Join us for a comprehensive class focused on rolling and bracing techniques in protected waters. This session is designed for both beginners and those with some prior experience looking to enhance their skills.

Whether you are new to the sport or seeking to refine your technique, this class will build your confidence in the water and improve your paddling skills. Join us to gain the essential skills that will enhance your kayaking experience.

We’ll base out of Bowman Bay State Park in Anacortes, WA. 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

This weekend is built for advanced beginner to intermediate sea kayakers who want to level up their understanding of rolling. Advanced kayakers still have a place here, but we are not practicing our rolls in advanced conditions.

Participants will learn key concepts of body mechanics and proper technique, ensuring a solid foundation for safe and effective rolling. The course will cover:

• Introduction to rolling: Understanding the mechanics of the forward and reverse finishing rolls

• Bracing fundamentals: Techniques for stability and retrieving oneself from a capsized position

• Safety considerations: Best practices for practicing rolling in a controlled environment

• Individual practice: Opportunity for personalized feedback and skill refinement

• Gear selection: Recommendations on outfitting your kayak for optimal performance

• Skills refinement outside of rolling and bracing will be included to break up the weekend and give our shoulders a break.

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 3/4 Skills (training pathway), or

• British Canoeing Coastal Sea Kayak Award (Personal Performance Award pathway) or

• British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader Award (Leadership 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.

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.