Build sea kayak navigation and rescue skills in Puget Sound
All Day (7 Hours)
Safety instruction, Rescue practice
Build on your sea kayaking foundation with a full-day Level Two Smart Start class in Port Gamble. Practice rescues, towing, navigation, and trip planning with professionally trained instructors.
Dry suits are required; dry suit rentals are available for an extra charge ($20). Kayak rentals are available for an extra charge ($50), and personal kayaks must be fully compartmentalized. This activity is not appropriate for children under 18.
Cancel 72+ hours before start for a full refund. No-shows are charged the full price. No refunds for cancellations less than 72 hours before the scheduled start. If the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
Yes. You should take Smart Start: Introduction to Sea Kayaking (or a comparable class) or have similar sea kayaking experience before joining this Level Two class.
Yes—dry suits are required. If you don’t have your own, you must rent one for an extra charge (listed as $20).
Yes, but your kayak must be fully compartmentalized (with bulkheads preferred, or front and back flotation). Sit-on-top kayaks, recreational kayaks with large open cockpits, and kayaks under 12 feet are not appropriate for this activity.
Port Gamble Waterfront
Olympic Outdoor Center delivers consistently outstanding experiences across kayaking instruction, equipment rentals, and guided tours. The staff earns particular praise, with instructors like Brian, Chris, and Trina repeatedly mentioned for their expertise, patience, and genuine enthusiasm. Multiple reviewers highlight how seriously safety is taken here—from detailed self-rescue demonstrations during rentals to comprehensive CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications. The kayaking classes clearly stand out, with beginners reporting major confidence boosts after just one session and intermediate paddlers noting real skill improvements in challenging areas like surf zone techniques. The bioluminescence tours have become something of a signature experience, described as "magical" and "therapeutic" by multiple guests. Guides balance educational content with space to simply absorb the experience, and reviewers appreciate the realistic expectation-setting about moon phases and conditions. Beyond tours, the e-bike rentals and general gear shop receive solid marks for quality equipment and helpful recommendations. The overall vibe is welcoming and professional—a team that genuinely wants you to succeed and enjoy yourself, whether you're renting for a few hours or committing to weekend-long certification courses.
Drew and Trina were excellent during my preparations for kayaking and fishing around the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Drew helped me pick out a semi dry suit. He was casually professional and extremely knowledgeable. It was a pleasant and informative buying experience. Trina helped when I brought a friend to rent a dry suit. She was energetic and customer-focused. I appreciated her flexibility and 10/10 customer service. Overall, I’d recommend checking this place out on your way out to the peninsula, if you have rental needs, and especially if you’re in the market for a new wet/dry suit. With so little options for rentals in the greater Tacoma area, I’m very glad that this place exists. Additional notes: they sell pfd’s, kayaks, paddle boards, and other associated accessories. From what I understand, they also offer many courses.
Arch.
April 4, 2026
Drew and Trina were excellent during my preparations for kayaking and fishing around the Straight of Juan de Fuca. Drew helped me pick out a semi dry suit. He was casually professional and extremely knowledgeable. It was a pleasant and informative buying experience. Trina helped when I brought a friend to rent a dry suit. She was energetic and customer-focused. I appreciated her flexibility and 10/10 customer service. Overall, I’d recommend checking this place out on your way out to the peninsula, if you have rental needs, and especially if you’re in the market for a new wet/dry suit. With so little options for rentals in the greater Tacoma area, I’m very glad that this place exists. Additional notes: they sell pfd’s, kayaks, paddle boards, and other associated accessories. From what I understand, they also offer many courses.
Arch.
April 4, 2026