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Fun and safe kayaking through trips, education, skill development, and conservation
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Beginner Whitewater Kayaking Course

Welcome to the Annual WKC Beginner Whitewater Kayaking Course!


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.  We teach this course annually in late winter/early spring, with the hopes of having consistent water levels before the snow melts and the spring rains start.

Read the FULL description below to decide if this course is for you.  Use the links to learn more about the class and what is expected of our students.
 
Last year this class filled in 22 hours!


Registration opens Jan 1st.  

 
 

STEPS FOR REGISTRATION:

1. Read the sections below labeled "2020 Schedule" & "Requirements" 
   
2. Still Interested?
  a.  Join the Washington Kayak Club at least a day BEFORE class registration opens.
       WKC membership is required.  The membership provides on-water trips and
       discounted pool sessions throughout the life of your membership.
       ($35 annual individual or $40 annual household membership)
  b.  When Registration opens, login with your membership information to register
        See "Tips for Registering" at bottom of this page
   
3.  Answer ALL questions during the registration process
   
4.  Pay the class fee online:  Class Cost: $300


What happens next?  You will receive confirmation or your registration. 
A WKC Instructor will contact you by email with the next steps.


 
2020 SCHEDULE:

The class combines 8 sessions of classroom, pool, and river instruction, held in the South Seattle area and nearby rivers.  Each session is a progression of skills, therefore participation in all sessions is required.
 
3/7  (Sa)    11:00am - 5:00pm
   Classroom & Pool
3/8 (Su)    10:00am - 2:30pm    River
3/14 (Sa)    3:00pm - 5:00pm    Pool (roll night)
3/15  (Su)    10:00am - 4:30pm    River
3/21 (Sa)    3:00pm - 5:00pm    Pool
3/22** (Su)    10:00am - 4:30pm
   River
3/28** (Sa)    10:00am - 4:30pm    River - Graduation Paddle!
 

** NOTE: IN the event of high-water, River 3 and River 4 may occur the same weekend (3/28 & 3/29)


REQUIREMENTS:

  • Read these sections of the students handbook (pages 1-6)
    • Introduction
    • Course Schedule
    • What to Expect
    • Equipment 

           2020 Student Handbook

  • Class communication is via EMAIL.  Students are expected to respond WHEN REQUESTED.  Failure to do so may lead to you being dropped from the class.
  • Have computer access for class materials including eBook, instructional PDF's, online videos & access this website to complete assigned homework.
  • Students need to be able to safely transport kayak/gear to all events (video - loading kayaks)
  • Have the REQUIRED equipment before the first day of the course, see "Gear Matrix" below
    • Supply your own equipment for the class
    • Rental options are available for students through Kayak Academy located in Issaquah 
    • Do not buy a kayak until you have talked to an instructor, feel free to contact us at any time, even before registration begins. The only whitewater kayak that will be allowed in class are downriver/creek style boats https://www.nrs.com/kayaks/kayak_terminology.asp
           Gear Matrix      
      
           Kayak Academy Rental Packages
  • Review the course schedule to ensure you can attend all sessions.  This course is a significant time commitment and each session is a progression of skills, therefore participation in ALL SESSIONS is required.  Arriving late or missing a session will impact your ability to continue with the course.
  • Good physical conditioning is recommended for your safety in completing the on-water days.
  • Meet the WKC Essential Criteria outlined below.
 
  
The WKC is all volunteer and non-profit, any income benefits our members and our community.
  
 
Use the email button below to connect with an instructor regarding equipment prior to buying something that may not work for this course.  The instructor can also answer any questions about the course.  We've had too many students show up to class with kayaks and other gear that are not good for a beginner...

Email Instructor 



Tip for Registering:
To expedite the process of registering for the class, it is recommended you join the club prior to the day registration opens, be sure to login as a member and you will then have access to the "register now" button needed for registering.  If you are part of a "household" membership with the club (1 or more members from the same house), you each need to have your own login and password, getting this taken care of in advance is really helpful.  If you have any questions, please contact the membership chair 





When:
Sunday, March 8, 2020, 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM
Where:
Sammamish River; Kenmore Boat Launch
17150 68th Ave NE
Kenmore, WA  
Additional Info:
Event Contact(s):
Jon Almquist
 
Shanna Gachen
Category:
WW Class
Registration is required
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Cancellation Policy:
Once your course registration is confirmed, all fees are non-refundable. However, if we are able to fill your spot on the roster, from the waitlist, we will refund your course registration fees only, minus processing fees and eBook purchase.

Please note: The Washington Kayak Club and whitewater kayak instructors cannot be responsible for changes or cancellations made due to extreme weather or water conditions, which can impact class River Days. If an alternative location is not available, the River Day may be cancelled and efforts will be made to reschedule a River Day within a reasonable timeframe.
Capacity:
16
Available Slots:
16
No Fee

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