Kayaking Classes
Learn to Kayak - Level 1
2 Days – Beginner or Refresher
Learn about equipment, clothing, outfitting, launch/landing, stability, turns, wet-exit and self and 2 person rescue. All year.
Learn to Kayak - Level 2
2 Days – Advanced Beginner – Intermediate
Take your kayaking skills to the next level. Learn how to turn easier with edging, paddle faster, get more stable, build confidence with small waves and practice rescues. All year.
Rules of the Road for Paddlers with John Foster
1.5 Hrs – Pre-recorded webinar
This presentation focuses on how the rules apply to human powered craft (paddlers) and how to use your knowledge of the rules to keep yourself safe on the water. With Seattle maritime educator John Foster.
Kayaking Rescue Class
3 Hours – Beginning thru Adv
Learn self and group rescues by our patient ACA certified instructors. These skills will give you more confidence so you’ll have more fun. All year including Fall-Spring pool option.
Tides, Currents and Wind Basics
Seattle –
Learn how to work with tides, currents and wind to make smarter trip planning and paddling decisions. Prerequisite for ‘Marine Navigation’. Next Class: June 7 & 8 in Seattle
Learn to Kayak - Level 3 - Overnight Trip Training
2 Days, 1 Night – Intermediate and above
Two day overnight kayak touring trip where you’ll learn marine navigation, trip planning, tides/currents and more while exploring Puget Sound. June 8-9, 24-25 / July 9-10 with Robert Nissenbaum.
Kayaking Rolling Class
4 Sessions – Advanced Beginner +
Learn the combat (layback) roll to stay safer and build confidence in rough water in your kayak. And improve solo and assisted rescues. All Year & Winter Pool Option.
Kayak Freighter Wave Surfing Class
3 Hours – Intermediate and Advanced
Learn how to surf super fun waves on Puget Sound with your sea kayak. In Seattle. March – October
Tidal Rapids Kayaking Training at Deception Pass
4 Hours – Intermediate and Advanced
Learn how to kayak in tidal rapids, improve rough water skills and gain confidence in a spectacular location! Great training for the Deception Pass Challenge. Next Class: June 11
Kayak Surfing Class
2 Days – Intermediate & Advanced
Learn how to surf your sea kayak on the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington State. Private 2 day class. All year.
Greenland Kayaking Intro
3 Hrs – Intermediate & Advanced
Learn Greenland Kayaking from SBP coach Robert Nissenbaum. Using a ‘stick’ reduces shoulder stress while still giving you the power you need for speed and long trips. Private classes available all year.
Covid-19 Notice – PLEASE READ..
SBP follows current Covid guidance. All instructors are vaccinated.
WHERE TO START?
Open all year, we offer private beginning, intermediate and advanced kayaking lessons. My coaches are known for their patience and their love for sharing their passion for kayaking. Some are ACA certified.
Read about my coaches here. Use your gear or rent ours. I provide toasty winter gear such as full wetsuits, booties, life jackets, hoods and more.
Most classes are private or semi-private – meaning you and/or your friends and family. Classes are kept small (1-4 people) so you get the most personalized instruction possible.
Classes can be customized to your interests. Basic Kayaking classes will be taught in Seattle at the Ballard Elks beach but lakes can be an option upon request. Browse classes below.
HOW TO SIGN UP
- Contact me first about the class you’re interested in.
SKILL LEVELS
Beginning – You’re new to paddling and/or have limited experience.
Intermediate – You have at least a year of regular paddling in a variety of conditions, can paddle in small waves, wind and on boat wakes, can capsize, wet-exit and get back in on your own.
Advanced – You can comfortably paddle in large surf or downwind in high winds or paddle rivers and/or open water or swift current in most big conditions.
Check out my Paddling Book – Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips, from Mountaineers Books.