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 only annually in March, before the spring rains and the snow melts.
Sorry, the course is full at this time with a wait list. We post this class every year on Jan 1st.
We only run this class once a year, it is not for profit,
any income benefits our members and our community only!
2016 Schedule:
The class combines 7 sessions of classroom, pool, and lake/river instruction, held in the South Seattle area and nearby rivers
3/5 |
(Sa) |
11:00am - 5:00pm |
Classroom & Pool
|
3/6 |
(Su) |
10:00am - 2:00pm |
River |
3/12 |
(Sa) |
2:30pm - 5:00pm |
Pool |
3/13 |
(Su) |
10:00am - 4:00pm |
River |
3/19 |
(Sa) |
2:30pm - 5:00pm |
Pool (optional) |
3/20 |
(Su) |
10:00am - 4:00pm |
River
|
3/26 |
(Sa) |
10:00am - 4:00pm |
River - Graduation Paddle! |
More Information:
Cost:
$250
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; the main package includes: Kayak, PFD (personal floatation device), sprayskirt, float bags, helmet, paddle, drysuit, booties, & cap for $172
- 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 |
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 |
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.