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KAYAKING
COURSES
Body Boat Blade offers expert-led courses in boat handling, ocean currents, surf, coastal expeditions, whitewater, guide training, and coach education. Our hands-on programs are both educational and fun, set in some of the best learning environments in the Pacific Northwest. Explore our course offerings and upcoming sessions below.
Voted the best kayak school in the west two times by Sea kayaker Magazines Readers Choice Award
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UPCOMING COURSES
Body Boat Blade schedules all courses outlined below, so check back regularly to see when your desired class will be available. You can also contact us via phone or email to inquire about upcoming dates for the class you're interested in.
Need something more personal? Check out our Private Instruction options
Coastal Kayak Camp - September
This is the coastal kayaking adventure you’ve been looking for. For a week we will be immersed in all that Cape Flattery and the rugged Washington Coast has to offer. Surf, rocks, caves, arches, wildlife, and more await us.
Coastal Kayak Camp - August
This is the coastal kayaking adventure you’ve been looking for. For a week we will be immersed in all that Cape Flattery and the rugged Washington Coast has to offer. Surf, rocks, caves, arches, wildlife, and more await us.
Foundations Level 1
Build a solid foundation of skills that will support your development for many years to come! Appropriate for paddlers at any level who are interested in focusing on the fundamentals of sea kayaking.
Rolling & Bracing
Join us for a comprehensive class focused on rolling and bracing techniques in protected waters. This session is designed for both beginners and those with some prior experience looking to enhance their skills.
Incident Management
Throughout this comprehensive program, you'll have the opportunity to learn vital self-rescue and assisted rescue techniques, familiarize yourself with essential safety equipment, and delve into effective incident assessment and management strategies. Key paddling strokes will also be introduced to help improve your overall effectiveness during rescue situations.
Advanced Deception Pass Clinic
We will use the best tidal venue in the Islands to test your kayaking skills and build rough water confidence. In this Advanced Deception Pass Clinic, we will dive deeper into the intricacies of reading water, paddling in strong tidal currents., rescues and more.
Sea Kayak Expedition - 5 Day
For five days, you will be immersed in sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands. We will use the pull of the moon to go from one island to another faster and with less effort. Our multi-day sea kayak adventures are the best way to experience the San Juan Islands. We will eat seaweed, see awesome wildlife, and roast marshmallows by the campfire. We’ll work on paddling skills, go on hikes, and appreciate all the beauty this area has to offer.
Rolling & Bracing
Join us for a comprehensive class focused on rolling and bracing techniques in protected waters. This session is designed for both beginners and those with some prior experience looking to enhance their skills.
Foundations Level 1
Build a solid foundation of skills that will support your development for many years to come! Appropriate for paddlers at any level who are interested in focusing on the fundamentals of sea kayaking.
Sea Kayak Safety
Rescue Skills are among the most valuable skills for paddlers wanting to spend time on the water. Whether you’re just getting started or have been at it for a while, this course will act as an introduction, refresher, and “tune-up” for kayakers at all levels. Body Boat Blade Coaches are up to date on the most effective and efficient methods for kayak rescues.
Foundations Level 2
The Foundations Level 2 course is designed for paddlers who have successfully completed Foundations Level 1 and are ready to advance their sea kayaking skills. This two-day course will build upon your existing knowledge of paddle strokes, equipment use, safety protocols, and rescue techniques.
Navigation and Tidal Planning
Enhance your boating skills with our comprehensive two-day Navigation and Tidal Planning class designed for both novice and seasoned mariners.
Foundations Level 2
The Foundations Level 2 course is designed for paddlers who have successfully completed Foundations Level 1 and are ready to advance their sea kayaking skills. This two-day course will build upon your existing knowledge of paddle strokes, equipment use, safety protocols, and rescue techniques.
Sea Kayak Expedition - 3 Day
For 3 days, you will be immersed in sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands. We will use the pull of the moon to go from one island to another, faster and with less effort. Our multi-day sea kayak adventures are the best way to experience the San Juan islands. We will eat seaweed, see awesome wildlife, and roast marshmallows by the campfire. We’ll work on paddling skills, go on hikes, and appreciate all the beauty this area has to offer.
Foundations Level 2
The Foundations Level 2 course is designed for paddlers who have successfully completed Foundations Level 1 and are ready to advance their sea kayaking skills. This two-day course will build upon your existing knowledge of paddle strokes, equipment use, safety protocols, and rescue techniques.
Foundations Level 1
Build a solid foundation of skills that will support your development for many years to come! Appropriate for paddlers at any level who are interested in focusing on the fundamentals of sea kayaking.
Navigation and Tidal Planning
Enhance your boating skills with our comprehensive two-day Navigation and Tidal Planning class designed for both novice and seasoned mariners.
Incident Management
Throughout this comprehensive program, you'll have the opportunity to learn vital self-rescue and assisted rescue techniques, familiarize yourself with essential safety equipment, and delve into effective incident assessment and management strategies. Key paddling strokes will also be introduced to help improve your overall effectiveness during rescue situations.
Navigation and Tidal Planning
Enhance your boating skills with our comprehensive two-day Navigation and Tidal Planning class designed for both novice and seasoned mariners.
Rolling & Bracing
Join us for a comprehensive class focused on rolling and bracing techniques in protected waters. This session is designed for both beginners and those with some prior experience looking to enhance their skills.
Foundations Level 1
Build a solid foundation of skills that will support your development for many years to come! Appropriate for paddlers at any level who are interested in focusing on the fundamentals of sea kayaking.
Beginner Deception Pass Clinic
Two-day course designed to enhance your kayaking skills in the dynamic tidal currents of Deception Pass. Navigate the unique challenges presented by these powerful waters, develop a deep understanding of tidal patterns, current behavior, and safe paddling techniques.
Intermediate Deception Pass Clinic
Two-day course designed to enhance your kayaking skills in the dynamic tidal currents of Deception Pass. Navigate the unique challenges presented by these powerful waters, develop a deep understanding of tidal patterns, current behavior, and safe paddling techniques.
Sea Kayak Safety
Rescue Skills are among the most valuable skills for paddlers wanting to spend time on the water. Whether you’re just getting started or have been at it for a while, this course will act as an introduction, refresher, and “tune-up” for kayakers at all levels. Body Boat Blade Coaches are up to date on the most effective and efficient methods for kayak rescues.
Rolling & Bracing
Join us for a comprehensive class focused on rolling and bracing techniques in protected waters. This session is designed for both beginners and those with some prior experience looking to enhance their skills.
Foundations Level 2
The Foundations Level 2 course is designed for paddlers who have successfully completed Foundations Level 1 and are ready to advance their sea kayaking skills. This two-day course will build upon your existing knowledge of paddle strokes, equipment use, safety protocols, and rescue techniques.
Combat Rolling & Bracing
This intensive course is designed for kayakers who have already developed rolling techniques on flat water and are ready to take their skills to the next level. Participants will focus on combat rolling and advanced bracing techniques essential for dynamic paddling environments.
Navigation and Tidal Planning
Enhance your boating skills with our comprehensive two-day Navigation and Tidal Planning class designed for both novice and seasoned mariners.
Advanced Deception Pass Clinic
We will use the best tidal venue in the Islands to test your kayaking skills and build rough water confidence. In this Advanced Deception Pass Clinic, we will dive deeper into the intricacies of reading water, paddling in strong tidal currents., rescues and more.
COMPLETE
COURSE LIST
Sea Kayak
Taster Courses
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Give Sea Kayaking a try in this fun series of courses. Designed as a way to introduce people to the wonderful sport of kayaking without the commitment of a more intensive training course. Get your feet wet, have fun, and see what it’s all about!
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Intro to Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayak Safety
Foundation
Courses
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Great for beginners and improvers alike! Building a strong foundation in kayak skills helps you progress quickly and master the “art” of kayaking. If experienced paddlers have weak fundamentals they may struggle to reach their goals or risk injury in challenging conditions. Our fundamentals classes focus on body awareness, balance, and the interaction between boat, paddle, and water. A solid skill base makes paddling more efficient, effective, and fun—benefiting even advanced kayakers. Join us!
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Foundations Level 1
Foundations Level 2
Navigation and Tidal Planning
Rolling and Bracing
Intro: Paddling in Current
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The San Juan Islands are a sea kayaker’s dream for multi-day exploration and expeditions. Our trips follow the Cascade Marine Trail, using the tides to travel from camp to camp. These sea kayaking classes will deepen your understanding of kayak camping and help you develop essential skills in risk assessment, navigation, and trip planning—preparing you for future adventures on the water.
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Sea Kayak Expedition: 3 Day
Sea Kayak Expedition: 5 Day
Expeditions
Professional
Guide Training
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Our leadership training for sea kayak guides offers customizable sessions tailored to meet the specific needs of your team. With over 18 years of experience working with kayak tour companies, we design training that focuses on on-water skills and risk management, with no rigid approach—recognizing that each organization has its own unique culture and way of teaching. We help novice and veteran guides develop essential skills for safely leading kayak trips, including boat maneuvering, group management, trip planning, risk assessment, and rescue techniques. Our personalized assessments help participants identify areas for improvement and inspire them to continue developing their skills. These training sessions reinforce what companies are already teaching while offering an objective, third-party perspective. Let us help you design a training program that works for your seasonal staff!
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Call or e-mail for course types and quotes
Dynamic Water
Courses
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Our dynamic water sea kayak courses are designed to build your skills and understanding of moving water. These fun, engaging classes will strengthen your core knowledge as a paddler. By exploring the relationship between body, boat, and blade, you'll develop solid paddling techniques and learn to apply them in real-world conditions. The courses also enhance your ability to assess risk, navigate, and plan trips. Above all, they’re about building skills—and having fun!
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Deception Pass Clinic
Cattle Pass Clinic
Advanced Deception Pass Clinic
Combat Rolling and Bracing
Safety and Rescue
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A successful kayak rescue can mean the difference between life and death. Learn simple, effective rescue techniques for any environment—from calm bays to dynamic waters. Our Safety and Rescue classes equip you with a broad set of practical skills to use when they matter most. Gain the confidence to perform rescues and manage incidents before they escalate. Refresh your skills annually with a rescue class. While the topic is serious, the experience is fun!
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Sea Kayak Safety
Incident Management
Private Sea
Kayak Coaching
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This course is all about you! Whether you know exactly what you want to work on or simply prefer 1:1 coaching to help identify your goals, we’ll tailor the session to your needs. Our Private Sea Kayak Coaching gives you personalized instruction to develop the skills you need to achieve your sea kayaking goals.
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Private Sea Kayak Coaching is available upon request. Contact us to share your goals, preferred timeframe, and we’ll match you with one of our professional coaches.
Available Time Slots:
9:00am – 12:00pm
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Fees:
3-hour minimum
US $110.00 per hour for 1:1 coaching
Additional hours: US $90/hour
Let us know if you’d like to train for longer than 3 hours, and we’ll accommodate your schedule!
Coastal Kayaking –
Surf & Rocks
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Our series of Coastal Kayaking courses are for sea kayakers looking to expand their skill set for paddling along exposed coastlines. In this series you will work on kayak surfing, rock hopping, navigation, planning, exploring coastlines and most importantly – having fun! These classes are designed for paddlers with a good grasp of the basics and are ready to take things to the next level.
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Coastal Kayaking Clinic
Coastal Kayaking Camp – Cape Flattery
Sea Kayaking Surfing
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These advanced courses build on core kayaking skills, pushing your experience to the next level. From tidal races and night navigation to rolling techniques and group leadership, you'll gain confidence and expertise on the water. Body Boat Blade also offers assessments for American Canoe Association and British Canoeing awards—some courses even include personal skills awards. Explore our offerings below, and contact us to start your training or schedule an assessment!
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British Canoeing Awards
Paddle Start
Paddle Discover
Paddle Explore
Sea Kayak Award
Coastal Sea Kayak Award
Sea Kayak Leader Award (Tidal & Non-Tidal)
American Canoe Association Awards
Level 1 – 4 Skills training and assessments
Level 1-3 Trip Leader training and assessments