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 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! 

New Classes and additional dates added!

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) 579-4911.

Cost: $165. ($140 if 2 or more people register together)
Dates: 4/26 and 4/27 (Sat, Sun) 8:00 am – 5:00pm
Location: Maritime Community Building, 514 W. Holly St.

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.

Cost: $400*
Dates: 5/03, 04 (Sat, Sun ) Instructor Development Workshop 5/17, 18 Instructor Certification Exam
Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center, Fairhaven
* The Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center may reimburse part of the course fees in exchange for instructor volunteer hours.

New Dates!

Beginning Open Water Rowing Cost: $60 (includes 2 sessions)
Interested in sliding seat rowing for fitness or recreation? This 6 hour beginner class will be held over 3 days with each session building on the previous one. This class will prepare beginners for the July rowing camp. Open to ages 16 and older. Limited to 6 participants.

Day 1: Work on rowing technique using the stationary Water Rower, and get instructions for Saturday’s on-the-water instruction
Date: Wednesday, 5/07 7:00 – 9:00 pm
          Thursday, 6/12 (repeats)
Location: Wayland Marine , 817 Harris Ave.

Day 2: On-the-Water instruction in rowing shells with instructors Ron Mueller and Jim Steadman
Date: Saturday, 5/10 10 am to noon
          Saturday, 6/14 (repeats)
Location: Lake Samish

Due to the popularity of our Beginning Open Water Rowing class, we have added another session.

Day 1: Work on rowing technique using the stationary Water Rower, and get instructions for Saturday’s on-the-water instruction
Date: Thursday, 8/14 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: Wayland Marine , 817 Harris Ave.

Day 2: On-the-Water instruction in rowing shells with instructors Ron Mueller and Jim Steadman
Date: Saturday, 8/16 10 am to noon
Location: Lake Samish

Introduction to Sailing Please call for alternate available dates and waiting lists.
In this 2.5 hour event, the beginning sailor will gat a taste of what sailing is all about. Learn terminology, understand the relationship between wind/water/and boat, get some sail trimming and tiller handling time, and swap a few sea stories. The Introduction can be custom scheduled for any groups of 3 people who want to learn together. Great family activity.
Cost: $35
Dates Sat. 5/10 1:30-4:00 pm

• Repeats Sat. 5/17 “
• Sat. 5/24 “
• Sat. 6/07 “
• Sat. 6/14 “
• Sat. 6/21 “
• Sat. 6/28 “

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.

Cost: $70
Date: 5/17 & 5/22 5:00 - 9:00pm
Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center

Essentials of Sea Kayak Touring (ACA Skill Level II )Please check back for alternate dates.

This eight-hour course will focus on helping the student learn to travel safely and efficiently by kayak of the types designated as sit on top, folding, inflatable and "recreational.". There is more emphasis on practicing a simple rescue sequence, understanding the very basics of tides and currents, use of a compass (safety bearing),rules for paddling in channels with and without boat traffic, use of VHF radio and weather radio and other emergency equipment. The graduates should stay within swimming distance of shore in areas with no conditions such as wind, waves, or current.

Limited to 8 students.
Cost: $144
Date: Saturday,5/10  9:00 am – 5:00pm

YMCA Paddle Picnic Please check back for alternate dates.
Explore Bellingham Bay and enjoy a picnic on the beach with the Whatcom Family YMCA. The YMCA will provide the kayak equipment and the picnic lunch. Bring a water bottle and warm clothes. For ages 10 and older. Meet in the YMCA lobby. No experience necessary. Limited to 8 participants. Call 733-8630 for more information or to register.

Cost: $ 40-$45 (depending on type of YMCA membership)
Date: Saturday 5/17
Location: YMCA and Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center

YMCA Teen Paddle Please check back for alternate dates.
After a beach lesson in the basics of kayaking, a group of adventure paddlers will explore Bellingham Bay and experience a sunset on the water. No experience necessary. Limited to 8 participants. Call 733-8630 for more information or to register.

Cost: $35 - $40 (depending on type of YMCA membership)
Date: Wednesday 5/28 5:30- sunset
Location: YMCA and Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center

Grand Re-Opening Celebration Thanks for making our 1st Open House a sucess!
Join us at the BBCBC for a boat parade, music, races, food, raffle and more. FREE
Date: Saturday, May 31 all day
Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center

Sea Kayaking Basic Skills Series: Introduction
This beginner level class is an opportunity to learn the parts and proper use of all of kayak equipment. We'll discuss how to hold and use your paddle, and how to get into and out of a kayak boat without getting wet or hurting the bottom of the boat. During time on the water, learn proper basic stroke technique that will allow you to both go straight and to turn. All the basics rolled into a fun 3 hours. For ages 13 and up. Limited to 8 participants.
Cost: $70
Date: Tuesday, June 3 5:00-9:00 pm. Full, please call for a waiting list.
Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center, Fairhaven

• Repeats: Thursday, June 5 5:00-9:00pm Full, please call for a waiting list.
• Tuesday July 8 5:00-9:00pm Full, please call for a waiting list.
• Thursday July 10 5:00-9:00p Hurry! Limited availability.
• Saturday July 12 9:00-1:00 pm Full, please call for a waiting list.
• Tuesday August 5 5:00-9:00 pm
• Thursday August 7 5:00-9:00 pm

Sea Kayaking Basic Skills Series: Wet Exit and Self-Rescue
We'll review basic strokes from session 1 and then practice the important skills of the Wet Exit (getting out of your boat in the unlikely event of a tip), and the quickest and most efficient way of getting back into your boat and underway, whether you are alone or with a pal. This is a basic and essential skill for all sea kayakers to master. Wetsuits are provided. For ages 13 and older
Cost: $70
Date: Tuesday 6/ 10 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Full, please call for a waiting list.
Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center, Fairhaven

• Repeats: Thursday 6/12 5:00-9:00 pm Full, please call for a waiting list.
• Tuesday 7/15 5:00-9:00 pm Full, please call for a waiting list
• Thursday 7/17 5:00-9:00 pm Full, please call for a waiting list.
• Saturday 7/19 9:00-1:00 Full, please call for a waiting list.
• Tuesday 8/12 5:00-9:00 pm
• Thursday 8/14 5:00-9:00 pm

Sea Kayaking Basic Skills Series: Bracing and Advanced Strokes

This session will build on your basic strokes and skills learned in Sessions 1 & 2. We will hone our paddling technique, and learn the more advanced bracing and paddle strokes that will help you to efficiently and effortlessly move your boat and keep you upright in any condition. For ages 13 and older
Cost: $70
Dates: Tuesday 6/17, 5:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center, Fairhaven

• Repeats Thursday 6/19, 5:00-9:00 pm
• Tuesday 7/22, 5:00-9:00 pm Hurry! Limited availability.
• Thursday 7/24 5:00-9:00 pm
• Saturday 7/26 9:00am -1:00pm Hurry! Limited availability.
• Tuesday 8/19 5:00-9:00 pm
• Thursday 8/21 5:00-9:00 pm

"The Basics" Sea Kayaking 2 hour Wet Exit and Self Rescue New!

This session will give you the basic skills necessary to be safe in the event that you tip your kayak over.  Plan to get wet in this session! Build confidence to paddle in rough water on Bellingham Bay as you practice tipping your boat, safely exiting the boat, and getting back in by yourself. Wetsuits and kayaks are available upon request.  Pre-registration and basic paddling skills are required.
Cost: $50

Dates: Every Wednesday

TIme: 5 pm to 7 pm

Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center

"I Can Kayak" Camp for Kids New Dates Added!
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 23 through Friday June 27 Hours:9 am - 1 pm

Location: Lake Padden and the Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center, Fairhaven

Due to the popularity of our "I Can Kayak" Camp for Kids, we have added another session.

Dates: Monday July 14 through Friday July 18 Hours: 10am - 2pm

Location: Lake Padden and the Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center, Fairhaven

Sail Paddle Row Camp for Kids Full! Please check for alternate programs.
This day camp for youth age 9-12 is offered through Bellingham
Parks and Recreation and will expose kids to learning in avariety of
small craft – row boats, kayaks and sailing dinghies. In addition, campers will learn knot tying, experiment with GPS, see how sails are made, develop
basic understanding of marine charts, navigation and ecology. Limited to 12
campers. Register by calling 778-7000.
Cost: $135
Dates: Monday July 14th through Friday July 18th 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center &
Environmental Learning Center

Sail Paddle Row Camp for Adults
Adults want to go to camp too, we are told. So here it is…..a chance for the “big” kids to play. 5 evenings of beginner boating activities in rowboats, kayaks, sailboats and rowing shells. Learn new skills, meet new friends, and duck out of the fray. Try different gear, learn to use VHF radios and GPS, learn the basics of reading nautical charts and introductory navigation skills. And more………
Cost: $250
Dates: Mon. August 18th through Fri. August 22nd   4:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center.

Family Boat Building Week Full! Stop by and see the Salt Bay Skiff on display!
This is the first time national family boat building week has been offered in Bellingham.  Professional and amateur wooden boat builders will mentor family or family-like groups of up to 5 people as they build the Salt Bay Skiff over three days in July and have a group launch the following weekend.  Adults and children team up to build their own car-topper wooden skiff.  No boat-building skills are necessary.  All materials are pre-cut and tools are provided.  For more information, call Fran at 223 – 1738.  Limited to 4 groups/4 boats

Cost: $500
Dates: July 11, 12, 13 (Fri, Sat, Sun) and July 18 (Sat)  All day
Location:  Whatcom Museum of History and Art, 121 Prospect St.

All American Rowing Camp Limited availability!
Taught by traveling team of university rowing coaches, this 3-day Masters camp camp is for experienced rowers who want to improve speed, strength or technique.  Using video analysis and rowers own equipment, the coaches will work with each participant individually.  Feedback from individuals who have taken this camp elsewhere has been very positive.  To learn more go to www.allamericanrowingcamp.com. 

Rowing Camp Registration
Rowing Camp Schedule

Cost: $350
Dates: July 11, 12, 13 (Fri Sat, Sun) All day + evening session/potlucks.
Location: Varies depending on conditions and participant preferences