Essential Sea Kayak Skills - Lake Washington: Concrete Beach

Meet at 9 a.m. at Concrete Beach in Magnuson Park, at the Sail Sandpoint launch area.

Be geared up and ready to start at 9:30 a.m.  

For centuries before John McGregor and then Derek Hutchinson “invented” modern sea kayaking, the Arctic kayak hunters daily provided food and clothing, ensuring the continuation of a culture in conditions that would keep most of us indoors. The boats, tools and techniques from this paddling tradition, still kept alive in Modern Greenland, offer a different perspective on sea kayaking. We will cover all the standard issues – forward stroke, turning, support, etc., but using effective Inuit technique. Understand why many modern kayakers have adopted and prefer the skinny Greenland paddle. Learn about kayaking hunting. The clinic will be taught by Henry Romer, experienced traditional paddler. Bring a Greenland style paddle if you have one. Additional paddles will be available. We will break for lunch and be done by 4 PM. 

Basic competence in these on the water skills will boost your confidence to paddle competently on a variety of trips. Each clinic will focus on one area of skills. You can take all sessions, or as many as you feel you need. These are introductory clinics, but all levels are welcome. You must be a Basic Sea Kayak student or graduate, or have club equivalency status. 

Dates for the other clinics:

Forward Stroke                                                 2/4

Balance, Bracing, Moving Sideways          2/10

Rescues and Towing                                       2/17

Directional Control                                          3/9

Kayaking in Currents                                       3/17

Kayaking with a Greenland Paddle           2/24

(Kayaking in Wind and Waves was offered in Nov. 2023)