Learn the skills and strategies for dealing with the powerful currents, tidal races, and overfalls that run through the San Juan Islands in this 1-day course. We will explore ferry gliding, how to read water, crossing strategies, and how to predict the time, speed, and direction of currents. These are the skills you need to plan an easy, fun, and safe trip. We start by refreshing your skills, and then we enter these races and build your confidence as the currents increase. This is a great class to start building your rough water skills and broaden your knowledge of the sea. Come to this class with play in mind!

Learn the skills and strategies for dealing with the powerful currents, tidal races, and overfalls that run through the San Juan Islands. We will explore ferry gliding, how to read water, crossing strategies, and how to predict the time, speed, and direction of currents. These are the skills you need to plan an easy, fun, and safe trip. We start by refreshing your skills, and then we enter these races and build your confidence as the currents increase. This is a great class to start building your rough water skills and broaden your knowledge of the sea. Come to this class with play in mind!

The poets say that “variety is the spice of life” and we believe them. Kayaking in diverse situations is the most effective way to develop comprehensive skill sets. We will test our skills using multiple venues, helping us develop a more well-rounded ability to read water, react to changing conditions, and use our body, boat, and blade more effectively. This instructional course will explore the best tidal races that the San Juan Islands have to offer. Starting in Deception Pass we will practice using advanced paddling techniques to master the swift-moving water and incredible features. Afterward, we will take a ferry into the San Juan Islands to spend the remainder of the class working in our very favorite tidal race. Prepare to have sore cheeks from so much smiling and tired arms from so much fun!