RSVP required and subject to class capacity.
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Option B: Private Coaching Session
One 2-hour private lesson, focused on your goals (technique, rescues, edging/bracing, confidence building, etc.).
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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.
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:
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Real paddling with intentional skill stops
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Focus on rescues, edging, bracing, and strokes
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Less lecture, more time on the water
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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:
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Often scheduled midweek evenings (commonly Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30pm)
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Typically held once per month May–September
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RSVP required; space is limited
Available to Lake Level and Tide Level members only.
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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 Social Paddles
Relaxed, staff-led paddles designed for members who want to get out on the water together without a class format.
Open to:​
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Lake Level members
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Tide Level members
RSVP required. Capacity is limited.
Rental note:
Kayak rental is included for Member Social Paddles for Lake and Tide Level
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Lake Level if you:
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Want coached practice without changing how you normally rent
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Paddle somewhat regularly and want to stay connected to the community
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Are looking for a next step after a class
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Own your own kayak or rent infrequently
Choose Tide Level if you:
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Paddle regularly on Lake Union (~10 times per season)
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Convenient, flexible kayak access on Lake Union
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Want deeper individualized coaching or a FOSK Refresher weekend option
​​When are Skills Nights and Member Social Paddle dates announced?
Dates are released in small batches throughout the season, typically one to two months at a time, starting in April for May events. They are shared directly with members by email and on the member resource page. This allows us to adjust scheduling based on participation and instructor availability while keeping group sizes manageable.
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Our goal is to provide consistent, high-quality opportunities to paddle, practice and connect without overloading events or compromising safety.