Kayak Lessons
From beginning to advanced lessons, the Kayak Academy features fun, practical courses with small class sizes and experienced instructors. Our unique teaching methods speed up the learning curve so you become a better, safer paddler in less time. For training you can't get anywhere else, come to the Kayak Academy
Kayak & Gear Store
We look at kayak gear differently than most on-line stores. We're a kayaking school first, and we make our gear recommendations in order to help our students and other kayakers find what's best for them. Buying the right gear the first time saves money and time - that's value! That's the K.A. Store
Dry Suits
We have the largest selection of IN STOCK watersport dry suit sizes and models starting at only $479, and we guarantee the fit (even on custom sized drysuits). And if you need a custom drysuit, we'll loan you one while you wait. For the best value on a drysut, buy it from the Kayak Academy. See Our Dry Suit Information
News
We have a new monthly email newsletter! Get news about upcoming events, featured instructional tips, a product gear review, and more.
Programs Updates
Last chance for free Thursday Night Sea Kayak Demos, every Thursday night in July. 6pm - 8pm at Tibbetts Beach, L Sammamish S.P (see map on our "About Us"/"Contact Information" page). No reservations, just show up! The Kayak Academy is your one-stop kayak shop with all the newest and best sea kayaks from around the world -- it's like a kayak symposium every Thursday.
It's not too late to schedule an Adventurous Journey in the San Juan's. To get started, click the "Kayak Lessons" tab above.
Demo A Kayak Any Day
If you have experience and a roof rack, you may pick up a demo kayak at our shop and test it out on L. Sammamish. Call us to make arrangements.
Announcements
Wednesday Evening Skills Night
All Kayak Academy alumni are welcome to join us every Wed. evening -- meet at 6pm, launch at 6:30. Work on skills near the shore or go for an exercise paddle. The exercise paddle is typically a 50 minute paddle at a steady 3.5 -4.2 knots (depending on the group). If you want help, we'll give some pointers to work on to improve your forward stroke. Meet at Tibbitts Beach in Lake Sammamish State Park. Look for the KA/IPS storage shed (IPS is a subsidiary of KA). See "About Us/Contact Information" tab for map.
Detour Route to KA shop
Southeast May Valley Road will be closed between State Route 900 and our shop from Monday, June 21 through August, while King County replaces a bridge. A detour route will be marked, allow 5 minutes extra to get here. See detour directions on our "contacts" page under the "About Us" tab above.
Final Thursday Demo Night -- 7/29/10, 6-8pm
Free sea kayak demos. This thursday night we are featuring Impex Kayaks including their new Hatteras, the thermoformed version of the Rockpool Kayaks' Alaw Bach TCC (which now features a choice of two seats both of which have fore and aft position adjustment), and the Eddyline Fathom LV. Demo is from 6-8pm at our on-water location at Tibbetts Beach in L. Sammamish St. Park. This will be the last Demo Night till late August. See "About Us/Contact Information" tab for map.
Greenland Week & Competition 2010 Oct. 30th - Nov. 7th
(You can now register on-line for the Greenland Week Competition and the Greenland Kayak Clinics on the prior weekend.)
2nd annual Greenland Week & Competition hosted at the Kayak Academy. What is Greenland Week? It's a celebration of traditional Greenland style kayaking and rope gymnastic skills, and it's a social gathering for all of us who live outside of Greenland and want to meet and paddle with others who are enthused about learning more of these skills. There will be a week of Greenland style rolling and paddle technique lessons taught by the masters followed by the biggest such competition ever held outside of Greenland -- a 3-Day event Nov 5-7 2010.
More Information and On-line Registration
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
Alumni Discounts
We offer all of our KA alumni half off on all refresher courses. Are you a 5-Day Training Camp graduate? Take the class again for only $475. Or repeat the Tidal Rapids Training at Deception Pass for $117. This is a great deal to help you become a more confident kayaker.
The Kayak Academy Alumni Google Group
Alumni only: you can now stay connected other students, share photos and keep 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.