Captain Salty's School of Skills and Grit

10/12/2021

We have a new Salty Captain of the high seas!
“This was my first time paddling in the pacific, and second time taking a kayak into the surf. Our class was flexible, but so well thought out-- in part thanks to Chris' thorough knowledge of the coast and conditions up here. He and Benjamin work really well together, and are completely focused on giving you the best possible experience. I was challenged, but not beyond my frustration point; and I could see my improvement from one day to the next. But, in case you didn't see it?... They've caught it on camera and will review it with you. I definitely plan to come back for another class as soon as I can.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Victoria Mckenzie

09/14/2021

We are looking for five aspiring sea kayakers for our 3-day coastal sea kayak skill progression.
After we find a group of five with similar skills and goals, we will tailor a series of courses that focus on each students goals. We will design a combination of dry land and water sessions that will optimize our time together to ensure maximum progression while maintaining a safe environment for learning and exploration. Become Captain Salty!
Apply today: https://skillsandgrit.com/surf-safari-1

08/06/2021

5 Star Fridays (review), “First off, Chris is a really good guy - very patient and friendly. We did some initial shore training and orientation, during which Chris made an effort to connect with my kids, my wife and I, which we really appreciated. We had a great introduction to basic safety, gear, and navigation. He takes the time to answer all questions in detail. We didn't feel rushed or like we were just another class. When we got on the water, he put us through a wide variety of exercises on paddling technique and strategy. There were four of us in 2 tandem sea kayaks with rudders, so there is some real coordination that has to happen to be efficient. He skillfully guided us through all of it and even managed to get a few photos of us! We paddled all over Lake Padden, and since there was a stiff breeze, he to took the opportunity to show us how to navigate in the wind. We finished the day by intentionally capsizing our kayaks, then practiced righting the boat, getting back in, and pumping out water. We feel a lot more confident than when we started. We are beginners, but feel ready to head out on our own.” -D.S.
Chris Bensch

08/06/2021

PNW gold. Nevin Harrison, takes the top spot in Japan.

The 19-year-old was the youngest in the final, but she put plenty of water between her and the rest of the pack in the debut event.

08/01/2021

Upcoming Bellingham courses:
Sea Kayak 101
Saturday 9/4 9am

Sea Kayak 201
Sunday 8/8 9am | Sunday 9/5 9am

Strokes and Maneuvers | Boat Control Mastery
Saturday 8/7 9am | Monday 9/6 12:30pm

Forward Stroke Clinic
9/6 9am

Rolling or private courses Mon-Thur most of August 1 hour and 1.5 hour sessions.

Skillsandgrit.com

07/30/2021

Summer is rolling by fast!
August rolling session are up!
Skillsandgrit.com

07/29/2021

5* Review “What an excellent instructor. Chris gathered what we knew and didn’t know pretty quick and tailored a class to our specific needs. Without any amount of being cocky or condescending, he coached us and left us wanting more. We see many more coaching opportunities coming up!” -VC

New class schedules posting up today and tomorrow!

07/20/2021

“To be able to gently and quietly paddle up to dragonflies perched on a water lily or glide above a school of fish is another level of intimacy with nature that you can’t quit reach while being on land” -Alison
📷 Chris Bensch
Sterlings Kayaks

07/07/2021

Nothing but the best for our clients. Current Designs Kayaks makes some of the best sea kayaks in the world. The “Heavy Water” lay-up was created through input from Chris Bensch and Benjamin Fontenot after taking the Karla prototypes to the breaking point. Current Design kayaks are made in the USA, and we are proud to have their support and look forward to growing hand and hand with such a great company. Try a Current Designs kayak out in anyone of our sea Kayak courses. You can also rent one for your personal San Juan adventure, a spin around Deception Pass, or just a simple lake paddle. Dm us and we’ll get you on the water.

05/31/2021

Decision point. Costain is surfing Okisollo wave in BC Canada. He is using a static pry in the right rear quadrant (stern rudder) to hold his line. The current pressure eventually builds up on his right side (up current side) since his angle to the current can’t be corrected, he reaches a decision point. He commits to a heavy left inside edge, rotates his torso facing down currents and controls the rolling rotation with a high low-brace, as his angle begins to move down current. Often people tend to hold the rudder a moment too long and the current pressure rolls them. This is a skill and timing we develop in a number of courses we offer.
Link in Bio!
Intro to Currents - Intro to Sea Kayak Surfing - Sea Surf Dev - Surf Kayak Dev - Intro to Surf Kayak -

05/19/2021

Coach Highlight: Alison Howard is Co-Captain of the San Juan Island Zen Tour with Chris Bensch in early August.

Alison started her journey paddling rivers and grew into appreciating the different scenery and techniques that different bodies of water provide. Coming from a mixed indigenous background of Aleut and Scandinavian, she learned of her love for being on the water runs deep through her heritage. Being a herbalist and wild-crafter, you will often see her tilted in her kayak reaching out to investigate a new or familiar plant. Alison runs a wilderness bodycare business called Newaukum Wild, of which we offer her custom formulated Boater Balm using Pacific Northwest botanicals.

Join Alison and Chris in the heart of the San Juan Islands for the Zen Tour.
http://rezgo.me/1umz2

05/10/2021

Coach highlight: Paige Richard May first realized his love for sea and whitewater kayaking in the Apostle Islands of the western Lake Superior region starting in 2010, where he became a L4 open water instructor with the ACA.
It wasn't long after that he jumped at an opportunity to experience paddling in the Pacific Northwest, playing around in the tidal current and surf found throughout the San Juans and on the Olympic coast. Paige’s continued passion for the sport is fueled by the excitement of his students developing new skills and grit. Everything from basic skills or rolls, to bomb proof rescues and becoming comfortable in dynamic environments. When Paige isn't guiding and instructing on his home waters of Lake Superior, he makes routine paddling road trips to Washington, British Columbia and downeast Maine.

Wilderness Effects
Off the water, Paige focuses on his knife making business in northeast Minnesota using hand harvested materials from the beautiful boreal forests.
The main course he works for us is the Knowledge Craft Tour where you revive a custom traditional knife from Paige and a custom Greenland paddle from BFPaddles.

Team paddler:
Current Designs Kayaks
Lendal, North America