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.

Why Memberships at NWOC?

Skills improve through repetition. Skills nights give you regular, coached practice to reinforce what you learn in classes.
Paddling with others builds confidence. Community paddles make it easier to stay consistent and enjoy the process.

Join Lake Level

Join Tide Level

Lake Level Membership

$399 / year

Best for: Paddlers who want structured skill development and community, without changing how they normally rent.

What’s Included

5 Skills Nights (May–September)
Instructor-led evening sessions focused on practical paddling skills like rescues, edging, bracing, and stroke efficiency.
RSVP required; capacity is limited.

5 Member Social Paddles
Relaxed, staff-led group paddles designed to build comfort, consistency, and connection with the NWOC community.

Rental & Retail Discounts

15% off kayak rentals
10% off retail accessories (excludes kayaks; no discount stacking)

Good to Know

Skills Nights and Social Paddle schedules are released monthly
Membership is valid for one year from purchase date
Annual payment only

Lake Level is a great fit if you:

Paddle occasionally but want to improve
Enjoy learning in a low-pressure group setting
Value community as much as skill progression

Tide Level Membership

$699 / year
(Founder pricing: $599 through April 30, limited availability)

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.

Includes use of one kayak per visit
July & August weekends excluded
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:

Saturday Lake Union session (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.).

Weekdays only April–September with more availability October-March
Scheduled based on instructor availability

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.

Expect:

Real paddling with intentional skill stops
Focus on rescues, edging, bracing, and strokes
Less lecture, more time on the water

Details:

Often Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30pm
Monthly May–September
RSVP required; space is limited

Available to Lake Level and Tide Level members only.

Skills nights and social paddles are released monthly via email

*$100 add-on for Tide Level to

Social & Member Paddles

Relaxed, staff-led paddles that keep you connected and active.

Open to:

Yearly Pass holders
Lake Level members
Tide Level members

RSVP required. Capacity is limited.

Rental note:
Your kayak rental is included for social paddles, even for Lake Level members. Just show up and paddle with the community.

Join Lake Level

Join Tide Level

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Lake Level if you:

Want coached practice without free rentals
Paddle occasionally 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 (~10 times per season)
Want unlimited, convenient kayak access
Value the personal instruction or FOSK Refresher weekend class.