The Foundations Level 2 course is designed for paddlers who have successfully completed Foundations Level 1 and are ready to advance their sea kayaking skills. This two-day course will build upon your existing knowledge of paddle strokes, equipment use, safety protocols, and rescue techniques.

Participants will engage in hands-on practice to refine their paddling efficiency and explore more advanced stroke techniques, enabling improved maneuverability on the water. The course will also cover the selection and proper use of various kayaking gear, ensuring you are equipped for a variety of conditions.

Safety and rescue are paramount in this progression. Participants will learn new rescue methods and safety practices tailored for sea kayaking environments. Through practical scenarios and guided drills, you will gain confidence in your ability to respond to emergencies on the water.

Join us for this intensive and interactive course that lays the groundwork for your continued growth as a skilled and confident sea kayaker.

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 built on from Foundations Level 1

• Addition of stroke linking and more advanced paddle strokes

• Refinement of 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 there's anything you're missing, or would like to rent/borrow from us, 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.