help_outline Skip to main content
Add Me To Your Mailing List
  Washington Kayak Club
Fun and safe kayaking through trips, education, skill development, and conservation

News / Articles

2018 Beginner Whitewater Course Opens Jan 1st

If you have been wanting to learn how to Whitewater Kayak, this course is for you!  
The course is designed for the person with no prior boating experience.  You will learn basic paddle and bracing strokes, how to roll a kayak, river hydrology, and safety, all in a relaxed and friendly environment from certified kayak instructors.
We teach this course annually in March, before the spring rains and the snow melts. 
 
This class fills up every year, don't wait till the last minute to register. 
Registration opens Jan 1st.  

REGISTER HERE!
 
 
2018 Schedule:
The class combines 7 sessions of classroom, pool, and river instruction, held in the South Seattle area and nearby rivers
4/7 (Sa) 11:00am - 5:00pm
Classroom & Pool
4/8 (Su) 10:00am - 2:00pm River
4/14 (Sa) 2:30pm - 5:00pm Pool
4/15 (Su) 10:00am - 4:00pm River
4/21 (Sa) 2:30pm - 5:00pm Pool (optional)
4/22 (Su) 10:00am - 4:00pm
River
4/28 (Sa) 10:00am - 4:00pm River - Graduation Paddle!
 
More Information:
Detailed information regarding the beginner course can be found in the Student Handbook  
 
Cost:
$300
WKC (Washington Kayak Club) membership is required; WKC membership provides on-water trips and discounted pool sessions throughout the life of your membership ($35 annual individual or $40 annual household membership)
 
Requirements:
  • Students need to be able to safely transport kayak/gear to all events.
  • Students need to supply their own equipment. Rental options are available for students through Kayak Academy located in Issaquah.  Different packages are available (e.g. whole package includes: Kayak with float bags, PFD (personal floatation device), paddle, sprayskirt, helmet & liner, drysuit, booties for $250)
          Kayak Academy Rental Packages
  • Required equipment below is needed by first day of course
  • The course is a significant time commitment and participation in all sessions are required to continue in the course unless otherwise posted.
  • Access to the internet for PDF reading assignments and online video viewing.
  • Meet the WKC Essential Criteria outlined below
          
               
Gear Matrix:
( X ) Required Equipment - needed by first weekend of course
( R ) Recommended ( O ) Optional ( n/a ) Not Applicable
Pool River
Kayak Equipment
X X Whitewater Hard-Shell Kayak (creek/downriver style kayak only - no play boats)
X X
Float bags for back of kayak (front also if long)
O X Whitewater Style Helmet
X X Whitewater Paddle
X X Whitewater Sprayskirt (needs to fit your kayak)
X X Whitewater PFD (personal floatation device)
n/a X Drysuit or Long-john Wetsuit/Drytop Combo (drysuit strongly recommended)
O X Booties
O X Paddling Gloves
O O Nose Plugs
Pool River Misc Equipment
n/a X Waterproof bag (needs to attach inside boat, holds lunch)
n/a X Discover Pass ($10 per river day, $30 annual pass)
Pool River Clothing
O R Helmet Liner/Hat (for warmth)
O X Socks (wool / synthetic)
n/a X Wicking base layer (capilene, polypropylene, wool, fleece)
n/a X Wicking insulation layer (capilene, polypropylene, wool, fleece)
X n/a Pool wear (ideas include: swimsuit, shorts, wicking top, neoprene, rash guard, booties)
 
The WKC is all volunteer and non-profit, any income benefits our members and our community.
 

WKC Calendar

  
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events