Foundation Training

SAFE AND ENJOYABLE SEA KAYAKING

Sign up for sea kayak foundation skills classes. Make your time on the water safe and enjoyable. All welcome from new to experienced paddlers. Hone your skills and learn new ones.
Rolling and Bracing sea kayak foundation skills from Blue Otter Outfitters
Paddling
Safe Kayaking Skills

Rolling and Bracing

$125. per person
2 person minimum, 4 person maximum

$200. per person
Private one-on-one coaching session

Class Details:
The duration of this class is approximately three hours. Classes begin at 10:00am or 1:00pm. When you book we will confirm the times and also send you a recommended list of things that you need. See available Training Dates in the tab below.

Call 360•488•4247

The “Holy Grail” of beginner kayakers is to learn how to complete the Eskimo Roll. There was a time when a roll was regarded as more of a party trick amongst kayakers in the Pacific Northwest. Now it is seen as the best primary self-rescue that a kayaker can possess. Whether you fully capsize or only partially flip over you can save yourself a lot of time, energy, and hassle by simply popping back to the surface with a few simple motions. Ok, we will admit that it is a pretty darned good party trick to impress your friends, but it is also something that you will be happy to learn how to do if you ever find yourself upside down in a kayak!

Prerequisites:
A working knowledge of basic paddling strokes will be helpful for you to succeed at rolling. Paddle blade awareness is something that you’ll want to have. Participants should be comfortable wet exiting and re-entering their kayaks, and having their heads under water. You need to be able to swim. We will be wearing life jackets at all times during the class but you will need to be able to swim through the water for short distances. Minimum age for participation is 16 years.

sea kayak foundation skills: Safety and Rescue Introduction Class in San Juan Islands, Washington
Paddling
Safe Kayaking Skills
Navigation and Leadership

Safety and Rescue

 

$199. per person
2 person minimum

Class Details:
The duration of this class is approximately six hours. Classes begin at 10:00am and usually finish up at 4:00pm. When you book we will confirm the times and also send you a recommended list of things that you need. See available Training Dates in the tab below.

Call 360•488•4247 to reserve a spot.

Whether you are new to the sport or brushing up on skills after an absence, in order to have the most fun in your kayak you will want to hone your basic kayak safety skills. This is true no matter whether you are kayaking on a calm lake, protected bays, or out on the Puget Sound. If you are paddling a recreational kayak then you will still want to take this basic kayak skills class. Our small class size will ensure individual attention and a personalized learning experience.

Capsizes happen, that is a fundamental truth of paddlesports. Learning how to safely exit your kayak is something that every responsible kayaker needs to learn how to do. Getting back inside of your boat is the next most important skill. This class will provide the necessary experience to help you feel comfortable if you find yourself underwater. Under the expert guidance of your coaches you’ll learn how to effectively return to the oxygen-rich environment, and back into the safety of your kayak.

Boat control is also a necessary skill for an enjoyable adventure on the water. This kayak class will teach you basic strokes to help you move efficiently through the water and how to avoid the aches and pains that develop from ineffective technique. 

Prerequisites:
No previous kayaking experience is needed to enjoy this fun-filled day of learning. Participants should be comfortable having their heads under water and should be able to swim. We will be wearing life jackets at all times during the class but you will need to be able to swim through the water for short distances. Minimum age for participation is 16 years. Families with teens younger than 16 years can sign up for a private class (4 person minimum).

If you are already comfortable with wet exits and rescues, and possess basic kayaking skills, then we recommend our Learning Adventure Level Two classes. These happen in more exposed waters with some moderate tidal currents and are great for intermediate level kayakers looking to take their skills to the next level. Call us if you have any questions.

sea kayak foundation skills: Maneuvering and Boat Handling Level One Kayak Skills
Paddling
Safe Kayaking Skills

Maneuvering and Boat Handling

 

$199. per person
2 person minimum

Class Details:
The duration of this class is approximately six hours. Classes begin at 10:00am and usually finish up at 4:00pm. When you book we will confirm the times and also send you a recommended list of things that you need. See available Training Dates in the tab below.

Call 360•488•4247 to reserve a spot.

Imagine how a baby first walks. Toddlers stumble and trip across a room, very unsteady, mostly off balanced, and not very efficient. We begin kayaking in similar fashion. Our balance is never quite right, we aren’t super comfortable, and our paddle strokes don’t seem to do what they should. It makes sense to move past this stage as quickly as we can!

Our Boat Handling class is just what you need to advance your kayaking skills quickly through the beginner level and into a place where paddling seems almost effortless. Your coaches are patient and well trained to observe your efforts in order to help you achieve the results that you are looking for. You will learn to use your body to affect changes to your boat’s shape in the water, and your paddle to complement this change.

Prerequisites:
Participants should be comfortable wet exiting and re-entering their kayaks, and having their heads under water. Basic understanding of paddling strokes will help you get the most out of this class. You need to be able to swim. We will be wearing life jackets at all times during the class but you will need to be able to swim through the water for short distances. Minimum age for participation is 16 years. Families with teens younger than 16 years can sign up for a private class (4 person minimum).

If you are already comfortable with wet exits and rescues, and possess basic kayaking skills, then we recommend our Intermediate level classes which happen in more exposed waters with some moderate tidal currents. Call us if you have any questions.