Who we are:
WAKE [Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts] is a Bellingham based non-profit sea
kayaking and occasional white water group which has been
initiating trips and educating kayakers since 1984. Memberships costs $30 per person per year.
What we do:
Trips
Our leaders initiate single- and multi-day kayak trips, in northern Washington and elsewhere,
including British Columbia, Alaska, even abroad. Some trips may be just a few hours.
Education
We are life-long learners and eager to share our knowledge. Kayaking in our local cold waters
requires some training to do safely, and we are here to help. Education includes physical skills
such as efficient paddling, rescues and maneuvering, and knowledge-based topics such as
safety, predicting currents and choosing proper gear.
Regular events
Monthly meetings during the winter, with topics ranging from slide shows and tall tales about
trips, to knowledge based skills.
Wednesday evening paddles after work, most of the year. Sometimes a straight paddle,
sometimes more of a skill-building session.
The annual fall Four Club Picnic, held in cooperation with 3 other Washington kayak clubs.
This involves several groups paddling off in different directions depending on skill level, then
meeting up for the picnic, a raffle and swap meet.
An annual one day WAKE symposium, held on Lake Padden, for newbies to learn new skills and
old timers to freshen up theirs. We like to be safe.
December Holiday party. Great food and a silent auction.
Not so regular events
Our more experienced members will post trips on our bulletin board. Most are listed just a
few days before the trip, although some may be weeks out. You must be a member.
Pool sessions, held in winter at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center. It sure is nice to learn wet exits,
rescues, rolling- in a warm pool.
When
Kayaking is a year-round activity.