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Level 1 Intro WAKE Wednesday Paddle - July 9

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About this event

Want to take part in WAKE paddles but you haven't mastered the skills to go on Level 2 trips? The monthly Level 1 Wednesday paddle is for you.

This is a monthly paddle/practice session aimed at helping Level 1 paddlers master the skills needed to take part on Level 2 paddles, such as the regular Wednesday paddle. Launch from Community Boat Center at 5pm. Skills practice will happen in shallow (chest deep) water, followed by short paddle if conditions permit.

Skill Level 1 required: Able to swim, wet exit (or willing to learn at beginning of trip). Paddling in protected water, consistently near shore; easy landings; day trip; limited wind effect.

You will be getting wet, so a drysuit or wetsuit is required.

NOTE: Please be respectful of other users, particularly at the CBC launch, which can get busy on Wednesday evenings. Don't block the launch. Enter and leave the area quickly and leave room for others when possible. Ask for help if you need help getting a kayak from your car ot the launch ramp.

Below is a checklist for basic (and slightly more advanced) safety gear for this - and any - paddle. This is not a complete list. Feel free to ping me (Warren Cornwall) with items I should add.

There is usually an after-paddle pint and fish and chips at the Stone's Throw pub in Fairhaven (1009 Larrabee Ave.). Level 1 and regular Wednesday paddlers can converge there!

When: 5pm launch at the Community Boat Center launch. PLEASE BE READY TO LAUNCH ON TIME.

Route: Skills activities will happen in shallow water either near the CBC launch or next to a beach just to the north below the boardwalk. If conditions permit and we complete skills work in time, we can make a short trip north toward downtown Bellingham.

Dress: Neoprene wetsuit or drysuit is a must year around due to water temperatures. You will be getting into the water multiple times. If you are gear limited, email Warren Cornwall and I might have something you can use.

Required Skill Level: Level 1. Able to swim, wet exit (or willing to learn at beginning of trip). Paddling in protected water, consistently near shore; easy landings; day trip; limited wind effect.

RSVP: Registration through Club Express required.

Safety Gear Suggestions

Each Person Should Definitely Have:

- Pump

- Drysuit or wetsuit

- Appropriate hand and head covering for the temperatures.

- At least one mode of communication that will work and be accessible on the water (cell phone, VHF radio, etc.). A second piece provides redundancy.

- PFD

- Whistle

- Any emergency medications you need
- A watertight and seaworthy kayak with all hatches intact and tight.

Each Person Should Consider Having:

- A spare paddle

- A spare set of warm clothes in a dry bag (such as fleece jacket and pants)

- A VHF radio (if you know how to use it)

- A waist-mounted tow rope (if you know how to use it)

- An easily accessible, rust-resistant safety knife for entanglements, etc.

- Compass - on deck or on PFD

- A small flashing strobe attached to PFD
- A waterproof headlamp and/or 360-degree visible light for navigation safety at dusk/dark (especially on short winter days).

In addition to those things, I will have:

- Multiple flares (electronic and pyrotechnic)

- Poncho that doubles as a tarp

- Emergency bivy

- First Aid Kit

- Emergency Boat Repair Kit

- Emergency food (Clif bars)

Date and Time

Wednesday, July 09, 2025, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM

Location

Community Boat Center boat launch
555 Harris Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
USA

Event Contact(s)

Warren Cornwall

Registration Info

Registration is required

Dress: Neoprene wetsuit or drysuit is a must year around due to water temperatures.
Required Skill Level: Level 2. That means experience with wet exits, assisted rescues and bracing. Potential for enough wind to create waves. Wind waves of 1-2' might break over bow. Potential for some chop. Current to 1-2 knots. Easy to moderate landings.
RSVP: Registration through Club Express required.