Field trip: Basic Sea Kayaking Course
Open Water Session - American Lake
Two days of on the water activities, learning basic kayak skills. Wet exits, rescues, and basic paddle strokes will be covered. Prepare to spend much of the day in the water.
Contacts
- Sat, Apr 25, 2026 — Sun, Apr 26, 2026
- Tacoma Branch Sea Kayaking Program
- Sea Kayaking
- Adults
- Sea Kayak II
- Easy
- 30 (30 capacity)
- 48 (50 capacity)
- Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 5:00 AM
- Mon, Mar 30, 2026 at 11:30 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
The instruction will be in a protected, yet open water setting in small groups, providing ample time and guidance to practice wet exits and rescues, and basic paddle strokes. The first day we'll stick close to shore. The second day we will venture out around American Lake in small groups to work on various skills and enjoy the water!
Harry Todd Park at American Lake. 8am to 4pm both days, including time to put away boats and gear at the end of the day. Location subject to change based on weather conditions for safety.
Required Equipment
Sea Kayak, paddle, PFD, spray skirt, pump, and dry suit as a minimum. Neoprene cap is recommended for practicing rescues. Discuss other requirements with the instructor.
You will need to bring packable lunches and snacks for both days as well as water.
A dry bag is needed for anything you need to bring with you in the boat. If you don’t have a dry bag the beach master can hold your keys while you are on the water.
Bring spare clothes for under the dry suit in case you have an accident and warm clothing to wear home. These can stay in your car.
If you wear glasses or sunglasses you will need retaining straps that float the glasses.