It is no exaggeration to say my coastal skills have never improved as quickly as they did, in such a fun manner as they did, then during the SeaWise Introduction to Coastal Kayaking weekend clinic. I have taken previous coastal clinics and this one stood out for good reason, the instructors are the best you will find anywhere in Washington. Chris and Brian bring so much more than simple instruction. They are highly approachable and make you feel at home in your environment. And most importantly your skills will progress. I started the weekend unable to reliably surf a kayak, and by Sunday I was "shredding" waves without coming out of my kayak at all. This is no small feat, surfing has been my week point since I started kayaking and I can say with confidence I now know how to surf a kayak. I could not say that before the weekend, and that should tell you everything you need to know about this class.

I'm so glad I found the team at Olympic Outdoor Center! Trina was excellent at facilitating and Brian the instructor is absolutely amazing! I'm very new at this and I feel I am learning the basics and the safety aspects in the absolute perfect venue. Thank you guys so much

It is hard to overstate what a good instructor Brian is and how much my husband and I learned from the Introduction to Sea Kayaking and Capsize Recovery class. His patience, good humor, and ability to teach to each student's level and confidence was really astonishing. It's also made us really excited to have Olympic Outdoor Center as a resource; everyone we dealt with there was professional and enthusiastic while also being super realistic and straightforward. If you're at all interested in learning anything beyond the tourist paddle, this class is an amazing foundation. The venue was perfect, the class was small, and the pace was really good. Highly, highly recommend.

The main reason my husband and I took this class was to learn the proper techniques for handling a capsize and recovery. We had done a little bit of kayaking but never tucked down beneath a skirt nor ventured far from shore in cold water. Brian and Noy were incredible and the whole group was so much fun. Handling the first capsize was such a relief and Bryan and Noy were so good about demonstrating the skills and guiding us. We spent quite a bit of time in the water but I was really comfortable with the dry suit/pfe provided. It also turned out our self taught stroke was very inefficient/arm heavy. I can’t rate this class or instructors high enough. Thanks so much for sharing your love of kayaking!!

Fantastig weekend with great instruction in an amazing location.

Great kayaking class, wonderful trainers. Absolute necessity for learning safety and about gear like immersion ready clothing and getting out of and into your kayak safely. Highly recommend.

Olympic outdoor center’s customer service is exemplary. I will go through them for my Kayaking needs as much as possible, as I believe in supporting my village.

Olympic outdoor center’s customer service is exemplary. I will go through them for my Kayaking needs as much as possible, as I believe in supporting my village.

I am much more confident in a kayak and will be spending time in one as often as I can. The instructor was great with clear and calm direction that made learning a breeze. It was a great introduction

Great day with John and 7 participants. We reviewed several useful paddle techniques, gear, clothing, and local paddling opportunities. Then on with the dry suits and into our boats. John clearly explained each recovery process then demonstrated. All 7 participants were successful in 2 person recovery. Perhaps all also in solo recovery. I left grateful for the experience and added a layer of confidence to my skill set on the water.

I have been paddling for many years and found the class spot on, learning several new techniques.

Thanks John! Great course.

I had done a fair amount of paddling in the past, but this course was exactly what I needed to bolster my confidence in my new kayak. Learned some new strokes, got good info on safety and actually enjoyed the experience of intentionally tipping the boat and re-entering. Recommend highly.

Great class and Very informative. Instructor was pleasant and patient.

The class itself was a lot of fun and very informative. Hawk was a great instructor and it was great getting out on the water and learning more about paddling and kayaks in general. Good stuff for sure.

The most anticipated part of the course, at least for me, was learning (and practicing) the various rescue techniques. Getting in the water and intentionally capsizing the boat was an odd feeling, exhilarating and turned out to be a lot of fun.

I never expected to have to use the knowledge I gained there, but at a recent outing at Lake Union my coworkers and I encountered some novice kayakers who had gone in the water and were getting dangerously cold. Thanks to the course I was able to guide everyone on how to get them back into their boats and we escorted them back to the dock. My coworkers later commented on how I seemed so calm and knew exactly what to do, and I have to 100% credit this course.

Definitely a must-do for anyone who wants to get out on the water!

Prior to taking the class I was very uncomfortable being in my kayak. The course helped me get past my fears. The class size is small. almost one on one...everyone I was with had multiple chances to ask questions and practice on the water. Do yourself a favor and take the class.

My husband and I took this course together as we wanted to feel more comfortable on the water in our own kayak (we have a tandem - which Hawk included information on how we might handle this type of kayak). Hawk was so instructive and relaxed. The “rescue” segment of the course was well done and so important to know how this feels and how to handle it. I think this was especially good to do this in the actual environment. Not only was the course very thorough, but also FUN! If you want to increase your confidence on the water in a kayak this course is invaluable.

Recently took this class and can't say enough good things about the Olympic Outdoor Center and their instructors (Hawk and Dolphin). At 66 years old, 6'2" and around 210lbs I was a bit concerned about getting into one of these skinny boats. The instructors took their time and got me property fitted in a Kayak and even identified the need for a longer paddle. I felt a bit awkward in the morning session, but after lunch things fell into place and my comfort level increased to the point I want to get out on the water again as soon as possible. Great launch site by the Outdoor Center made it easy for entry and exits.

This class is very thorough,well paced and fun. Forrest was an excellent teacher. Very patient, knowledgeable and helpful. If you're wondering about kayaking and want to feel comfortable out on the water, this is the way to go.

Very informative, well run course. Having zero prior kayak experience, this course enabled me to go out kayaking on my own. Highly recommend!

Excellent class with very knowledgeable instructor.

Trainer bent over backwards to accommodate each student. He made it fun. If you're looking to learn how to Kayak, this is the place. Just do it!