Basic Sea Kayaking Course

The Everett Chapter Sea Kayaking Committee invites you to its annual Basic Sea Kayaking Class. In order to participate in Mountaineer sponsored kayak trips, you must be a graduate or continuing student of this course or have received equivalency. While this class is for members only we'd love to have you as a Mountaineers member so join first then register for the course!

This is a once-a-year offering that will provide you with a thorough and safe introduction into the great world of sea kayaking.  Learn the basic paddling strokes, how to get back in if you end up out of your boat and in the water, trip planning, proper and necessary equipment, and important safety guidelines and procedures. On top of all of this you'll meet a great bunch of new friends that you'll enjoy paddling with during and after the class.

Course Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites, however, kayaking requires good physical condition, a positive mental attitude, a significant commitment of time and effort, and a compliment of kayaking gear.

Eligibility: The course is open to Mountaineer members, age 18 and over, or 16 years old when a parent or guardian is also taking the class.

Course Registration and Enrollment:  Enrollment opens October 31 , 2014 and is on a first-come basis.  Course is limited to 20 students.  Payment and enrollment process is through the Mountaineers HQ.  Join the Mountaineers and then sign up and pay for the course as a member.  Enrollment will close when the course fills or on March 18, 2015, whichever comes first.

Graduation Requirements:

• Attend all scheduled lectures.
• Satisfactorily complete pool and open water sessions.
• Satisfactorily complete two student paddles after last lecture and before September 30, 2016.
• Membership in Mountaineers.
• All requirements must be completed by September 30 of the course year (2015).

Course Structure and Dates:

• Lecture Dates are:  April 2, April 9, April 16, April 23, 2015.
• Lectures are from 6PM to 9PM in Everett, WA.  PUD Offices: 2320 California St, Everett, WA 98201
• Pool Session is April 12, 2015. Forest Park Pool-802 E. Mukilteo Boulevard Everett, WA  98203.  3PM to 7PM.
• Open Water Session is Saturday, April 18, 2016.  Location is Flowing Lake County Park- Snohomish and will run from 8AM to 5PM.
• Student paddles are available throughout the summer.  We will schedule your first student paddle opportunity for April 25 and April 26. Plan on one or the other of those dates, not both. These dates are not mandatory but we schedule them so you can get one of your two required student paddles completed while all the class experiences are fresh in your mind.  Please plan on participating on one of those dates if possible.  You'll find it convenient since there will be a coordinated effort for rental equipment, if you need it,  delivered to the paddle site.  Paddle site is TBD but we are considering a launch from Cornet Bay (Deception Pass State Park) and a paddle to and around Hope and Skagit islands.)

Attendance at all lectures, pool session, and open water session is required to complete the course, so please plan accordingly. There is no protocol for make-up sessions.

Questions? Call Bill Coady at 206-818-7845 (cell), 425-823-6514 (work) or email at coadybill@gmail.com