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


The Class is Full and the standby list also as of 2/23/18

If you would like to be added to the standby list, you need to be available via phone and/or email when we make contact.  If it's the last weekend before class, you need to be able to get back to us within 15 minutes, otherwise we will move down the standby list until the spot/s are full.  Also, if you are selected from the standby list you need to be able to get all required gear together for the first day of class, please don't add yourself to the list unless you are capable of doing this.





If you are interest in learning to whitewater kayak, The Kayak Academy out of Issaquah have some great programs.


The Kayak Academy





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 late winter/early spring, with the hopes of having consistent water levels before the snow melts and the spring rains start. 
 
This class fills up every year (11 days last year) don't wait till the last minute to register.
Registration opens Jan 1st.  
 
 
 
2018 Schedule:
The class combines 8 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 - 2:30pm    River
4/14 (Sa)    2:30pm - 5:00pm    Pool
4/15  (Su)    10:00am - 4:30pm    River
4/21 (Sa)    2:30pm - 5:00pm    Pool (optional)
4/22 (Su)    10:00am - 4:30pm
   River
4/28 (Sa)    10:00am - 4:30pm    River - Graduation Paddle!
 
More Information:
 
Detailed information regarding the beginner course can be found in the Student Handbook
         2018 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; the main package includes: Kayak w/ rear float bags, PFD (personal floatation device), paddle, sprayskirt, helmet, drysuit, booties, & helmet liner cap for $250
          Kayak Academy Rental Packages
  • Required equipment below is needed by first day of course, use the email button below to connect with an instructor regarding equipment prior to buying something that may not work for this 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 will be allowed!!)
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 (strongly recommended) or Long-john Wetsuit/Drytop Combo 
X Booties 
X Paddling Gloves 
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
R Helmet Liner/Hat (for warmth)
X Socks (wool / synthetic)
n/a  X Wicking base layer (capilene, polypropylene, wool, fleece)
n/a  X Wicking insulation layer (capilene, polypropylene, wool, fleece)
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.
 
 
Please reach out to an instructor with any questions about the course, or before you buy a boat/gear to prepare for class. We've had too many students show up to class with boats and other gear that aren't good for a beginner...




When:
Saturday, April 7, 2018, 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM
Where:
Classroom near Tukwila Pool / Tukwila Pool
WA  
Additional Info:
Event Contact(s):
Chad Coker
Category:
WW Class
Registration is closed - Event is full
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.

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:
Filled
$300.00

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