Sea Kayaking Course
Basic Sea Kayaking Course
Basic Sea Kayaking Course - Tacoma
Contacts
- Sat, Apr 11, 2026 - Wed, Sep 30, 2026
- Committee: Tacoma Branch Sea Kayaking Program
- Members: $300.00 Guests: $400.00
- Availability: 30 (30 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This annual class is loaded with practical information, hands-on education, an introduction to kayak equipment, and an emphasis on paddling safety. Learn the basic paddling strokes, how to get back into your boat when you go over, basic trip planning & navigation, and how to recognize & avoid dangerous situations. No prior kayaking knowledge or experience is required to participate in the course.
Participants should be moderately physically fit. 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.
The course consists of one classroom session (April 11), one pool session (April 12), and two open water sessions (April 25/26). To graduate, students must attend all four of the above listed sessions and complete two club-sponsored student paddles of at least 7 nautical miles in length by September 30th.
When you register for the course, you will be automatically registered for the classroom, pool and the two open water sessions. You will have the opportunity later to register for the two student paddles.
The classroom session is held at the Tacoma Mountaineers, 2302 N. 30th St, Tacoma, WA 98403.
The pool session is held at the Olympic Aquatic Center, 7077 Stampede Blvd NW, Bremerton, WA 98311.
The open water sessions are both held at Harry Todd Park, 8928 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498.
Students must also complete the Low Impact Recreation Course (free and online) and a Marine Mammal Protection Quiz.
To register click on the blue "Apply" button to the right of this page and complete the Google form. When that has been received and reviewed you will be notified that you can sign up for the class. NOTE: YOU ARE NOT OFFICIALLY REGISTERED UNTIL THE REGISTRATION FORM IS RETURNED.
A course manual will be available under the COURSE MATERIALS TAB upon completed registration and payment.
Badges you will earn:
Basic Sea Kayaking Course
| Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom Session | |||
| Tacoma Program Center |
Sat, Apr 11, 2026
Registration opens Feb 1; Instructor registration open now
|
30
participants
41 instructors
|
|
| Pool Session | |||
| Olympic Aquatic Center Pool |
Sun, Apr 12, 2026
Registration opens Feb 1; Instructor registration open now
|
30
participants
9 instructors
|
|
| Open Water Session | |||
| American Lake |
Sat, Apr 25, 2026 -
Sun, Apr 26, 2026 Registration opens Feb 1; Instructor registration open now
|
30
participants
38 instructors
|
|
Boats and all related gear are provided at no extra cost for the pool session.
Additional costs: Students are required to provide OR rent SINGLE SEA KAYAKS and DRY SUITS for both open water sessions. Kayaks must be at least 14' long and have deck lines (non-bungee), foot rests and flotation at both ends. A spray skirt, paddle, coast guard-approved PFD, paddle float and pump are also required. The Olympic Outdoor Center in Port Gamble will provide rental packages for kayaks and gear at the open water sessions. The kayaks and gear are transported to the open water sessions for rental students.
For the two qualifying club-sponsored paddles, students will be responsible for providing their own gear and kayaks and for providing their own transportation to the trip put-in location. There will be at least 2 paddles scheduled that will be near or at rental locations.
Fees for kayak and related equipment rentals and acquisition will be conveyed at a later date.
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