Everything you need and nothing you don't. If we teach it, sell it, or rent it, you can count on it.
Kayak Lessons
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced paddler, the Kayak Academy can help you expand your skills. Our unique teaching methods will quickly equip you with the skills required to safely paddle. Our classes go beyond what accreditation programs offer. You will learn it right the first time by taking one of our courses.
Get a FREE BROCHURE for our lessons.
Kayak Store
Our on-line store only stocks equipment that has been thoroughly tested by our staff and that we use. You can count on the quality of our merchandise because we count on it and it works. Our on-line store is full of useful equipment and advice to help you paddle safely and more comfortably.
Dry Suits
We stock the largest selection of dry suits sizes of any retailer. Call us perfectionists if you want, but if you're going to spend the money on a dry suit, it ought to fit right. So we put a lot of effort into making sure you get a suit that fits and functions the way you need it to.
What's New
Now that the lessons have slowed down, we are adding products to our On-line Store just as fast as we can. Most of the big ticket items have been up there for a while, but now we are listing all those little hard to find accessories that the KA is known for (i.e. gaskets, tow systems, dry bags, etc.). Under many of our On-line Store's item categories you will find an "Accessories" link, these pages are where you will find lots of goodies along with the "Camping Gear" (dry bags etc.) and "Boat Gear" pages. So keep checking in to see what you can find. Be patient when you see missing photos, we are adding pictures too, but sometimes the writing staff gets ahead of the photo department. And remember, accessories like wheels and dry bags make great gifts too.
Bob Burnett Joins the Kayak Academy
Teaching for the Kayak Academy means giving students "everything they need and nothing they don't." Bob believes that teaching sea kayaking with a "combat mind set" prepares students for the independence that all highly skilled paddlers seek. Paddling since 1996 and teaching since 1998, Bob, once certified as an open coast kayak instructor/coach by the ACA and BCU, brings the philosophy, training, and experience as a career bodyguard and brought it into his teachings as a sea kayak instructor for the Kayak Academy.
So long to the old...
We have a new Web Site
We put a lot of effort into designing our new web site. We hope you like the new kayakacademy.com
New features include:
- An on-line store! And not just an ordinary store, mind you. We worked hard to present honest, in-depth information gained from our experience to help you make intelligent buying decisions.
- Additional Buyer's Guides, FAQs and other information. We receive lots of compliments on information we present on-line. In our new site, we have added content and re-organized the way it is presented.
- Easier access to course dates and information.
Announcements
The 4th Annual Deception Pass Dash is coming up soon, Dec. 12, 2009
This is a relatively short race (about 5 nautical miles), but it's one of the most challenging. It is a challenging/fun race partly because of it's location, the course starts from Bowman Bay then goes in through Deception Pass around Strawberry I. (the island just east of the Pass, not the Strawberry I in Rosario Straight) and out through Canoe Pass. The weather at this time of year is a wild card which has made the past two year's races very exciting with lots of spills along the way. The organizers are aware of the challenge and provide lots of safety support on the water for those that need it, and the competitors tend to be self selected group that are (mostly) prepared for it. You don't have to be a fast racer to enjoy this event, anyone who is comfortable playing in the Pass will have fun participating, and the rougher the conditions the less your racing strength matters and the more your sea kayaking skill pays off. There's also opportunities for volunteers (both on and off the water positions), and the whole thing is a big social gathering with great food at the end. To get more information and/or to sign up, go to the Dash Blog.
Kayak Academy is one of the sponsors, and our whole crew will be there.
TIDERACE Kayaks
Kayak Academy is proud to announce that we are now the authorized dealer for Tiderace kayaks in Washington state. Tiderace's goal is to build the world's best sea kayaks. The Kayak Academy's goal is to be the world's best kayak school and store; so Tiderace kayaks are a perfect fit. Tiderace kayaks are basically British kayaks Version 4.0 With two models and five sizes to choose from, if you're still paddling Version 2.0, it's time to upgrade! Call or email us for a demo.
More Information
2nd Annual "Cold Water Rescue Day" is Jan. 1, 2010
Just an early warning for you to put this event on your calendar. Last year's event was a huge success and we want to see even more of you this year. What better way to start the new year than playing in the water with your friends! And it's free. We'll have more information and hopefully an on-line sign up system here soon. Check back next week.
Werner Paddle Sale
Sale on 2008 model Werner touring kayak paddles. Great Werner paddles at very good prices, all with button-guard upgrade installed.
More Information
Wednesday Morning Paddle
Starting Oct. 7 - 14, then again in mid Nov.
All Kayak Academy alumni and friends are welcome to join us every Wed. morning -- meet at 8:30am, launch at 9am. We'll do a 50 minute paddle, and then be back to the beach area for a bit of rolling practice. We meet at Tibbitts Beach in Lake Sammamish State Park. Look for the Issaquah Paddle Sports shed (IPS is a subsidiary of KA).
Greenland Week 2010
Start planning now for next year's Greenland Week at the Kayak Academy. There will be a week of Greenland style rolling and paddle technique lessons followed by a 3-Day competition Nov 5-7 2010. Stay tuned for more info.
Alumni Discounts
We offer all of our KA alumni half off on all refresher courses. Are you a 5-day class graduate? Take the class again for $475. Or the Tidal Rapids class for $117. This is a great deal to help you become a more confident kayaker.
We have a whole season of classes ahead so check out our Kayak Course page for all the details.
The Kayak Academy Alumni Google Group
Stay connected other paddlers and stay informed of kayak events around the Puget Sound. We use this group to make announcements and setup informal paddles. To sign up, go to the Kayak Academy Alumni Google Group.
Kayak Academy and Facebook
The Kayak Academy is on Facebook. Stay in touch with other paddlers, hear about events before they happen, and share your own experience.