The Azimuth Expeditions schedule of clinics and seminars fill an important role in our overall mission. In order that each of us be able to pursue our own adventures, there are skills to be learned and techniques to be mastered. Our experienced kayak instructors can help you discover the skills you'll need to prepare yourself for the touring kayaking environment. Give us a call to see if we have something to match your interests and skill level.

Note: All of our calendar offerings can be set up as custom courses. If the dates and times of our listings don't fit in with your schedule, give us a call and we can discuss ways to put something together that will work for you. Whether you're interested in setting up a private multi-day kayaking course in the San Juan Islands or a surf zone workshop in Northern California, let us know and we'll start working on it right away.

If you have never tried sea kayaking, and want to learn the basics quickly and safely, our Foundation Sea Kayaking Course is the place to start. This seminar consists of two 2.5 hour sessions and emphasizes efficient, ergonomic technique. The first session covers techniques for controlling the kayak, using effective stroke fundamentals. The second session focuses on safety, covering bracing strokes, wet exits and assisted rescues. This is a great introduction to the sport and provides a solid foundation for all of your kayaking adventures to follow.
No prior experience required.
Cost: $90
April 20 & 27
May 20 & 27
June 10 & 17
July 24 & 31
August 19 & 26
September 27 & October 4

This clinic builds on the rescue skills covered in the Foundation Course, with an emphasis placed on fast and safe rescue techniques in an open water environment, where current and weather may be important factors. Boat towing, contact tows and basic medical concerns such as hypothermia are all addressed.
Prerequisite: Foundation Sea Kayak Course or equivalent
Cost: $100
May 24
July 26
October 11

A classroom introduction to principles of coastal navigation. Chart and compass basics, course plotting, piloting and dead reckoning are the focus of this course, along with learning techniques for using tide tables and current guides. All necessary equipment is supplied.
Prerequisite: Foundation Sea Kayak Seminar or equivalent
Participation Fee: $60
May 21
August 20

Moving water, for a sea kayaker, can either mean pleasure or pain, and safely negotiating the surf zone is a skill that pays great dividends for any sea kayaker. This course focuses on the factors that create currents, and how to use moving water to your advantage as you paddle. Practicing landing and launching through breaking waves, as well as an introduction to coastline strategies and safety will open up the unique and wonderful world of paddling on the open coast. Tide rips, rock gardens and river outfalls will be used as instructional tools, and after the class concludes you'll find that the things you've learned about currents and surf have taken the pain away, leaving only the pleasure.
Prerequisite: Rescue and Recovery Clinic or equivalent
Cost: $335
June 27-29

If you’re interested in leading a sea kayak outing, whether it’s with a group of friends for a few hours or a club overnight trip, this seminar will provide you with valuable information that you are sure to use. Navigation and route planning, menu details and food preparation, boat packing and camping considerations, as well as specific group skills are all important topics that are covered. The class uses a combination of scenarios and small group work to teach emphasis items. You’ll learn to put together a packing list, what a good first aid kit should contain and how to manage a variety of emergency situations without compromising maximum safety and enjoyment.
Cost: $195
Classroom sessions: May 29 & Jun 5
Field Seminar: June 7-8
Space in this seminar is very limited. Discount is available to Matelót Kayak Club members. Call or email to reserve your spot. Payment is due at time of registration.