


Introduction to Sea Kayaking
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Learn basic strokes, turning, and stopping methods on calm waters confidently
Discover techniques that serve as a foundation for rescue and recovery training
Learn essential safety practices before heading out on independent kayaking trips
Explore the freedom of sea kayaking while improving skill and comfort levels
Master Essential Sea Kayaking Skills and Safety Techniques in the Waters of Elliott Bay
Unlock the freedom of the open water with a comprehensive instructional course designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of sea kayaking. This hands-on class focuses on the essential skills required to navigate the waters of Elliott Bay with confidence and ease. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you will learn the proper techniques for launching, paddling, and stopping, ensuring that you have a solid foundation for all your future aquatic adventures in the Pacific Northwest.
The curriculum is structured to provide personalized attention, with small class sizes that allow instructors to tailor their feedback to your individual needs. You will spend time practicing basic strokes and learning how to prepare your kayak for a safe journey, gaining the on-water experience necessary to build your confidence. This supportive environment is perfect for beginners who want to learn the correct form and safety practices before venturing out on longer, more challenging paddling trips.
Safety is the cornerstone of this course, as you will be taught how to handle various water conditions and respond to potential challenges while out on the bay. By mastering these techniques in a controlled setting, you will develop the control and comfort needed to enjoy the beauty of Seattle’s waterways. This class serves as a vital prerequisite for more advanced training, such as the Rescue and Recovery Course, helping you progress as a skilled and responsible kayaker.
Beyond the technical aspects, this course is about fostering a deep appreciation for the joy of exploring nature from the water. As you gain proficiency, you will find that your ability to navigate the bay enhances your overall enjoyment of the outdoors. Whether you are planning to rent single kayaks or simply want to learn a new skill, this introduction provides the knowledge and confidence to make every paddling experience safe, controlled, and incredibly rewarding.
Master Essential Sea Kayaking Skills and Safety Techniques in the Waters of Elliott Bay
Unlock the freedom of the open water with a comprehensive instructional course designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of sea kayaking. This hands-on class focuses on the essential skills required to navigate the waters of Elliott Bay with confidence and ease. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you will learn the proper techniques for launching, paddling, and stopping, ensuring that you have a solid foundation for all your future aquatic adventures in the Pacific Northwest.
The curriculum is structured to provide personalized attention, with small class sizes that allow instructors to tailor their feedback to your individual needs. You will spend time practicing basic strokes and learning how to prepare your kayak for a safe journey, gaining the on-water experience necessary to build your confidence. This supportive environment is perfect for beginners who want to learn the correct form and safety practices before venturing out on longer, more challenging paddling trips.
Safety is the cornerstone of this course, as you will be taught how to handle various water conditions and respond to potential challenges while out on the bay. By mastering these techniques in a controlled setting, you will develop the control and comfort needed to enjoy the beauty of Seattle’s waterways. This class serves as a vital prerequisite for more advanced training, such as the Rescue and Recovery Course, helping you progress as a skilled and responsible kayaker.
Beyond the technical aspects, this course is about fostering a deep appreciation for the joy of exploring nature from the water. As you gain proficiency, you will find that your ability to navigate the bay enhances your overall enjoyment of the outdoors. Whether you are planning to rent single kayaks or simply want to learn a new skill, this introduction provides the knowledge and confidence to make every paddling experience safe, controlled, and incredibly rewarding.
- Equipment
- Dressing to paddle safely
- Potential hazards
- Beach launch and landing
- Basic strokes
- Gratuities
$ 109
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Activity Provider: Alki Kayak Tours
Customer Reviews

If you only have 24 hours in Dublin! It might sound crazy but what a day...phenomenal team of professionals with great gear and a truly astonishing coast line. For beginners and experienced alike, all are welcome. Howth is a lovely seaside town with a well protected harbor (perfect for beginners) and a stunning island (Ireland's Eye) just offshore that provides the experienced an opportunity to explore and enjoy the caves and inlets. Highly recommend!!!!

Highy Recommend! I joined a lovely bunch of six fellow enthusiastic novice sea kayakers on a weekend course with Shearwater in June 2021. It was the most fantastic breakout from all that the last year has thrown at us. We all had a wonderful experience, learning kayaking techniques as well as enjoying the stunning coastal scenery around Howth. Eileen & Sean, Ciaran & Sue were all excellent instructors, being informative, professional, friendly and fun. Added to our experience due to the luck of having good weather, was an encounter with a huge number of breeding sea birds and cutely curious seals, all hanging out or perched around the cliffs of Ireland’s Eye. That was a lucky and most unexpected surprise. Sean & Sue added to the experience with some very interesting snippets of insight into the lives of some of those birds and seals. I thoroughly enjoyed the two days and would have loved to have continued for a whole week. I certainly hope to be back out on the water with Shearwater as soon as there’s availability ... :-)

We've now been out twice with Eileen, Sean and the team. As a group they are incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of sea kayaking and have made the learning experience fun. They are great at building confidence and getting you out on the water to not only see but get amongst some of the wildlife that lives just off the coast of Ireland. A tremendous invaluable experience. I'd highly recommend Shearwater Sea Kayaking to anyone who is looking for a taster session or determined to understand the discipline in-depth. Thanks guys!












