I saw this today, and BOY can I relate.  All I can say is that WE WILL be able to paddle together again!  Have faith!

The continuation of restrictions on “social distancing” forces us to not hold classes until, at least, after Memorial Day.  While the best available information shows the infection rate of COVID-19 is dropping in Washington State and in the Bellingham/Whatcom County area, prudence demands we stay the course and respect the science on how the virus is spread.  As I write this, Governor Inslee has begun relaxing work rules for some industries, though not for education.  PLEASE stay in touch through watching these blog posts and/or by emailing me at info@salishseakayakschool.com.  When there’s a better idea of when we can begin offering classes, a revised calendar will also be published.

Thank you!

Ted

2020 CALENDAR POSTED

The schedule of classes through July, 2020 is now available.  Don’t forget that personalized scheduling is available if the existing calendar doesn’t meet your needs; and if you have a special event you’d like to plan, just let us know.  Looking forward to paddling with you this season, Ted.

Dolphins Isla San Francisco Neil Symington photo

Sunrise, Isla San Francisco

Choppy Seas

Self Rescue Practice on Lake Whatcom

Ted Paddling Sea of Cortez

Getting Ready to Load Kayaks Jami McMannes Photo

Isla Coyote Fishing Colony, View to Baja Mainland

Olympic Peninsula WA

Ted, Lake Whatcom

Although there aren’t any classes scheduled for the next few months (new calendar should be published in mid-to-late March), learning opportunities continue to exist. So, if you or someone you know, would like to get some instruction, please don’t hesitate to to get in touch.

This past year was a bit of a challenge, as I recuperated from my shoulder surgery. Classes went well and, actually, helped with strengthening the shoulder, and made me emphasize even more how important good paddling technique is for long-term AND immediate comfort and enjoyment of sea kayaking.

As is my want in the “off season,” I was able to spend a week paddling in the Sea of Cortez, around the waters surrounding Isla San Jose, northeast of La Paz. Air and water were very warm, and the paddling group and guides very congenial. Unfortunately, due to an abnormally wet summer, the biting bugs were out in force; and we all got pretty chewed up. It was good the bugs didn’t follow us when on the water, and the longest crossing (3+ miles) saw dead calm seas.

Highlights of the trip included a half hour watching a pod of over 25 bottle nosed dolphins (think “Flipper”) frolicking nearby: leaping into the air, lob-tailing, spy hopping, and chattering away; paddling lazily through a mangrove forest; visiting an isolated, island fishing colony; and terrific scenery.

Thanks for reading, and Happy Paddling!

Ted

We’re in the height of summer now, and the water in Lake Whatcom is warm, making it comfortable for wet exit and rescues training.  Space is still available in all classes, but please NOTE the Essentials of Sea Kayaking class originally scheduled to begin on August 25th has been pushed back a week and will now start on September 1st at 1 pm, with sessions 2 & 3 following on the 8th and 15th.  As space is limited, in order to give every student the maximum of personal attention, please register as soon as possible!  Many weekdays are available from now until the end of the season for those wishing to have classes during the week.  Please contact via info@salishseakayakschool.com for more information.

Some minor changes to the late July schedule of classes have been made, AND the list of classes for August through October are now available on the Calendar.  Don’t forget that Custom Scheduling can usually be arranged if the published dates and times don’t work for your schedule!  It’s always best to sign up soon, as SSKS limits class sizes so everyone gets maximum attention from the instructor.

There are two evening Taste of Sea Kayaking events coming up in the very near future, and both have space available.  The first is Friday, June 14th, starting at 5:30 pm and finishing around 8:30 pm.  The second is Father’s Day (hint: a great gift idea!), June 16th, starting at 6 pm and over by 9:00 pm.  Evening paddles on Lake Whatcom are a wonderful way to have some fun, while experiencing paddling a sea kayak in typically calm waters.  Absolutely NO experience necessary!  After all, this event is designed for “never evers” to try out a sea kayak to see if it’s something you’d like to explore further.  More details and registration are elsewhere on the website, and if you have any questions, just drop a note to info@salishseakayakschool.com or call 888-858-8411.

More Taste events may be found on the class calendar.

CLASS ROOM OBSERVERS

The 2019 teaching season for SSKS is now underway, with scheduled classes available on the Calendar.  Of course, custom scheduling, as well as content, can be arranged.  Don’t forget that unique service available from SSKS!

A frequent question is “why do you teach ‘sea kayaking’ on a lake instead of on the bay?”  Since SSKS specializes in beginner and intermediate skills development, Lake Whatcom has a number of advantages.  First, the lake doesn’t have currents that make kayaking more difficult for beginners.  There’s also the fact that the lake water gets considerably warmer than Bellingham Bay, which makes wet exit and rescue sessions more comfortable.  The area of the lake where most sessions are held is generally sheltered from the wind and less subject to rough water, conditions that increase stress and make learning those all-important basics harder.  As well, our teaching area has MUCH less motorboat traffic in the immediate vicinity.

For the multi-session Essentials of Sea Kayaking course, students are offered the option, after the first class, to take the remainder of the sessions on salt water (subject to favorable tide and current conditions).  More advanced classes and Fun Paddles generally are done at various salt water locations.

I’m pleased to announce that SSKS classes for 2019 will begin in mid-May, and the schedule for May through July is now available on the website. The class schedule for August into October will be posted in June.

Don’t forget that custom scheduling is available, so if you can’t make one of the regular dates, PLEASE let me know; and I’ll do everything possible to accommodate your needs! If you have a group of more than 4 people and wish to do a Taste of Sea Kayaking event, we can work with you. We’ve also added some more kayaks that fit smaller folks and can now have children as young as 10 participate, when accompanied by parents.

Looking forward to seeing you on the water this season! Ted