This sea kayaking class is the starting place for beginners looking to get started with a solid foundation of the basics. This course is also appropriate for experienced paddlers who desire coaching to help build or bolster a solid foundation for their existing skills.

In this course, we will focus on efficient and ergonomic paddling techniques, body-boat-blade awareness, strokes for steering, going straight, and sideways. We will introduce safety and rescue tools and techniques including self and assisted rescues, towing and calling for help. We will also explore equipment options including different kayaks, immersion wear, PFDs and Drysuits.

Foundation courses develop good body awareness, balance, and understanding of how the boat and paddle interact with the water. A solid base of skills will make you a more efficient paddler as you make progress. The goal for this course is to promote efficient, effective, and ergonomic kayaking for long term paddler development.

This course begins at 9am each day and runs until 3pm each day. Please plan to arrive & depart accordingly!

We recommend arriving ~20-30 minutes early to get parking, use the restroom, etc.

We’ll base out of Bowman Bay State Park in Anacortes. It gives us the most options and the best learning environment across a range of conditions. If conditions make it the best call, we may choose an alternate nearby venue.

This is not an overnight course.

Our focus is on personal paddling skills:

• Equipment selection, outfitting and maintenance

• Efficient and effective paddling techniques

• Basic rescues and self-rescue

• Trip planning resources and tips

*All Activities are Conditions Dependent

Optional accreditation pathways (ACA + British Canoeing):
This Foundations weekend can also be taken as an accredited training pathway for paddlers who want their progression to align with a formal standard. We can coach and document your development toward either:

• ACA Level 2/3 Skills (training pathway), or

• British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award (Personal Performance Award pathway).

The on-water content remains the same—solid foundations, boat control, edging, efficient strokes, rescues, and good decision-making—while we frame coaching to the chosen standard and clarify what “ready” looks like.

Formal assessment/certification is not included in this weekend and may be scheduled separately depending on readiness and conditions.

Below is a list of required equipment.

If needed, we can supply all equipment at no cost. Select it at checkout.

If you're looking to purchase any of the listed equipment, click the links to shop our site!

• Sea kayak (plastic preferable but composite is allowed)

• Kayak paddle

• Personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket)

• Spray skirt

• Bilge pump

• Paddle float

• Tow belt

• Booties (mens) (womens) or closed-toe water shoes

• Drysuit or wetsuit (drysuit strongly recommended)

• Water bottle

All Students receive 10% off one gear purchase valid for 90 days after the course ends.