Beginners flock to sea kayak seminars

BEN FLETCHER - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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The secret is out. Whatcom County's temperate weather gives sea kayaking year-round appeal. And more and more people are utilizing a local seminar as a way to get started.

Local kayaker Mac Carter will present a seminar entitled "Safe Kayaking in the Pacific Northwest" at the Fairhaven Library at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Fairhaven Library. The class, which is hosted by Washington Association of Kayak Enthusiasts (WAKE), focuses on safety in the wake of seven boat-involved fatalities last year. But it's also an effective jumping off point for those looking to get started on what, for many Whatcom residents, is a rewarding, life-long activity.

Roughly, 150 people have stopped in at five classes so far, Carter said.

PHILIP A. DWYER | THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Whitewater kayak racers practice

"It seems to be attracting people who are brand new to the sport," Carter said. "I'd say 90 percent of them are novice to barely intermediate."

The appeal isn't surprising. Carter describes sea kayaking as an incredible way to experience the outdoors, an activity that allows people to paddle near shorelines and shallow areas normally off-limits to a regular boat.

Kayakers generally say wildlife treats them differently, too.

"You see a lot of marine life up close, really close," Carter said.

But at the heart of Carter's instruction remains the fact that sea kayaking exposes people to real dangers. The year-round temperature of water in the Puget Sound is cold enough to kill.

"If you capsize ... within 30 minutes you'll be hypothermic," Carter said.

That's why those who attend Saturday's seminar will hear Carter urge kayakers to wear a wet suit at a minimum, though a dry suit with fleece under layers would be preferable. Definitely, no cotton.

Other guidelines include always wearing a personal floatation device and using a VHF radio, flares, whistles and strobe lights.

There also are necessary skills kayakers of all levels must learn to stay safe, Carter said, such as how to perform an assisted and un-assisted rescue.

Though it may sound daunting, Saturday's seminar is a great place to get started, Carter said.

Reach BEN FLETCHER at ben.fletcher@bellinghamherald.com or 715-2271.