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Learn to Tour in Kayaks
Experience the quiet tranquility, beauty and sea life of Puget Sound with your friends & family - from the quiet waters south of Blake Island State Park, to the mild currents at Hope & Skagit Islands, to the rushing waters of Deception Pass. Enjoy the sights, sounds & pure joy of kayak touring - experiences you can find no other way.
Cascade's schedule is designed for maximum learning utilizing the latest in learning theory - classes are close together to allow good retention of learned skills, yet fairly short to keep you from getting so tired you can no longer learn or enjoy paddling. Classes are small to minimize environmental impacts and so you receive your instructor's personal attention. Our sea kayak series is a carefully planned progression of skill and "boating sense" learning. From one small step to the next, you will progress to the level you wish to achieve. Our 4-part series (Learn to Sea Kayak 1, 2, 3 and Coastal Navigation) allows you to choose your own level, or register for all four at the same time and save $75!
·Get Started Kayaking
·Learn to Sea Kayak 1: The Foundation of Kayak Touring
·Navigation, Boating Safety & Trip Planning
·Learn to Sea Kayak 2: Kayak Touring in Moderate Current
·Learn to Camp From Your Sea Kayak
·Kayak Forward Stroke Development Clinic
·Learn to Sea Kayak Eskimo Roll
·Learn to Sea Kayak 3: Kayak Touring in Strong Current
·Learn to Sea Kayak Ocean & Surf Zone
·Comprehensive Learn to Sea Kayak
·Sea Kayak Instructor Development Workshop - ACA (IDW)
·Sea Kayak Instructor Certification Exam - ACA (ICE)
Get Started Kayaking
Join us for a pleasant evening to learn JUST THE BASICS - general safety, equipment, move forward, backward, sideways and recover from a capsize. Paddling skills are greatly simplified to get you going quickly. Learn basic skills at one of our Centers, go for a short paddle with your expert instructor, and learn to reenter your kayak from the water with the help of your instructor. If your interest is day paddling on protected waters and quiet lakes, this is a great way to get started! All lessons are taught in single kayaks.
| Prerequisite: | Swim 50 yards |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Class Size: | 3-10 |
| Cost: | $49 + $10 kayak and equipment rental (plus tax). Using your own boat must be approved by instructor. |
| Schedule: | Tuesday evenings 6:00-9:00
Cedar River Boathouse, Renton
May 20, Jun 24, Jul 3, Jul 22, Aug 12, Sep 9
Enatai Beach Boathouse, Bellevue
Jun 10, Jul 8, Jul 15, July 29, Aug 5, Aug 26
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Learn to Sea Kayak 1 - The Foundation of Kayak Touring
In this beginning course you will learn how to have fun and be safe on lakes and protected waters of Puget Sound - maneuvering strokes to take your kayak where you want to go, how to paddle with the wind and small waves, basic navigation, assisted rescue, crossings and paddling with a group. We are on the water every session - learn skills at a Center and practice them on a Puget Sound day trip. This is a great way to get started with kayak touring! Lessons are taught in single sea kayaks.
Our most popular class!
Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $45 (plus tax) for the entire class. Dry suit or wetsuit required – Dry suit rental $18 (plus tax). Using your own boat – must be approved by instructor.
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Class Size: | 3-9 |
| Cost: | $187 (plus tax). Includes instruction, trip transportation and ferry toll. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $45 for the entire class. Dry suit or wetsuit required - Dry suit rental $18. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Schedule: | Spring & Summer
Monday & Wednesday evenings 6:00-8:30 and the following Saturday day trip 8:00-5:00
Cedar River Boathouse, Renton
[Mar 10, 12, 15], [Mar 24, 26, 29], [Apr 7, 9, 12], [Apr 21, 23, 26], [May 5, 7, 10], [Jun 2, 4, 7], [Jun 9, 11, 14], [Jun 16, 18, 21], [Jul 21, 23, 26], [Jul 28, 30, Aug 2], [Aug 11, 13, 16]
Enatai Beach Boathouse, Bellevue
[Jul 7, 9, 12], [Aug 4, 6, 9]
Fall Schedule
Saturday morning 8:00-11:00 and the following Saturday day trip 8:00-5:00
Cedar River Boathouse, Renton [Sep 27, Oct 4]
Enatai Beach Boathouse, Bellevue [Sep 9, 13]
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Coastal Navigation, Boating Safety & Trip Planning
Add a new and important dimension to your kayak touring with our Navigation course. This is one of our few programs with classroom sessions, filled with hands-on projects and exercises. You will work with charts, a plotter, a divider, a parallel ruler and a compass. At your worktable, you will have lots of opportunity to practice exercises and real world problems. The skills are broken down into easily mastered steps. We will finish the class by planning and taking a day trip to practice your new skills! It's fun and rewarding! "I couldn't imagine going sea kayaking without first taking this class," said an excited student.
- Kayak Safety
- Boating Rules
- Compass
- Charts
- Aids to Navigation
- Determining Distance
- Finding a Position
- Weather
- Plotting & Following a Course
- Speed-Time-Distance
- Current & Wind Adjustments
- Radio & Communications
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, Learn to Sea Kayak 1, or equivalent and instructor permission |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Class Size: | 3-10 |
| Cost: | $179 (plus tax). Includes instruction, and trip transportation. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $20 for the trip. Dry suit or wetsuit required - Dry suit rental $10. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Schedule: | 3 classroom sessions on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:00 and a Saturday day trip 8:00-6:00 Boathouse [Aug 18, 19, 20, Trip 23] |
| Locations: |
Renton
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Learn to Sea Kayak 2 - Paddling in Moderate Current
You can greatly add to the wonderful places you can visit by learning to paddle in current - very common conditions in Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. Develop your paddling efficiency in more challenging conditions - a carefully measured and planned step up from Level 1. You will learn to turn into, out of, cross and paddle with moderately flowing currents. Take your skills to a higher level and learn a self-rescue. We have lots of fun and visit two beautiful islands in Skagit Bay! Lessons are taught in single sea kayaks.
Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $45 (plus tax) for the entire class. Dry suit or wetsuit required – Dry suit rental $18 (plus tax). Using your own boat – must be approved by instructor.
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards , Learn to Sea Kayak 1 completed in a single sea kayak, or equivalent & instructor permission |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Class Size: | 3-9 |
| Cost: | $179 (plus tax). Includes instruction, and trip transportation. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $45 for the entire class. Dry suit or wetsuit required - Dry suit rental $18. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Schedule: | A Friday evening 6:00-9:00, and the following Sunday day trip 8:00-5:00 [Jun 6, 8], [Jul 11, 13], [Aug 15, 17] |
| Locations: |
Renton Boathouse
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Learn to Camp from Your Sea Kayak
When you camp from you kayak you are able to venture further a field and expand the horizons of your paddling experience. Watch spectacular sunsets from your beachfront campsite, savor the marvelous flavors of camp cooking and learn to sea kayak camp in comfort and ease. In our class we will begin with one classroom session This is a hands on class where you learn about great kayak camping equipment, how to pack your kayak, how to paddle a loaded kayak, how to set up camp and be comfortable. Then we'll head out to the San Juan Islands for your practical instruction. You'll have hands on instruction on setting up camp, securing your equipment, wilderness meal preparation and have a wonderful 3-day, 2 night trip!
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, Learn to Sea Kayak 2 or equivalent with instructor's permission |
| Ages: | 11 & older. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult |
| Cost: | $349 includes instruction and transportation. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $65. Dry suit or wetsuit required - Dry suit rental $25. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Class Size: | 3-9 |
| Schedule: | Tu, Jul 1 6:00 - 8:00, Trip We-Fr Jul 2-4 |
| Locations: |
Renton Boathouse
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Kayak Forward Stroke Development Clinic
Efficient paddling techniques about maximizing distance traveled with each stroke. In this course, we combine on-the-water stroke analysis with off-the-water discussions of technique principles and video analysis or your technique. You will learn about kayak forward stroke development principles and steps you can take to develop your technical efficiency from a world leader in paddlesport education. Dan Henderson, co-author of the International Canoe Federation Coaching Manual, the world and Olympic canoe/kayak governing body, will outline the primary themes of technical development, and detail aspects you can adopt in your paddling style to make your kayak travel further and with less effort each stroke. Dan is also working towards his Master's Degree in Exercise Science where he is conduction a biomechanical analysis of the kayak forward stroke. This course is not necessarily about paddling faster, but more efficiently and is appropriate for recreational as well as competitive kayakers.
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, Learn to Sea Kayak 2 or equivalent with instructor's permission |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Cost: | $95 includes instruction. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $25. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Class Size: | 4-9 |
| Schedule: | Sa, Jul 21 & Su Jul 22, Noon-4:00
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| Locations: | Renton Boathouse |
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Learn to Sea Kayak Eskimo Roll
The Eskimo Roll is by far the most effective recovery from a capsize. Cascade takes the mystique out of this simple yet effective recovery and breaks the skill down into easily learned components. You will learn an effective and usable roll on which you can rely. You will have the personal attention of a highly qualified instructor as we keep the student to instructor ratio very small. In the spirit of guiding your learning through all the steps, you start in the pool, then a session on Lake Washington, and finish with a trip to the Sound for continued skill development in moderate current.
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, Learn to Sea Kayak 2 or equivalent with instructor's permission |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Cost: | $165 includes instruction, pool and some transportation. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $45. Dry suit or wetsuit required on the Lake and Sound - Dry suit rental $18. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Class Size: | 4-10 |
| Schedule: | Please call the shop at 425-430-0111 for a schedule of classes.
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| Locations: | Pool, Renton Boathouse |
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Learn to Sea Kayak 3 - Paddling in Strong Current
By now you know how much fun learning to kayak tour with Cascade can be and it's time to take your next step - learning to maneuver your kayak and play in fast-moving tidal currents and developing your rescue, safety and paddling skills. Also, take your technical efficiency to a higher level & develop rescue skills. We will explore a new paddling destination with spectacular scenery! Lessons are taught in single sea kayaks.
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, Learn to Sea Kayak 2 completed in single sea kayak or equivalent and instructor permission |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Cost: | $179 (plus tax). Includes instruction, and trip transportation. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $45 for the entire class. Dry suit or wetsuit required - Dry suit rental $18. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Class Size: | 3-9 |
| Schedule: | A Friday evening 6:00-9:00, and the following Sunday day trip 8:00-5:00. [Jul 25, 27], [Aug 22, 24]] |
| Locations: |
Renton Boathouse
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Learn to Sea Kayak Ocean & Surf Zone
SURF'S UP! Take your skills to the ocean for more adventures! Learn to launch and land from the beach, play in the waves and gear up for these conditions. As will all Cascade's programs, skills are broken down into easily learned components so you ran master them readily. We're not building rockets here and this is really fun stuff!
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, Learn to Sea Kayak 3 or equivalent with instructor's permission, Eskimo roll recommended |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Cost: | $165 includes instruction. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $45. Dry suit or wetsuit required on the Lake and Sound - Dry suit rental $18. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Class Size: | 4-10 |
| Schedule: | Please contact for more details.
Renton Boathouse |
| Locations: |
Pool, Renton Boathouse
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Comprehensive Learn to Sea Kayak
The whole shebang! From Level 1 through 3, an Eskimo roll session in the pool to surf zone at the beach; this great class is a concentrated and comprehensive approach to kayak touring. You'll also have the opportunity to try a variety of kayaks and equipment to help with the selection of your purchase.
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, physical capability to paddle each day, six days in a row. |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Cost: | $541 includes instruction, pool and some transportation. Paddling equipment rental (PFD, kayak, paddle, skirt, pump, float) $65. Dry suit or wetsuit required on the Lake and Sound - Dry suit rental $25. Using your own boat - must be approved by instructor. |
| Class Size: | 4-10 |
| Schedule: | Jul 14 - 19
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| Locations: |
Pool, Renton Boathouse
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Sea Kayak Instructor Development Workshop - ACA (IDW)
Learn the skills you'll need to master to become a sea kayak instructor. This comprehensive course will help you build your teaching skills, give you great ideas to help your future students learn more effectively and quickly and solidify your paddling skills.
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, Learn to Sea Kayak II or equivalent with instructor's permission |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Cost: | $295 includes instruction, pool and some transportation. Check regarding equipment rental. |
| Class Size: | 3-10 |
| Schedule: | Fri - Su, May 30 - Jun 1, 8:00 - 6:00
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| Locations: |
Renton Boathouse
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Sea Kayak Instructor Certification Exam - ACA (ICE)
After completing IDW, you can take the ICE course to complete your certification requirements.
| Prerequisite: | Ability to swim 50 yards, IDW |
| Ages: | 16 & older |
| Cost: | $245 includes instruction, pool and some transportation. Check regarding equipment rental |
| Class Size: | 3-10 |
| Schedule: | We - Fr, Jun 25 - 27, 8:00 - 6:00
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| Locations: |
Renton Boathouse
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