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.
Tides, Currents and Wind Basics
3 Evening Sessions OR One 6 Hour Session –
Learn how to work with tides, currents and wind to make smarter trip planning and paddling decisions. Prerequisite for ‘Marine Navigation’. Oct and Nov Classes Available
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.
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.
Kayaking Rolling Class
4 Sessions – Advanced Beginner to Advanced
Learn the combat (layback) roll to stay safer and build confidence in rough water in your kayak. And improve rescues. All Year
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.
Tug Surfing for Kayaks
3 Hours – Intermediate and Advanced
Find out when, where and how to surf epic half mile wakes from coastal tugs in Seattle. Private Class. Wed & Fridays
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. Private classes all year.
Kayak Downwinding
3 Hours – Intermediate and Advanced
Learn how surf your sea kayak in high wind conditions on Puget Sound. All year.
Kayak Freighter Wave Surfing Class
3 Hours – Intermediate and Advanced
Learn how to surf epic waves on Puget Sound on your sea or surf / ww kayak. Season Ends October
Covid-19 Notice – PLEASE READ..
SBP is open for individual and small group lessons (1-4 p capacity) people. Paddling is a naturally distanced activity and great for much exercise and fresh air.
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 Books – Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Surf and Rivers and Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips, both from Mountaineers Books.