Have you committed to doing the kayak leg of Ski to Sea or other “race” but never been in a kayak before, or you’ve done some kayaking but would like to know some techniques that would improve your performance and give you the required safety (self-rescue) knowledge? If so, this class is for you!
This 4 hour class covers the following topics:
1) Essential sea kayak anatomy, along with safe lifting and carrying
2) Life Jackets and Spray Skirts
3) Wet Exits (when wearing a spray skirt) and Self Rescue
4) Getting into and out of a kayak
5) Basic paddle strokes (forward, reverse, turning) with a goal of increasing efficiency and speed.
6) Learn the bow rudder for turns that don’t dramatically reduce speed around the buoys
7) What to expect in the race & race course strategies
Maximum class session size 4 students:
$100/student + 8.7% sales tax
Private instruction available:
$145 + 8,7% sales tax
SSKS will provide: sea kayaks, spray skirts, life jackets, paddles, pump, paddle float, wetsuit. See our “What to Bring to Class” page for additional information. Class(es) may be held either on Bellingham Bay or a local lake, if you have a preference please let us know.
SSKS regrets that we CANNOT loan or rent kayaks for these events, or for any use without the direct, on-water supervision of SSKS staff.