What to Expect

“Hope for the best, but plan for the worst” is a good mantra to use when attending outdoor classes. While our beautiful summers are what keep Bellingham residents around, we have our fair share of bad weather and the water is always cold (about 50F year round). For all of our on-the-water classes you should plan as if you might get wet. We provide all the basic safety equipment and gear needed for your program, but you need to provide your own outdoor suitable clothing, personal gear, food, and rain gear. If you do not have all of the equipment, let us know and we will help you find it. We have wetsuits and paddle jackets, but you are welcome to bring your own.

Participants should always arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of class to gear-up, and get started on time.

All participants should have sufficient upper body strength to pull oneself out of a swimming pool unassisted.

This is the equivalent minimum physical ability required to safely participate in our classes.

For all of our on-water classes, participants must be able to swim 50 yards unassisted and tread water for 5 minutes.

The majority of our classes are for new or beginning students however each class description lists prior skills that may be required.

Students with concerns about their physical ability or needing special accommodations should speak with our staff before registering for a class.

We recommend avoiding cotton clothing (wool, poly-pro, or other synthetic fabrics work best for our class settings).

You should bring all the clothes, medications, snacks, water, and items needed to keep your body functioning well and your mind happy.

Clothing can be either worn or brought with you in your day bag, and we also have dry bags available for use during class.

Layers are the key to dressing comfortably. Choosing multiple lighter layers to adjust to the temperature work better than one or two heavy layers.

Outdoor recreation does not always have to be pricey, and thrift-stores are great places to find second hand fleeces, running tights, hats, etc.

Unless otherwise noted, all of our classes run at The Community Boating Center (555 Harris Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225 – map here). The Boating Center is located immediately next to the public boat launch in Fairhaven. Parking can be found next to the railroad tracks in front of the Boating Center, or along Harris Avenue if no other spaces are available. Please do not park in the Port of Bellingham’s trailer parking lot, as this requires a paid launch permit.