INSTRUCTION & CLASSES

Experiencing the Pacific Northwest from sea level connects you to the natural world and traditions of Puget Sound in a powerful way. Learning how to paddle, understand weather and tides, and plan trips is key to moving through this dynamic environment with confidence. At Whidbey Island Kayaking, our experienced instructors offer both online and in-person instruction in kayak skills, weather and tides, and trip planning, supporting a lifetime of safe exploration and discovery.

Weather, Tides & Currents
Online Clinic

$40/student
1.5 Hours ~ Location: Google Meet

Should you stay or should you go? Understand more about the dynamic environment you are paddling and how to interpret the data. Learn how to utilize multiple resources including your own physical observations and all the best phone apps. Those new to Whidbey also enjoy this class as a way of learning about the island’s weather peculiarities and when to safely walk its beaches.

Intro to Kayaking: The Basics
Class

The basics and a good foundation to build on!

This class teaches basic paddling skills for flat water including launching and simple manuevers, and fundamental safety considerations.

Starting at $135/student
3.5 Hour In-Person Class ~ Location: South Whidbey Harbor at Langley

Sea Kayaking I
Class

Key Sea Kayaking Skills

This class is for paddlers who want to build a solid foundation of skills so they can move from flat water paddling to tidal environments with light currents. We teach this class at a local lake so people can start developing their skills in a less dynamic setting. This class is also great for those who need a safety refresh. Bring your own kayak or rent a kayak and all necessary gear for $50 for the class. Wet suit or dry suit and other personal accessories are required, but not included in the rental (let us know if you need help sourcing any gear). This class is a prerequisite for our Sea Kayaking II and III classes.

Starting at $145/student
4 Hour In-Person Class ~ Location: Goss Lake Community Park

Sea Kayaking II
Class

Increased Boat Control and Efficient Paddling

This class is for paddlers who are looking to improve their boat control and confidence on the water. We help you refine your kayaking strokes and maneuvers by teaching key techniques and paddle strokes, plus how to integrate them, so you can paddle more comfortably and for longer distances. Because we encourage students to try new skills in a safe environment, capsizes are likely to occur. Therefore, self and assisted rescues are a pre-requisite for this class.

Starting at $145/student
3 Hour In-Person Class ~ Location: Goss Lake Community Park

Sea Kayaking III
Class

Dynamic Water Introduction

This class offers paddlers an opportunity to try their paddling skills in more variable conditions and with tidal currents. The goal is for paddlers to be comfortable with moving through current, and in and out of eddies. An alternate locations may be chosen to fit the skill level and goals of the students. Participants must have recently completed our Sea Kayaking I and II class OR can demonstrate that they have a rock solid self-rescue, can assist another paddler with re-entry and can comfortably maneuver their kayak. Students must wear immersion gear such as a drysuit or wetsuit.

Starting at $185/student
4 Hour In-Person Class ~ Location: Lagoon Point, Greenbank

Private Kayak Lessons

We love working with you one-on-one or in small groups. We’ve assisted people preparing for international paddle trips, helped others with their first self-rescues, and have taught families how to paddle together safely. With each request for private instruction, we strive to provide an environment best for your experience, your comfort and your goals. We have multiple instructors on our team, each with their own strengths and specialties. Drysuit or wetsuit highly recommended and can be rented. Please contact us directly to discuss and schedule a private lesson.

$450/2 Hours up to 4 people
Additional Hours or Students at $75/each

Trip Planning Service

Thinking of paddling around beautiful Whidbey Island without a guide? Are you bringing your own boat and gear or doing a long term rental? Looking for the key local knowledge of the tides, currents and weather of the Salish Sea?

Set up a one hour consultation with one of our team either online in advance of your trip or in-person once you arrive. We offer this professional trip planning service for organized groups with experience and practiced rescue skills who wish to lead their own tribe but who are not familiar with local conditions. Our rationale for offering this service is with safety in mind. We do not want to interfere with your confidence, but our waters are dynamic.