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Commencement Bay

Trip

Sea Kayaking Student Paddle - Commencement Bay

A Basic Sea Kayak Course student paddle from Old Town Tacoma to Point Defiance Park and back. Preference will be given to students in the Tacoma Basic Sea Kayaking course. See central Puget Sound and practice the skills learned in the Sea Kayaking course.

Contacts

Kevin Bulley
Kevin Bulley
Primary Leader
  • Sea Kayak II/III
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 8.0 nm
  • Maximum Wind: 12 kts
  • Maximum Waves: 1 ft
  • Maximum Currents: 1 kts
  • Pace: 2.5-3
  • FULL, 4 on waitlist (8 capacity)
  • FULL (4 capacity)
  • Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 8:00 AM
  • Sun, Apr 12, 2026
  • Thu, May 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

This is a paddle trip for Basic Sea Kayaking course students.  We will paddle along the Tacoma waterfront paralleling Ruston Way from Jack Hyde Park to Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park.  Along the way we will practice the paddling skills we have learned and will perform self and assisted rescues in a safe environment.  

Our route has opportunities for rest stops along the way.  There are public restrooms near the launch point and at Owen Beach.

My primary goal is always safety and I will try to emphasize and model what that means while paddling in a group.  Our other main goal is to create a positive learning experience for everyone involved.

Meeting Place:  Chinese Reconciliation Park parking area under Ruston Way 

Meeting Time:  08:00

Launch Time:  09:30

Route/Place

Commencement Bay


  • Sea Trails Vashon Island, Tacoma Narrows to Elliot Bay WA203
    MapTech Oak Bay to Commencement Bay No. 102
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

These eight essentials plus The Ten Essentials are required on all sea kayaking trips.  All but the whistle and clothing should be provided with any kayak rental.

  1. Floatation in both ends of the kayak
  2. U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
  3. Paddle
  4. Spray skirt
  5. Bilge pump with floatation
  6. Self-rescue paddle float
  7. Waterproof whistle
  8. Appropriate clothing for the conditions encountered seasonally
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