Membership

WAKE Membership Information

As our name implies, WAKE (Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts) is open to anyone who enjoys kayaking. You must be a member of WAKE to participate in some on-water activities. The membership fee is $25 per household, good for the calendar year. To become a WAKE member:

• Fill out the Membership Form / Individual Liability Waiver.  Mail the form, the waiver, and a check to (written to WAKE):
  WAKE, P.O. Box 1952, Bellingham, WA 98227. Membership is $25 per household.
• Join the WAKE listserv. The listserv is the best way to keep up with schedule changes, last minute paddles, and other news of interest to WAKE members.

WAKE members enjoy:

• Overnight trips (San Juans, Lummi Island DNR, British Columbia, etc.)
• Day trips and short paddles (local lakes, coastal paddles, and Deception Pass)
• Trainings (discounted paddle skills training, trip leadership, kayaking basics, safety and rescue, boat control, and more)
• Informative monthly meetings (club business and excellent presentations)
• The annual WAKE Symposium (a full day of training for beginning and intermediate paddlers)
• The annual WAKE equipment swap meet and demo day (a place to sell used equipment and try out boats from local vendors)
• Social gatherings (potlucks, picnics and so on)
• Free access to the WAKE Library of books and DVDs
• Venues for networking with other kayakers (meet friends and organize your own paddles)
• Bi-Monthly newsletter, delivered by email only

Conditions in the Northwest are fickle and can quickly become dangerous. The combination of strong currents, ocean winds, rocky shores, and cold water requires stringent safety precautions. All paddlers must have proper safety equipment on every on-water event. At a bare minimum, this includes wearing a properly fitting PFD, having a paddle float and pump, and appropriate dress for weather and water conditions. We also require our paddlers to know how to wet exit their boats. We have several skilled paddlers and kayak instructors who are happy to meet with students to teach and observe wet exits. Contact the club president or any board member to find out more.

If you'd like to know more about WAKE, please feel free to email our club president or any board member. Better yet, come to a meeting.