MaryBeth Arling
Cathie Frizalone
Are you curious what secrets lie beyond the shore of Washington? Do you want to paddle around islands, explore hidden nature preserves, marvel at coastal features, and enjoy urban paddling experiences? Then Basic Sea Kayaking is the perfect course for you!
Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course offers both foundational training and opportunities to advance your sea kayaking abilities. You'll learn in a supportive and friendly team environment, where everyone is encouraged to grow together.
What you'll learn
Like any outdoor activity, sea kayaking involves risks - but don’t worry, we’ll prepare you for them. In the course, we’ll teach you how to handle a capsize and perform a wet exit (it happens, even to the best of us!). From there, we’ll cover essential self-rescue techniques, and how you can help others and receive help in return. Safety is our top priority, and starting in a pool makes it easy for everyone to practice in a safe, controlled setting.
In addition to hands-on experience, you'll participate in classroom sessions to learn about gear (including how to stay dry and warm in the chilly Puget Sound), water movement, tides, and currents - and how they all play a role in trip planning. We’ll teach you efficient forward strokes, helping you glide smoothly through the water and navigate waves with ease.
With plenty of practice, you'll gain the confidence you need to join us on student paddles and eventually Mountaineers trips, all while building a strong foundation for sea kayaking.
How to Register
The Basic Sea Kayaking course is offered this spring through our Everett, Olympia, Seattle, and Tacoma Branches. Courses are led by experienced trip leaders with support from The Mountaineers paddling community. We’re dedicated to providing ample support for each student. Your success enhances our community - we're all cheering for you!
