Smart Start 2 – Sea Kayak Navigation & Touring Essentials

Take your kayaking skills to the next level with Smart Start 2! Building on the fundamentals of Smart Start 1, this full-day course develops the navigation, trip planning, rescue, and boat-handling skills needed to confidently explore Puget Sound and beyond.

Our experienced instructors will guide you through an approximately 7-nautical-mile paddle with multiple crossings, providing hands-on practice in navigation, tides and currents, towing, group safety, and advanced paddling techniques.

Class Details

• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (lunch break included)
• Location: Olympic Outdoor Center Beach, Port Gamble, WA
• Class Size: Maximum 10 students with 2 instructors
• Experience Level: Intermediate beginner
• Distance: Approximately 7 nautical miles with multiple crossings
• Prerequisites: Smart Start 1 – Introduction to Sea Kayaking, a comparable course, or equivalent sea kayaking experience

Important: Dry suits or wetsuits are required. Participants should be comfortable performing wet exits and basic assisted rescues. This class includes open-water paddling and intentional capsize practice.

What's Covered

• Tides, currents, weather, and identifying hazards
• Basic navigation and trip planning
• Open-water crossings and group management
• Efficient maneuvering and turning strokes
• Balance, bracing, and capsize prevention
• Towing techniques and on-water safety
• Wet exits, paddle float rescues, and assisted rescues
• Proper kayak fit and equipment selection

Note: Kayak rolling is not covered in this class.

What to Bring

• Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun protection
• Dry bags or waterproof containers for personal items
• Synthetic or wool layers (tops, bottoms, and socks) for wearing under a dry suit
• Towel and a complete change of warm clothes
• A positive attitude and eagerness to learn!

Avoid cotton clothing under your dry suit. Synthetic and wool layers are recommended for warmth in cold water.

Class Itinerary

8:45 AM - Arrival

Please arrive early to allow time for parking and changing.

9:00 AM  – Orientation & Navigation

Meet at Olympic Outdoor Center Beach for introductions, equipment fitting, and a safety review. Learn the fundamentals of navigation, tides, currents, and trip planning while reviewing the day's paddling route.

On the Water – Navigation & Touring

Embark on a guided paddle through Port Gamble Bay and Hood Canal, practicing navigation and open-water crossings. Refine your paddling strokes, boat control, and group management skills while navigating toward Point Hannon.

Midday - Lunch Break

Enjoy your packed lunch at Point Hannon or elsewhere depending on conditions.

Afternoon – Rescue & Safety Skills

Practice towing, wet exits, paddle float rescues, assisted rescues, and capsize prevention techniques, including balancing and bracing. Return to Port Gamble beach for a final review.

4:00 PM – Class Ends

The route and activities may be adjusted based on weather, tides, currents, and group conditions.

Rental Equipment

Dry Suit Rental

Dry suits and appropriate immersion gear are available to rent. Contact us at 360-297-4659 if you have questions about required gear.

Kayak Rental

Sea kayaks and equipment are available to rent, with all rental gear ready at our facility.

Includes:

• Sea kayak
• PFD (life jacket)
• Paddle
• Bilge pump
• Paddle float

Bringing Your Own Kayak?

All kayaks must be fully compartmentalized, with bulkheads or flotation in both the bow and stern.

Recreational kayaks under 12 feet are not permitted.

Paddlers bringing their own equipment must also have a properly fitted PFD, bilge pump, paddle float, and appropriate immersion clothing.

This course is also a great option for Mountaineers and local paddling club members working toward equivalency or the Basic Sea Kayaking Badge.

Tips are always appreciated and are a great way to thank your instructors for a fun day on the water!