Basic Sea Kayaking Course

The course provides a basic introduction to Sea Kayaking and graduation from the course permits members to sign up for Mountaineer Sea Kayak trips with any Branch. No prior knowledge or experience is required. All instruction will be in single sea kayaks. If you do not own a kayak, rentals will be available. The course will be limited to 10 people. Please note the dates carefully and confirm that your schedule will permit you to attend all the sessions. There will likely be no opportunity to make up missed sessions. Missing a session may prevent you from continuing with the class due to safety considerations and will prevent you from graduation.

Sea kayaking, and the course, involve a level of strength, flexibility and endurance possessed by most physically active individuals. Examples of this would mean the ability to lift 25 lbs over your head, walk briskly for one hour, lift yourself to the side of the pool without using a ladder, and have the flexibility to sit upright with legs on the floor straight in front of you. Successful completion and enjoyment of the course is reliant on this minimal level of fitness.  In addition, you must be relatively comfortable in the water as many of the course activities involve getting in and out of the kayak in deep water.

Kayaks must be at least 14 feet long and have deck lines, footrests and flotation at both ends. Required gear needed is a spray skirt, paddle, coast guard class 3 -approved life jacket (PFD), paddle float and pump.

For students who do not own or have access to a kayak and required equipment, we have access to equipment from Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation for the on-the-water sessions.  You may also have other expenses for appropriate clothing and equipment.