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| Classes and Events 2009 |
The Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center offers the following programs. Download the mail-in form at www.sailpaddlerow.org. You can also register by phone by calling BBCBC at 360-714-8891 or at the number listed with the class. If you prefer in-person registration, please come by our office next to the public boat launch in Fairhaven. We’re open May 1st Wednesdays through Sundays, 9:00 am until dusk. See you on the water! Go to Sea Kayak Courses Go to Rowing Courses Go to Sailing Courses Go to Youth Camps Go to the Elakah Natural History Kayak Tours (1-5 day San Juan Islands Trips by Kayak and Sail) To register for a class, please fill out and mail us the following registration form. PO Box 4272 Bellingham, WA 98227 To reserve an educational tour or instructional, please call (360) 714-8891 to reserve a spot.
Courses and Educational Excursions: Bioluminescence Paddle NEW! If you have never seen the bioluminescence that natrually occurs in the Salish Sea, then you are in for a treat. Join us on the darkest evenings of the summer to view the amazing "Tinkerbell" displays put on by tiny phytoplankton. You won't believe your eyes! Take a nap before you come as it needs to be good and dark to get the full effect. Limited to 12 participants. Cost: $45 Date: June 20, 21 July 18, 19 August 22, 23 Meeting Times: 9:00 pm - Midnight Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Sea Kayaking 101 Geared toward the never or hardly-ever kayaker, participants will travel with an instructor into protected waters of Bellingham Bay to see what sea kayaking is all about. We'll learn the parts and proper use of all of our kayak equipment. We'll discuss how to hold and use your paddle, and (very importantly) how to get into and out of your boat without getting your self wet or hurting the bottom of the boat. We'll spend significant time on the water learning proper basic stroke technique that will allow you to both go straight and to turn when you want. Cost: $65 Dates: Sunday Mornings Memorial Day to Labor Day Meeting Times: 9 am-12 noon Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Learn to Sea Kayak - Skill Series This 9 hour class prepares the beginning paddler to paddle safely on Bellingham Bay. The course content includes understanding hazards of cold-water paddling, clothing, equipment, paddle strokes, self and assisted rescue techniques, high and low brace strokes, and an introduction to navigation, tides, and currents. Cost: $180 (includes all three 3 hour evening classes) Dates: Tues., Wed., Thurs. evenings 6:00-9:00 pm (Starts May 12, 13, 14 and repeats every week until Sept. 29). Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Sea-Kayaking Wet Exit and Self-Rescue This session is taken from the “Learn to Kayak” class and is offered as a free-standing class for those who already know basic strokes and have some experience in a sea kayak. This is a basic and essential skill for all sea kayakers to master and is required by the Community Boating Center for kayakers wanting to kayak to Chuckanut Bay. Wetsuits are provided. For ages 13 and older. Cost: $65 (FREE in May in recognition of National Safe Boating Month) Date: Starts Sat. May 9, 9am–12pm (Repeats every Saturday until September 26) Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Sunset Natural History Paddles Enjoy the calm winds and beautiful sunsets on Bellingham Bay. This guided tour begins every Wednesday through Sunday night between Memorial Day and Labor Day at 6 pm with some education on the basics of sea kayaking and paddling, and then we will hit the water to view eagles, herons, seals, loons, and (weather permitting) a beautiful sunset. These new excursions will be priced normally at $55/person, NOW $45/person before June 1 for Elakah's 20th Anniversary.
Lummi Island Discover Day Trip Discover the most easily accessible and ruggedly beautiful of the islands in the San Juan archipelago. Experience extremely diverse flora and fauna including eagles, seals, nesting perigrine flacons (on700 ft cliffs!) and a good chance at cruising Orca whales. If you are a Bellinghamer, this is your opportunity to be amazed once again by the beauty in our own back yard. All trips include a gourmet lunch on Lummi Rocks (a Nature Conservancy owned island) boasting gourgeous views of Orcas, Clark, Barnes, Matia and Sucia Islands. No experience necessary. Appropriate for ages 9 and over. Cost: $110/adult, $80/child (9-12), NOW $88 and $64 before June 1 for Elakah's 20th Anniv! Dates: Saturday June 6, Sunday July 12, and Saturday July 25 Meeting Time: 9 am - 4 pm Location: The Willows Inn on Lummi Island.
Safe Sea-Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest: Seminar and Free Kayaking Attend a 2 hour seminar about sea-kayaking safety and paddle free with an instructor afterwards. The seminar focus on preparedness for paddling in a cold water environment, how to dress, safety and communications equipment, and a discussion of essential skills to paddle in the Northwest. Follow up with a free 2 hour paddle with an instructor who will demonstrate strokes and safety maneuvers. FREE but pre-registration is necessary. Cost: FREE! Dates: Saturdays on 5/16, 6/13, 7/11, 8/15 Meeting Times: 1:00 – 5:00 pm Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Sea-Kayaker and Wilderness First Aid Class This 16-hour nationally recognized course is designed to provide elementary skills in remote care with a focus on ocean-based hazards and scenarios. It will be taught by Remote Medical International. Register for this class by calling Remote Wilderness International at (800) 597-4911. Cost: $165. Dates: April 4 & 5 Location: Woodstock Farm
Adaptive and Beginner Paddling Workshop Sorry Cancelled Due to Permit Issues! We will reschedule soon. Here is your chance to try out the growing sport of sea kayaking in a safe, supportive, and fun day of paddling. The skilled guides of Elakah will spend the day out on the beach at Bloedel-Donovan Park Boat Launch on beautiful Lake Whatcom. On a first come, first served basis, you and your family can join us to discover the basics of sea kayaking, receive an assessment of specific adaptions that will allow you to kayak comfortably and safely. The intention of this afternoon is to provide the opportunity for all people, regardless of age, physical or mental ability, or economic means, to get the opportunity to see what it is like to paddle a sea kayak under your own control. All abilities are welcome. This workshop is free to all. Come early, as slots tend to fill up quickly. You can plan on getting a half hour of instruction and about a half hour out on the water. Plan on this activity taking 1-1.5 hours of time. See you there! Cost: Free!!! Dates: Sunday June 14 Meeting Times: 12noon - 5pm Location: Bloedel Donavan Park, Bellingham, WA
Essentials of Sea-Kayak Touring Instructor Certification Workshop (ACA Instructor Level II) This 30+ hours class taught by ACA-certified instructor- trainer Chris Mitchell will be taught over two weekends. Browse the ACA website for pre-requisites and course content www.americancanoe.org or call Chris at 360 778 3944. Cost: $400* Dates: 6/07, 08 (Sat, Sun ) Instructor Development Workshop 6/27,28 (Sat., Sun.) Instructor Certification Exam Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven * The Community Boating Center may reimburse all or part of the course fees in exchange for instructor volunteer hours. Please call 360-714-8891 for more information.
“Paddle Faster” Clinics This is your chance to become an efficient and powerful paddler through the tutelage of our local paddling gurus- Greg Dutton and Heather Nelson. All those questions you have about how to paddle like a pro... attend this workshop to find out. We cut down our instructor to student ratio to 1:4 so that you can have huge amounts of time and attention to become comfortable in the basics of the forward stroke, sea kayak safety, rescues, and advanced paddling techniques. Our instructors are ACA certified, and excited to bring the world of sea kayaking within reach of us all. This series of workshops is timed perfectly for the Ski to Sea and Bellingham Traverse races. So if you are interested in drastically improving your race time (or just figuring out how not to flail on the course), then you need to attend this 5 session series. All sea kayak equipment and instructors are provided. This series is intended for intermediate to advanced paddlers, ages 16 and over. Cost: $250 Date: Starts April 14, every Tuesday through May 5th, & May 9 Meeting Time: 5:30p -8pm on Tuesdays, and 8am-11:30pm on Satruday. Location: Lake Padden
Ski To Sea Paddler Rescue Class This course if focused on being safe while competing in the Ski to Sea Kayak leg of the race. We'll review and practice the wet exit and self rescue skills that every race participant should know before hitting the course. We'll also talk about the course structure and some basic paddling efficiency skills. Bring the boat you'll use to race in if possible. We will provide wetsuits and/or semi-dry suits to keep you "warm" while we practice. Limited to 8 students Cost: $75 Date: May 2, May 3, May 9, May 10 Meeting Times: 1:00-4:30 pm Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Interested in Longer Kayak Trips? Click here for the Elakah Program Multi-day Sea Kayak Trips and Mothership Trips.
Watch for the CBC to add courses soon in: Tides, Currents and Navigation Expeditions Preparation Greenland Paddle Construction
Beginning Open-Water Rowing Interested in sliding seat rowing for fitness or recreation on Bellingham Bay? Our classes are for the complete beginner to learn the basics of open-water rowing and enjoy a new sport on Bellingham Bay. Learn correct form and technique over 14 hours with a professional coach, gaining independence, skill and endurance as you go. Limited to 6 rowers. Float test required. Each session starts with a 4 hour (5-9 pm) clinic, then is followed every Wed and and Monday (6-8 pm) for an additional 10 hours of coached practice, for a total of 14 hrs. per session. Students are encouraged to join New Whatcom Rowing Club (NWRC) and start participating in their Tuesday night rows (Wet Tuesdays) during the session for additional rowing time.
Cost: $280 (includes boats and equipment if needed) Dates: Weekly Monday and Wednesday evenings
Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Watch for the CBC to add courses soon in: Wooden Spoon-blade Oar Construction Family Boatbuilding
Experience Sailing For the never – or hardly-ever sailors! Learn what sailing is all about and why we love it so. Leave the dock with an experienced sailor spend 3 hours learning terminology, understand the relationship between wind, water, and sail; get some sail trimming and tiller-handling time, and swap a few sea stories. “Experience Sailing” can also be scheduled for any group of 3 people who want to learn together. Great family activity. Cost: $35 Dates: Every Sunday, starting on May 10, ending September 27. Meeting Times: 1:00- 4:00 pm Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Learn to Sail - Skill Series In this 8-hour class you will learn the basics of sailing that will prepare you to rent a sailing dinghy and sail off the dock alone. Course content includes rigging a boat, upwind and downwind sailing maneuvers, safety procedures, approaching and leaving a dock or mooring, and a demonstration of capsize recovery. Taught by U.S. Sailing certified instructors. Limited to 4 students age 16 and older. Cost: $200 (includes all 4 sessions) Dates: Mon. and Tues. evenings.
Meeting Times: 6:00-8:00 pm Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Watch for the CBC to add courses soon in: Family Boatbuilding
"I Can Kayak" Camp for Kids Kids love Kayaks! Experienced guides will lead the action and teach the basics of safe paddling and having fun in kayaks, while exploring Lake Padden and Bellingham Bay. This week long camp is focused on youth (ages 9-14). At the end of a safe week of on-the-water fun, youth will know the basics of paddling, self rescue, and lots of great games. Cost: $199 Dates: Monday June 22 through Friday June 26 Meeting Times: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Location: Lake Padden and the Community Boating Center
Sail Paddle Row Camp for Kids Try it all! When the wind blows, sail. If it’s calm, row or kayak. This week of fun and adventure in the protected waters of Bellingham Bay will expose kids to learning in a variety of small craft: row boats, kayaks and sailing dinghies. Junior mariners learn new skills, and develop judgment and self confidence as they go. Maximum: 12 campers. Pre-requisite: Basic swimming skills Cost: $199 Dates: Monday July 13 through Friday July 17 Meeting Times: 9:00 am-1:00 pm Location: Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center PO Box 4272 ° Bellingham, WA 98227 ° 360-714-8891 info@sailpaddlerow.org |
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