Experience Pacific Northwest By Paddle

Paddle your way into summer with us! 
We provide the gear, the instructor, and the Pacific Northwest Experience!
Article by NASWI FFR Marketing

Make plans now to explore the Pacific Northwest with us by water! We offer Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) Class, Basic Sea Kayaking 101, and a 2-week Whitewater Kayaking Course & Camp this summer! We will also have paddleboarding and kayaking tours but the pre-requisites to go on these adventures will be the SUP Class and Basic Sea Kayaking 101. Here is the complete 2018 Paddle Schedule! Sign up, today! Registration deadline is at least two days prior and class space is very limited. Minors must always be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Have a large family or special need? Call (360) 257-2432 to arrange a design-a-trip class for you and your family or friends! 
 

Basic Sea Kayaking 101
This class is a pre-requisite to attend kayaking trips or rent sea kayaks from the Convergence Zone. The class will teach you the proper technique on how to enter/exit a touring kayak, how to do a buddy assist, learn proper paddle techniques, and more! The first evening will be at the ASTC Pool. The second evening will be at the Seaplane Base, right next to the boat ramps. Wet suits, life jackets, swim booties, and another jacket layer are provided. $55 per person. Ages 14 and up. Minors must have parent/guardian enrolled as well. 
Register here or at the Convergence Zone two days prior. 

Tuesday, June 5, 4:30-6:30 pm  & Wednesday, June 6, 4:30-7:30 pm
Tuesday, July 10 4:30-6:30 pm & Wednesday, July 11 4:30-7:30 pm 
Tuesday, August 7 4:30-6:30 pm & Wednesday, August 8 4:30-7:30 pm 
Tuesday, September 11 4:30-6:30 pm & Wednesday, September 12 4:30-7:30 pm
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Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Class
Stand Up Paddle Surfing (SUPing) is the ultimate experience for people of all ages to enjoy almost any body of water. SUP is easy to learn and one of the fastest growing sports on the planet. From a leisurely cruise around the lake to riding the waves, SUP allows you to get out on the water nearly every day of the year. SUP is also one of the few sports that work almost every muscle in your body from head to toe. You will observe some shore side demonstrations and receive some shoreline training at Crescent Harbor, located across the street from DECA at Seaplane Base. Transportation is provided from the Convergence Zone. Then we will head out into the open water to develop and practice and paddling skills, you also learn how to get back on the board along with some towing and rescue safety techniques. Our class begins with classroom training, shore side demonstration and an open water session. On the water you will learn to develop paddling skills, learn towing and rescue techniques.  
$45 per person, Ages 14 and up. Register here  or at the Convergence Zone. 

Tuesday, June 12 (4:30-8:30 pm) 
Saturday, July 14 (9:30 am-1:30 pm)
Thursday, July 26 (4:30-8:30 pm)
Wednesday, August 15 (4:30-8:30 pm)
Saturday, August 25 (9:30-1:30 pm)
Wednesday, September 5 (4:30-8:30 pm)
Saturday, September 15 (9:30 am-1:30 pm)

This is a two session course:
Session 1: Waivers/Prerequisites: You must come into Community Recreation located in the Convergence Zone prior to open water session and view the Pre-Course Video, read thew provided information packet, be fitted for your wetsuit, booties, Paddle Vest (PFD) and complete a Hold Harmless & Medical Screening form prior to class. Session 2: Meet 15 minutes prior to departure at Convergence Zone. 
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Deception Pass SUP Trip
8:30 am-2 pm, Saturday, June 16

Must have taken Intro to SUP prior. Register here or at the Convergence Zone by Saturday, June 9. 
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Skagit Hope Island Kayak Tour
Saturday, June 23, 9 am-2 pm
$40/per person, Ages 14 and up!
Register here or at the Convergence Zone by Saturday, June 21. 

Kayak through the beautiful waters around Whidbey Island and beyond. Enjoy scenic views of the island and wildlife, while developing your paddle skills and learning the rules of the sea. 
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Sauk River Whitewater Rafting
Saturday, July 7, 7 am-4 pm
Register here or at the Convergence Zone by Tuesday, July 3.
$89/per person, Ages 10 and up! 

The best kept secret in Washington whitewater rafting starts with a serious drop through a lush forest. From there, the Sauk tumbles and churns through eight miles of exhilarating rapids, eye-catching mountain scenery, and abundant wildlife, including the rare harlequin duck. The pristine mountain scenery and wildlife surrounding the area is untamed. The water itself is a combination of snowpack and glacial melt, making for a beautiful green hue. Nearly continuous Class III to IV rapids run through large boulders that create great technical rapids like Alligator Drop, Jaws, and Popeye. When you arrive at the take-out, you will see that the Sauk richly deserves its privileged status as a US Wild and Scenic river. 
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July's Whitewater Kayaking Course & Camp
Monday, July 9- Convergence Zone Class

Class Pool Sessions Thursday, July 12-Thursday, July 19
River Camp Trip-8 am, Saturday, July 21-Sunday, July 22
Register here or at the Convergence Zone by Friday, July 6. 
$170/per person, Ages 16 and up!
Price includes one classroom session, four pool sessions practicing the skills, a camp trip, and running the river!  All levels of experience welcome!  Price includes experienced guide, camping gear, kayak, and wetsuit.
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Upper Skagit Float
Saturday, August 18, 7 am-6 pm
Register here or at the Convergence zone by Tuesday, August 14.
$89/per person, Ages 6 and up!

Enjoy eight miles of mountain scenery as you gently paddle the beautiful, clean, and green rolling rapids of the Skagit River. After a hearty riverside lunch, and river side mocha bar, encounter the famous Shovel Spur Rapids where the Skagit plunges through an S turn with huge waves and holes!Bring the whole family to enjoy this special river adventure.
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Moonlight Kayak or SUP Paddle
Wednesday, Aug. 22, 7-10 pm
$35/per person, Ages 14and up! 
Register here or at the Convergence Zone by Thursday, Aug. 15

Departs from the Seaplane Base southern boat launch ramp.  Enjoy a guided paddle around the bay under a beautiful moonlit sky.  All gear is included.
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Cypress Island Overnight Kayak & Camping Trip
8 am, Friday, Sept. 21-5 pm, Saturday, September 22
Register here or at the Convergence Zone by Thursday, August 16
$35/per person, Ages 14 and up!

This adventurous trip is designed to help you develop the skills and know-how to start taking your own multi-day kayak trips.  We will depart from Fidalgo Island, near the Guemes Ferry Terminal.  Cross the Guemes and Bellingham channels to then set up camp on Cypress Island on either Cypress Head or Pelican beach.  Price includes kayak guide, kayak, wetsuit, and all camping gear.