The WKC will be hosting our fourth annual Seattle-area BIPOC Paddling Skills Day on 09/07/24 and second-annual Community Float on 09/08/24 in partnership with Diversify Whitewater, a national nonprofit that works to share the beauty of paddling with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and Allies.

The goal of this event is to introduce the joy of paddling with people in the Seattle area who identify with traditionally under-represented communities, with the long-term aim of increasing representation and access to water sports recreation for all Seattle-area residents.

Participants will receive free gear rentals, paddling lessons, lunch, and tickets for a raffle of paddling-related prizes donated by local area outfitters and instructors as well as heart companies. Up to eight lucky participants will receive a paddling education scholarship to continue their progression in the sport!

Our tentative event plan is outlined below:

Day 1, September 7th, 2024: Paddling Skills Day at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, WA. Participants will take free lessons in kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddling (SUP), and rafting on calm water. Two sessions will be offered, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Schedule:
8:30am - Morning session begins
12:00pm - Lunch and prize raffle for morning & afternoon participants
1:00pm - Afternoon session begins

Day 2, September 8th, 2024: Community downriver paddle (likely the Snoqualmie River, based on safe river conditions at the time). Participants will review safety & paddling skills from Day 1, and then everyone will set off down a section of class I-II rapids, guided by experienced instructors. Participating in the lessons during Day 1 is encouraged, but not required.

Please visit our Facebook event page for up-to-date information and registration as it becomes available.