"What the Heck" - Basic Kayak Skills Series

Over a progresssion of 3 separate classes held on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings (repeated throughout the summer) you will learn all of the basic skills to become a competent, safe and effective sea kayaker. If you are considering purchasing your own sea kayak or if you would like to try to get out on the ocean without a guide, this is a great series to enhance your skills. Mix and match these sessions based on your own needs!  Bring your own kayak or use one of our solo kayaks.   Maximum of 8 participants available each evening, so sign up early!  Our instructor ratio is 1:4, so expect individual attention from your fabulous instructors!  (appropriate for ages 16 and up)

Here is what you can expect out of each session:

Session A - Introduction to Sea Kayaking, Basic Paddle Strokes and Skills

This session will take it from the top.  We'll learn the parts and proper use of all of our kayak equipment.  We'll discuss how to hold and use your paddle, and (very importantly) how to get into and out of your boat without getting your bum wet or hurting the bottom of the boat. We'll spend significant time on the water learning proper basic stroke technique that will allow you to both go straight and to turn when you want.  The "final exam" is getting back out of the boat after a full evening of paddling, and ending up with a dry bum.  If you've done that, the night is declared a success!

Session B - Wet Exits, Assisted Rescues and Self Rescues

Plan to get when in this session.  We'll review and practice (yes, PRACTICE) the all important skills of getting out of your boat in the unlikely event of a tip, and the quickest and most efficient way of getting back into your boat and underway, whether you are alone or with a pal.  We will provide wetsuits and semi-dry suits to keep you "warm" (or at least not hypothermic!) in the nippy waters of Bellingham Bay.  If you have your own wetsuit or dry suit, by all means, please do bring it. I know it seems cruel to do this session in Bellingham Bay, but we feel strongly that practice should be done in the water and conditions that you are likely to be paddling in.  You'll be wet, and probably a bit cold, but oh so confident once it's over.

Session C - Bracing, Leaning and Advanced Paddle Strokes

We are back to keeping our backsides dry in this session.  We will take the full time in this session to practice and hone our paddling technique (Session A or equivalent experience is a prerequisite), and learn the more advanced bracing and paddle strokes that will help you more than anything to make your paddling experiences as enjoyable as possible.  Come to improve your skills, look good, and feel confident in a variety of conditions.

Click here to register online through Whatcom County Parks or contact us by Mail.

$70 per session

	Tuesday Evenings (5-9pm)	Thursday Evenings (5-9pm)	Saturday Mornings (9am-1pm)
Session A	June 3 July 8 August 5	June 5 July 10 August 7	July 12
Session B	June 10 July 15 August 12	May 22 (Ski 2 Sea Prep) June 12 July 17 August 14	May 17 (Ski 2 Sea Prep) July 19
Session C	June 17 July 22 August 19	June 19 July 24 August 21	July 26

More information about the types of trips we offer.