Basic Sea Kayaking Course

The Everett Chapter Sea Kayaking Committee invites you to its Basic Sea Kayaking Class. This is a once-a-year offering that will provide you with a thorough and safe introduction into the great world of sea kayaking.  Learn the basic paddling strokes, how to get back in if you end up out of your boat and in the water, trip planning, proper and necessary equipment, and important safety guidelines and procedures. On top of all of this you'll meet a great bunch of new friends that you'll enjoy paddling with during and after the class.

To participate in Mountaineer-sponsored kayak trips, you must be a graduate or continuing student of this course or have received equivalency. While this class is for members only we'd love to have you as a Mountaineers member so join first then register for the course!

Course Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites, however, kayaking requires good physical condition including both coordination and decent amount of upper and lower body strength,  a positive mental attitude, a significant commitment of time and effort, and a compliment of kayaking gear.

Kayaking is a physical sport.  We will be teaching you how to get out of and back into a kayak in the water.  You will potentially be paddling for several hours at a time.  Techniques are taught that make these things easier and not totally dependent on physical strength but you will need to be able to lift/kick yourself out of the water onto the deck of your kayak.  You will need to be able to pull your paddling partner's kayak up onto the deck of your kayak during the process of completing an assisted rescue.  We are not trying to make this sound more challenging than it is but at the same time it is important for you to understand that you will be physically challenged.  If you would like to discuss this in more detail please call Bill Coady (541-880-8222) to discuss.

Eligibility: The course is open to Mountaineer members, age 18 and over, or 16 years old when a parent or guardian is also taking the class.

Course Registration and Enrollment: Course is limited to 20 students on a first-come, first-serve basis. Payment and enrollment process is through the Mountaineers Program Center or website.  Join the Mountaineers and then sign up and pay for the course as a member.  Enrollment will close when the course fills or on March 10, 2018, whichever comes first.

Cost:  Cost of the course is $225 plus your Mountaineer Membership.  Please see Required Equipment Tab for more information on overall course expenses.

Graduation Requirements:

• Attend all scheduled lectures.
• Satisfactorily complete pool and open water sessions.
• Satisfactorily complete two student paddles after last lecture and before September 30 of the course year.
• Membership in Mountaineers.
• All requirements must be completed by September 30 of the course year.

Course Structure and Dates:

• Lecture Dates are: Thursdays:  April 5, 12, 19, and 26.
  • 6PM to 9PM -  PUD Office-2320 California St. Everett, WA 98201
• Pool Session is on Saturday April 7 
  • 4PM to 8PM Swim Center at Forest Park-802 East Mukilteo Blvd., Everett, WA 98203
• Open Water Session is on Saturday, April 21. 
  • 8AM to 5PM at Flowing Lake County Park-17900 48th St. SE, Snohomish, WA 98290

• Student paddles are available throughout the summer.  We will schedule your first student paddle opportunity for the weekend of 4/28-29.  Plan on one or the other of those dates, not both. These dates are not mandatory but we schedule them so you can get one of your two required student paddles completed while all the class experiences are fresh in your mind.  Please plan on participating on one of those dates if possible.  You'll find it convenient since there will be a coordinated effort for rental equipment, if you need it,  delivered to the paddle site.  This paddle begins at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park and paddles east into Skagit Bay stopping at Skagit and Hope Islands.

Attendance at all lectures, pool session, and open water session (plus two student paddles) is required to complete the course, so please plan accordingly. There is no protocol for make-up sessions for the lectures, pool, or open water session.

Questions? Call Bill Coady at 541-880-8222 (cell) or email at billcoady@outlook.com