World Class Sea Kayak Instruction

Lesson Offerings

  • Take your first steps towards exploring the coastline of The Strait of Juan De Fuca and The Pacific Ocean by learning the art of managing the Surf Zone. Learn the basics of Launching and Landing, as well as what to do in the event of a capsize.

    Best Venues:

    • Crescent Beach

    • Hobuck Beach

    • La Push

  • Do you feel proficient in the Surf Zone? Can you effectively launch, land and ride waves to the beach? In Performance Surfing we will focus on taking the next step in your surfing development by introducing you to maneuvers such as, Top Turns, Bottom Turns, Floaters, Diagonal Runs, Pirouettes and much more.

    Best Venues:

    • Crescent Beach

    • Hobuck Beach

    • La Push

  • Paddling on the Open Coast presents a variety of challenges and having a proper toolbox of rescues and skillsets can be the difference between an incredible and horrible experience. In these lessons you will learn to mitigate risk while also learning the ability manage and incident with grace and efficiency.

    Best Venues:

    • Freshwater Bay

    • La Push

  • Rock Gardening/ Rock Hopping is an excellent graduation from performance surfing. It puts your timing, positioning and surfing skills to the test by placing yourself in more technical environments. Maneuvering through rocky shores and managing the surges between them allows access to some of the coastlines most secret coves and caves.

    Best Venues:

    • Freshwater Bay

    • La Push

  • Planning on taking a trip to the San Juan Islands or the Broughton Archipelago? Let me help you with all aspects of your expedition such as Chart Navigation, Weather Resources, Itinerary, Campsite Selection, Consumables, Resupply and Logistics.

    Email with your needs for custom pricing.

  • Rolling your kayak as your primary defense against capsizing can help conserve energy and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

    1.5 Hour Rolling Lesson Cost:

    1 Person - $150

    2 Persons - $100 each

    3 or more - $75 each

  • Effective and Efficient strokes are foundational to all paddling experiences. Paddle trips can often seem like a marathon and the only way to protect your body is to utilize your paddle in an efficient manner. Learn the basics of effective and efficient Forward, Reverse, Draw and Sweep Strokes as well as Bow and Stern Rudders.

    Best Venue:

    • Hollywood Beach

    • Sequim Bay

    • Lake Crescent

  • Local Venues:

    Freshwater Bay, Crescent Beach, Lake Crescent, Hollywood Beach & Sequim Bay

    1 person - $75/hr

    2 person - $55/hr per person

    3 or more - $40/hr per person

    Minimum 3 hrs per lesson.

    Coastal Venues:

    La Push & Hobuck Beach

    1 person - $95/hr

    2 person - $70/hr per person

    3 or more - $55/hr per person

  • Surf Zone

    Surf Zone Skills are as important as they are fun. In order to paddle coastal environments you must master the art of launching and landing in the Surf Zone. Comfort in this zone can be empowering and unlock some of Sea Kayaking’s most beautiful venues.

  • Strokes & Rudders

    Control over your kayak begins with the initiation of Strokes and Rudders. Knowing which one to use and when is important in protecting your body and conserving your energy.

  • Greenland Strokes

    Greenland Paddles are one of the most graceful and culturally unique forms of kayaking. Due to its unique form there is a different style of stroke that is gentle on the body and increases endurance on long distances.

  • Rescues & Incident Management

    When you venture out into open water there is no substitute for proper training in Rescues & Incident Management. Whether its as simple as a capsize needing an assisted rescue or managing an injury in the group, practice makes perfect.

  • Navigation

    Navigating marine environments can pose many challenges. Learn to read Nautical Charts, Weather Forecasting and Navigate Tidal Currents.

  • ACA Skills Certifications

    For those in pursuit of ACA Skills Certification, I am able to conduct up to an Level 4 Open Coastal Kayak Level.

Book a Lesson Now

Coaching Philosophy

I believe that understanding where people have been, will allow me to help them get to where they want to go. I understand that Learning Style, Athletic History and Capacity for Challenge play a vital role in how I can nurture their growth in Sea Kayaking. I love to make learning fun while helping students progress in safe yet challenging  environments.

  • ACA Level 4 Open Coastal Kayak Instructor

  • Wilderness First Aid Certification

Reach Out

Interested in working together? Message me with any questions or inquiries you might have and ill get back to your shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Student Testimonials

  • " Insightful and tailored instruction that meets you where you are. Deep knowledge of the sport and the local area coupled with excellent skills. Highly recommended to expand your learning and have an amazing time."

    Heidi Schutz

  • "I have taken lessons from Chris on several occasions and it's not possible to overstate what a fantastic kayak instructor he is. He is skilled, friendly, easygoing and patient. He has come up with methods to help his students grasp the mental and physical moves he is teaching. He is very good at matching his instruction to the abilities of the student as well as the comfort level they have with conditions, etc. It is obvious when a student is with him that he is genuinely pleased when the student succeeds. He is gracious and encouraging when a student is struggling."

    Sandra Relyea

  • "My wife and I are so fortunate to find Chris in helping us with our self rescue training and techniques. His patience , practicality and ability to communicate are spot on. We truly enjoyed learning from him and look forward to taking more classes in the future."

    Habib Boozari

  • "Ive had the pleasure of training under Chris Bracamonte in multiple settings, including paddle skills, surfing, and dynamic waters/rock gardening. Chris has extraordinary skills, both as a kayaker and an instructor. His ability to communicate clearly , and his unflappable patience is unparalleled. I look forward to our next raining and recommend him wholeheartedly."

    Toresa Martell

  • "Chris, the two days of lessons at La Push were awesome! As always, you were so informative, thorough and enthusiastic!! I've taken numerous trainings with you (Surf, Rock Gardening, Coastal Skills and Rescues). I'm always amazed at the inovative skills you offer. I look forward to additional training with you!

    Inez Dubigk

“Roll with the Punches”