Basic Sea Kayaking Course - Everett - 2019

Sea Kayaking Course

Basic Sea Kayaking Course

Basic Sea Kayaking Course - Everett

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 Mountaineer Member and a graduate or continuing student of this course, or have received equivalency.

Course Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites, however, kayaking requires good physical condition, a positive mental attitude, a significant commitment of time and effort, and a compliment of kayaking gear.

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.  Although there is a "non-member" price option it makes more sense to 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 16, 2019, whichever comes first.

Graduation Requirements:

  • Attend all scheduled lectures (4).
  • Satisfactorily complete pool and open water sessions.
  • Satisfactorily complete two student paddles after last lecture and before September 30, 2020.
  • All requirements must be completed by September 30 of the course year.

Course Structure and Dates:

  • Lecture Dates:
  1. 4/4/19, Thursday
  2. 4/11/19, Thursday
  3. 4/18/19, Thursday
  4. 4/25/19, Thursday 

Lectures are from 6PM to 9PM at Snohomish PUD Office, 2320 California St. Everett, WA 98201

  • Pool Session is on Saturday, 4/6/19  from 4:30PM to 8:30PM at Forest Park Swim Center; 802 E. Mukilteo Boulevard, Everett,  WA 98203
  • Open Water Session is on Saturday, 4/20/19 from 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 4/27/19 or 4/28/19.  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.  Paddle launch site is Cornet Bay Boat Ramp (Part of Deception Pass State Park) with paddle planned to Skagit and Hope Islands

Attendance at all lectures, pool session, and open water session is required to complete the cours-, so please plan accordingly. There is no protocol for make-up sessions.

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

Badges you will earn:

Course Requirements

This course has no scheduled activities.

Additional badges needed to graduate

Completed

Roster
Required Equipment

Equipment Requirements and Costs: 

You must have access to a sea kayak (no sit-on-tops, white water, or lake play boats), paddle, spray skirt, dry suit, PFD, and assorted kayaking essentials.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE EQUIPEMENT, NOW DO NOT BUY IT BEFORE THE CLASS! Wait to learn what you need.

Most equipment can be rented.  You are not required to own a kayak or accessories prior to taking the course. The course fee includes equipment for the pool session.  Rental or purchase of equipment for the open water session and the student paddles is additional.  Costs and options will be explained in more detail at the first lecture. If you don't have your own equipment or access to acceptable equipment then you should plan on these general rental costs:

  • Boat, gear, and dry suit rental for Open Water Session:  Approximately $125.
  • Boat, gear, and dry suit rental for each Student Paddle:  Approximately $125 per paddle
  • Course fee covers boats, paddle, spray skirt, PFD, paddle float, and bilge pump for the Pool Session.
Course Materials
Name/Description
Minimum Boat Requirements for Sea Kayak Basic Course-Everett

Student Paddle Prep form

This form should be filled out prior to any student paddle you go on. This will help you remember what conditions are important to be aware of before going out on the water.

Basic Paddle Strokes Handout

Cold Water references

Sea Kayaking Trip Ratings

NOAA Marine Weather Seattle

Marine Zone Forecast for the northern and central Washington coastal and inland waters. Also provides a clickable map for more detailed area “pinpoint” forecasts but don’t forget the bigger picture in the zone for the overall region.

NOAA Current Predictions

Use this link to access NOAA current prediction charts and tables.

A Paddling Emergency Ditch Kit

article published on paddlinglight.com by Bryan Hansel

Navigation Bibliography and Links.pdf

A list of books and other resources useful to sea kayakers.

Before You Leave the Dock.pdf

Useful brochure with advice and guidance for boaters about what to do before getting underway, what to remember while underway, Puget Sound Marine Highway overview and related radio communications guidance, tips to keep you afloat, important information about Puget Sound characteristics, and Web sources of marine safety information.

VHF Radios and Safety 101 for Sea Kayakers

Case study on the importance of reliable communication options for sea kayakers.