The Club kayaking group has both scheduled and spontaneous paddles along the shores of Whidbey Island, the San Juan Islands and inland lakes. Different put-ins are scheduled on the island based on the tides, currents and weather for that day.
Typically our kayaking events run April through December with organized events led by members of the kayaking group. We’ve also added planning meetings and pool practices during the winter months. All event dates will be included in the monthly newsletter and are listed below as they are confirmed. If you are interested in kayaking with the club and receiving kayaking email announcements, please contact Kayaking Fleet Captains Nina Fitts or Diane Lagerstedt at bilgerat@swyachtclub.org.
Kayak safety skills have always been important with our group for the safety of all. Having had a safety class learning wet exit, self-rescue and assisted rescue – and being comfortable with it – is one of the expectations of kayaking with SWYC. For that reason, our planned paddling events are open to SWYC members only. For those interested in taking a class locally, Whidbey Island Kayaking, located in Bayview, offers safety/rescue classes.
In addition to kayaking outings, social/educational meetings are organized. Guest speakers share their kayaking experiences on Whidbey Island and beyond.
Our paddling group introduced the Group Me app to the group as our way of keeping in touch, sharing last minute details of a paddling event, finding last minute pick-up paddle partners and RSVPing to our events. It’s a benefit to all of the kayakers in providing more efficiency and camaraderie.
The kayaking group is open to those SWYC members who are just learning to paddle and to those who have been paddling for years. All SWYC members are welcome.
Contact Us for more information or to join us!
More on Safety
SWYC Kayaking Skill Level Matrix
See the skill level matrix to assess your ability level.
| *Recreational | SK I | SK II | SK III | SK IV | SK V | SK VI | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography (fetch: distance of unimpeded wind) | Lake or within 50 yards from shore/within comfortable swimming ability | Protected from wind & waves | Fetch less than 10 nautical miles | Fetch more than 10 nautical miles | Crossings up to 5 nautical miles | Crossings over 5 nautical miles | Landings may be impossible |
| Hydraulics | No current or insignificant currents | Insignificant currents | Max current 1 knot | Max current 2 knots | Currents above 2 knots | Currents faster than paddle speed | Anything possible |
| Route | Less than 2 hours within 50 yards from shore | Day trips near shore | Crossings less than 1 nautical mile | Eddy lines & tiderips possible | Strong eddylines, tiderips & boils | Possible launching & landing in surf | Anything possible |
| Possible conditions | Calm | Calm | Winds less than 10 knots | Wind possibility more than 10 knots | Steep waves, swells & wind over 15 knots | Foul weather, whitecaps and fast current | Rescues may be impossible |
| Skills & expertise | Willing to learn. Ability to swim to shore. | Wet exits and rescues | Wet exits and rescues | Group & self-rescue; bracing | Reflexive bracing, navigation | All skills plus roll recommended | Extensive surfing |
Kayaking 2026
Planning for the 2026 Kayaking Season is well underway. Several multi-day trips are already planned. Additional safety training and single day paddles are soon to be added. Come to the January SWYC General Meeting to help with ideas and planning. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the individual events listed to see the details. Events include:
- January Planning Meeting
- Kayaking Pool Session – Practice Self-Rescue and Assisted-Rescue Techniques
- Skagit Island Wildflower Paddle
- Oyhut/Ocean Shores – Camping and Canals
- Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park Kayaking/Camping Trip
- Sinclair Island Kayaking Camping Trip (2 dates offered)
- Orcas Island/West Beach Resort Kayaking Trip
- More to Come…
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Kayaking 2025
The 2025 has wrapped up after an active season of both planned paddling events and more spontaneous “pick-up paddles.” Activities included:
- January Planning Meeting
- VHF Radio/Marine App Training and Social
- Kayak Rescue Pool Session
- No-Sinko de Mayo Paddle
- Kayak Self Rescue Training
- Camping and Kayaking – Fort Flagler State Park/Marrowstone Island 3-day trip
- Ya Gotta Regatta Paddle in Langley
- Bells Beach Paddle and Pints
- Kayak Camping – Sinclair Island 3-Day Camping & Kayaking Trip
- Possession Point Kelp Beds Paddle
- Orcas Island 4-day/3-night paddling trip
- Baby Island Circumnavigation
- Witches, Warlocks and Pumpkins Penn Cove Paddle (canceled due to weather)
- Kayaks, Kazoos and Carols Holiday Parade on Deer Lake
Kayaking Photo Album
View the SWYC Google Photos Kayaking Album (members only)