Places to Learn How to Kayak in Seattle

Kayaking is a great sport. There is nothing more terrifying, in my opinion, that being in one of those shaky little vessels while you’re going over white water- which is why I am a total wimp, and kayak in the relatively placid lake waters near Seattle. It provides you with a peaceful, solitary experience – and maybe one day, you’ll be ready to brave the wild rivers.

Ague Verde Paddle Club on Lake Union, Portage Bay (just south of the University of Washington Campus) Seattle, WA, 98105. Call (206)669-1622
The Aqua Verde Paddle Club (located in the same building as the infamous Aqua Verde Mexican restaurant) offers a “kayak 101” class every Thursday, beginning at 11 AM. You’ll learn basic kayak skills such as boat control (trickier than it looks,) basic safety precautions, introduction to whitewater, and you’ll get to kayak either to the beautiful Arboretum of the Natural History Museum, both located off of Lake Washington near the Montlake bridge. Basic knowledge includes learning about your gear and your craft, wet exit, and basic paddling motions, which precedes a three hour session where you learn how to control your kayak. You will also learn basic water rules, how to read a compass and a chart, and basic rescue techniques. The cost is $75/person, with a discounted price for paddle club members and UW students.

Northwest Outdoor Center on West Lake Union; 2100 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 1, Seattle, WA, 98109- Call (800)683-0637
This is a great place to learn your basic kayaking skills, with a very experienced staff. Learn how to handle a kayak on beautiful Lake Union, and paddle across the water to Gasworks Park. They will teach you how to roll a kayak, most efficient paddling motions, and safety measures, and you will feel comfortable in your craft in no time. They will also teach you how to handle whitewater, and there are classes you can take for river kayaking. This is a good place to rent top of the line equipment.

Moss Bay Rowing and Kayaking Center at South lake Union Call (877)244-8896
Moss Bay is a great place to test out sea and lake kayaking at an affordable price. Kayak rentals are available year round, and lessons are given in a 2 or 4 part series. Lessons stress all the basic knowledge you need to handle your kayak safely, and expose you to some of the great places you can paddle right on lake Union. Kids will enjoy the summer camp, where they can learn kayaking, rowing, and sailing from a team of fun experts. Rentals are available form 8 am until dusk during the summer, and from 10 AM until dusk the rest of the year.

Seattle Canoe and Kayak Club on Green Lake; 5900 West Green Lake Way, Seattle, WA, 98103 Call (206) 684-4074
You don’t need to be a member to take one of these fun classes on scenic Green lake (you do need to be one in order to use a craft outside of class time, however.) You will learn how to kayak on still water, and will learn how to handle your boat like a master, including rolling, wet exit, and paddling skills. You will also learn kayak safety, and have the option of rowing through the club, as well. If you really enjoy kayaking and excel at it, racing is possible through this club.