Instruction—Sea Kayaking
For more information or to register for any of the below classes call Sound Bikes & Kayaks at 360-457-1240.
Length: Half day
Cost: $60
Prerequisite: No experience required
Gear: See below
Location: Call
The Basic Skills class establishes the foundation that all paddlers need. On land we discuss paddling safely, equipment and local kayaking destinations for paddler skill levels. On the water, we introduce the basic paddle strokes needed to efficiently move a kayak through the water. Students in this class will practice basic boat handling skills, including an efficient forward stroke, turning strokes, reverse strokes, braces, and moving the boat laterally. We work on establishing your center of balance and relaxing in your kayak. We encourage practicing a wet exit and an assisted re-entry. This is a skill that every paddler must have!
You will need:
- Tennis shoes or river sandals with wool socks or wetsuit booties
- Sunglasses with retention device (i.e. Croakies, Chums, etc)
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Sun hat, rain hat, and/or fleece hat
- Synthetic top and bottom (thermal underwear, heavier wt. for cooler weather)
- Rain coat and rain pants
- Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit
- Water bottle (1 quart)
- Towel and change of clothes for ride home :
Optional Gear
- Camera with film, batteries and dry storage
- Binoculars
If you have any questions about what to bring please contact us. Sound Bikes & Kayaks has a full line of paddling equipment and accessories. Please remember to pack lightly and efficiently, but with comfort in mind.
Length: Two hour
Cost: $60
Prerequisite: Basic skills recommended.
Gear: Rental gear available
Location: Call
The Brace and Roll class is a no-brainer for the paddler who wants to learn how to prevent an unexpected tip-over. This class starts with a half-hour lecture followed by one-and-a-half hours on the water. Our progression aids the development of a bomb-proof brace. Students will learn the high brace, the low brace and the appropriate application of each.
For those whose goal it is to learn the Eskimo roll, this is the best place to build the foundation for a new roll or work the kinks out of an existing one. Our instructors will give visual demonstration followed by hands on assistance then stand-by aid while you demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge!
The Brace and Roll is a regularly scheduled class. Call 360-457-1240 to book your spot in the next class.
You will need:
- Retention device for your glasses (i.e. Croakies, Chums, etc)
- Synthetic top (thermal underwear)
- Wet suit or dry gear
- Towel and change of clothes for ride home
Optional Gear
- Nose plugs
- Swim goggles
If you have any questions about what to bring please contact Sound Bikes & Kayaks
Length: Half day
Cost: $120
Prerequisite: Basic skills recommended.
Gear: See below
Location: Call
Rescue and Recovery is an essential course for kayakers. It is a 6 hour course taught in calm water that builds the skills required to help a paddler rescue themselves or others should the need arise. A partial list of course content includes:
- Safe boat handling on and off water (carrying, car racking, etc.)
- Safety features of boats, clothing and equipment
- Discussion of water hazards in sheltered waters, estuaries
- Weather conditions and how it will affect you
- Towing and tow bag use
- Wet exits and re-entries
- Eskimo rescue
- Group awareness, signals and communication
- Basic emergency protocol, services and assistance, need for basic first aid.
You Will Need:
- Tennis shoes or river sandals with wool socks or wetsuit booties
- Sunglasses with retention device (i.e. Croakies, Chums, etc)
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Sun hat, rain hat, and/or fleece hat
- Synthetic top and bottom (thermal underwear, heavier wt. for cooler weather)
- Rain coat and rain pants
- Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit
- Water bottle (1 quart)
- Towel and change of clothes for ride home
Optional Gear
- Camera with film, batteries and dry storage
- Binoculars
If you have any questions about what to bring please contact Sound Bikes & Kayaks. Keeping comfort in mind, please remember to keep your gear packing efficient and light.
Length: Evening course, about 3 hours
Cost: $50
Prerequisite: No experience required.
Gear: All navigation tools are provided.
Location: Call
Navigation I introduces students to basic navigational skills necessary to safe kayaking. This course will cover nautical terms, basic navigational tools and use, chart and compass basics, plotting your course, and figuring latitude and longitude fixes. Navigational tools are provided.
This course is recommended for all paddlers that want to advance their skills from recreational to more open water exploration.
Call Sound Bikes & Kayaks at 360-457-1240 for scheduling information.
Length: Evening course, about 3 hours
Cost: $50
Prerequisite: Navigation I.
Gear: All navigation tools are provided.
Location: Call
Navigation II builds on the information learned in Navigation I and presents information that kayakers need to know for safety and trip planning. This course also covers what navigation tools kayakers should have with them at all times. Class will be taught on land and includes the following subjects: Tides and currents and prediction tools, Nautical travel rules ie., Rules of the Road, Weather and how it will affect you, and Trip planning and logistics. Also included in this course is group communication.
This class is recommended to all paddlers that want to advance their skills, and take full day and multi day trips.
Length: Full day (6 hours)
Cost: $125 (Adults only)
Prerequisite: Instructor approval required
Gear: All paddling gear provided, or bring your own
Location: Meet at Sound Bikes & Kayaks
This full day class introduces the skills and knowledge needed to paddle in wind strong enough to hinder progress and maneuverability. The class will be held in open water with wind up to 25 knots. You will discover how to surf wind waves and apply all of your skills in a windy environment. We will show how you can use the wind to help you, covering a variety of techniques for turning up wind, and down wind, and making use of a skeg or rudder to balance your direction in a cross or down-wind scenario. You will gain extensive experience paddling in head, side and following seas, and will have a lot of practice applying your self and assisted rescue skills in the kind of environment where they are likely to be needed. The class will also cover seamanship issues such as the effect of geographic features on wind, the effects of wind on sea state and the use of the Beaufort scale for describing and recognizing sea states.
Wind & Waves will be scheduled a couple of times during the summer and fall. Call to reserve your spot in the next class.