OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To further the enjoyment, knowledge and safety of kayaking by
providing training and a wide variety of trips and social events
to our members and the general public.

  

Welcome to

WAKE

Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts

We're a non-profit, social kayaking organization based in Bellingham, WA. We welcome any adult who wants to paddle in the many areas of the Pacific Northwest. Our focus is sea kayaking, however, we do have many whitewater kayakers as members. Because paddling conditions in the Pacific Northwest are typically cold and fickle, WAKE emphasizes safety in all sponsored events: trainings, occasional day paddles and trips, and monthly meetings with speakers addressing all aspects of paddling.

• Meetings: We meet every third Tuesday of the month, September through June. (no club meetings during July & August) Social time with beverages and snacks 7:00 pm, meeting begins at 7:30 pm,  at the Bellingham Library, lower level, in downtown Bellingham. The public is always welcome to attend.
• Membership: Membership is $25 per household. Fees help pay for WAKE trainings, events, meeting room rental, website, newsletter software and insurance. To find out more, visit our Membership page.

Please feel free to attend our meetings and check out our schedule of events.

Note: Participants in WAKE events must have signed a Release of Liability Waiver prior to participating. Some events (e.g. the Symposium) are open to WAKE members only. The form is available in the "Documents" section of this website.

WAKE's Annual Community and Club Events

Ski to Sea Race Safety Boats: This race is held on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. WAKE members volunteer as safety boats to monitor and assist, if necessary, race participants during the kayak leg of the relay race.

Kayak Skills WAKE Symposium: Held in early June. This event is offered only to WAKE members, however people may join WAKE the day of the symposium and participate in all classes. It's a full day of free training and a great opportunity to learn new skills or build on skills you already have.  

Members Helping Members:  A bi-weekly paddle session. MHM is an unstructured time for members to meet up and work on skills, learn something new, learn techniques from the experience of our membership, or just get in a good paddling session. Great place for someone new to sea kayaking to start.

Day Paddles for Members: Local day paddle opportunities for members only.

Multi-Day Trips: Kayak trips offered to members in the San Juan Islands, the Gulf Islands and other destinations in British Columbia. Members have also planned trips to Baja and other destinations far and wide!

Regular Club Meetings: Third Tuesday of every month except: July, August and December. These meetings are open to the public. Featuring guest speakers, trip presentations and other interests to kayaking.

Annual Quad Club Picnic: Held in September Hosted by Hole in the Wall Paddle Club and attended by 4 regional kayak clubs including WAKE.

Annual Holiday Party/Silent Auction: Held in early December for members only. This Holiday party attracts very interesting and useful auction items that members can definitely use and enjoy.

Lummi Campsite Stewards: WAKE has had a relationship with the Lummi DNR for quite some time. WAKE has long cooperated with the Washington Water Trails Association [WWTA] and has offered a site steward for our local little gem on Lummi Island for several years.

Club Library: WAKE has an extensive library of books, back issues of Sea Kayaker magazine and many DVDs that cover all aspects of kayaking. WAKE members may check out books, magazines and/or DVDs from the WAKE Library at our monthly club meetings.