Membership

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 on-water activities and proper gear is essential.

TO BECOME A NEW MEMBER OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

As of Jan 1 2023, we have modified our membership sign up and renewal. And our membership fees. No paper membership is required anymore. Clicking on below link and completing it, will sign up/renew your membership to the club.

https://form.jotform.com/Prmwaivers/wake–liability-waiver

Club membership dues have been modified this year. Annual dues are $30.00/person. We no longer do family memberships. Please mail your check to our P.O. Box 1952, Bellingham, WA 98227

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)
  • A newsletter regularly emailed during the months of September through June.  

Gear Requirements

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:

  • A properly fitting PFD
  • A paddle float and pump
  • Appropriate dress for weather and water conditions, suitable for immersion
  • A kayak with bulkheads or flotation
  • Wet exit skills
    (We have several skilled paddlers and kayak instructors who are happy 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.