Tide Talk : Five Things to Know Before Leaving the Dock
Most problems offshore aren't dramatic—they're poorly managed basics.
This seminar covers what every captain and crew member should know before casting off: why you're the medic out there, how to assess a patient, which common problems escalate fastest, what should be in your onboard medical kit, and how to call for help before it's too late.
Designed for sailors, cruisers, and offshore crew of all experience levels, this session requires no medical background and focuses on practical skills that can make a critical difference when professional care is hours—or days—away.
For more information: https://www.maritimemedicalguides.org/advanced-first-aid-for-mariners
Presenter: John Taussig, EMT-Paramedic, Executive Director, Maritime Medical Guides
John Taussig is an EMT-Paramedic and the Executive Director of Maritime Medical Guides. He has spent years developing and delivering maritime medical education for sailors ranging from weekend cruisers to offshore race crews. John brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to topics that can feel overwhelming, along with a talent for making clinical knowledge accessible and memorable for non-medical audiences
Birds of the Salish Sea Paddle
Join one of Wild Whatcom’s naturalists and experienced birders, Kate Brown, at the Community Boating Center to learn about the diverse bird species found in the Salish Sea. Review the basics of birding, learn to identify some common species, and then hit the water to paddle and search for black oystercatchers, osprey, eagles, shore birds, and more!
Out and About : Pride Paddle
Join the Community Boating Center and Wild Whatcom for a special Pride Paddle Out on Bellingham Bay! Paddle alongside a Wild Whatcom naturalist while exploring the marine environment, observing local wildlife, and connecting with LGBTQ+ community in an affirming outdoor space. Whether you’re brand new to paddling or already comfortable on the water, all experience levels are welcome. Come solo, bring a friend, or gather your chosen family for an evening of kayaking, nature connection, and community building on the bay. Tiered pricing and scholarships are available to help make this experience accessible to all.
Ladies Night Out : Full Moon Paddle
Connect with yourself, each other, and the natural world around us under the darkness of a new moon! Participants can expect paddling, wildlife observation, and a sharing circle.
Ladies Night Out : Full Moon Paddle
Connect with yourself, each other, and the natural world around us under the darkness of a new moon! Participants can expect paddling, wildlife observation, and a sharing circle.
Solstice Splash!
Celebrate the Longest Day of the Year at
Solstice Splash!☀️
There is something special about a young person's first day on the water. Maybe it's the moment they realize they can steer a sailboat on their own. Maybe it's the confidence that comes from paddling across the bay with friends. Maybe it's simply the feeling of belonging to a place, a community, and a new mode of adventure.
At Community Boating Center, these moments happen every day. Last year alone, local youth spent more than 20,000 hours on the water through CBC programs, building confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful connections to the Salish Sea. This year, we're working to raise $40,000 for youth programming, ensuring that more young people can access scholarships, leadership opportunities, boating education, and transformative experiences on the water regardless of their financial circumstances.
On June 19th, we're inviting our community to experience a piece of that magic at Solstice Splash, CBC's annual summer fundraiser celebrating youth, community, and life on Bellingham Bay. Every ticket purchased helps bring us closer to our goal and supports another season of adventure, growth, and belonging for local youth.
Make a Splash
Throughout the evening, CBC's youth sailors and instructors will take the lead, sharing their skills and enthusiasm as they guide guests through a variety of on-water adventures, including:
🛶 Kayaks + Paddleboards
🏄 Mega SUPs
⛵ RS Quest sailboats
⚓ Keelboats
On-water activities are first come, first served.
Arrive early to make the most of the longest day of the year!
Shoreside Activities
🍔 Delicious food from Sammies
🎟️ Raffle prizes
🎵 Live music
🎯 Lawn games + Giant Bubbles
💦 CBC's first-ever Dunk Tank (yes, you can dunk your favorite staff member!)
Your Ticket Includes
First-come, first-served access to on-water activities led by CBC youth
One Sammies food item
One beverage token (beer, wine, mocktail, or non-alcoholic beverage)
One raffle ticket
Live music
Access to the beer garden (21+)
Family-friendly shoreside activities
Dunk tank throws sold separately—we're a little nervous already. 😅
Come celebrate the Summer Solstice with us, meet the next generation of maritime leaders, and help ensure another incredible season of youth programming on Bellingham Bay. Every paddle stroke, sail, raffle ticket, and dunk tank splash helps create opportunities for local youth to experience the confidence, adventure, and sense of belonging that come from time on the water.
Grab your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable evening on the waterfront!
Tide Talk : Researching Washington's Endangered Seabirds
Researching Washington's Endangered Seabirds: the Tufted Puffin and Marbled Murrelet
Join us at the Community Boating Center for an evening with Olivia Fross as she shares stories from the field researching two of Washington’s most fascinating seabirds: the charismatic Tufted Puffin and the elusive Marbled Murrelet.
From rugged coastlines to offshore islands, Olivia’s work combines adventure, science, and stewardship to better understand and protect these endangered species in the Salish Sea and beyond.
Olivia Fross (she/her) is a Research Coordinator and Lead Field Staff with The Salish Sea School in Anacortes, where she leads Tufted Puffin and Marbled Murrelet research initiatives and works to inspire environmental stewardship through ornithology and education.
This event will take place at the Squalicum Boathouse
Pride Paddle
Paddle with Pride on Bellingham Bay!
Celebrate Pride Month with a colorful parade-style paddle on Bellingham Bay! Join the Community Boating Center for an afternoon of creativity, community, and joy on the water.
We’ll start with boat decorating, face painting, and sign-making before launching together from CBC and paddling north along the Boulevard Park boardwalk. CBC will provide sit-on-top kayaks, sea kayaks, rowboats, Mega SUPs, paddle boards, and all required safety gear.
Bringing your own boat is welcome, but pre-registration is still required.
Schedule
11:00 AM — Check in at CBC
11:00 AM–12:00 PM — Decorate boats, face painting, and sign-making
12:00 PM — Group launch from CBC
12:00–1:30 PM — Paddle parade along the Boulevard Park boardwalk
1:30–2:00 PM — Return to CBC and return gear
Bring your costume, decorations, signs, and Pride spirit. We can’t wait to celebrate love, unity, and the beauty of diversity on the bay with you!
Out and About : Pride Paddle
Join the Community Boating Center and Wild Whatcom for a special Pride Paddle Out on Bellingham Bay! Paddle alongside a Wild Whatcom naturalist while exploring the marine environment, observing local wildlife, and connecting with LGBTQ+ community in an affirming outdoor space. Whether you’re brand new to paddling or already comfortable on the water, all experience levels are welcome. Come solo, bring a friend, or gather your chosen family for an evening of kayaking, nature connection, and community building on the bay. Tiered pricing and scholarships are available to help make this experience accessible to all.