Rhonda G. Schwab

I have been kayaking since 1997 and am certified as a *BCU (British Canoe Union) Coach Level 2, Four star and Certificate *ACA (American Canoe Association) Instructor on Open Water and Surf.  Other interests have been backpacking and technical rock climbing but now spend almost every weekend on the waters of Puget Sound.  

During the summer I lead trips to places like Nootka or Desolation Sound, British Columbia for a week or two as vacation time allows.  I enjoy paddling in the San Juans and on the coast of Washington, however, a favorite playground for me is Deception Pass, where you can get a ride on the currents that flow at speeds of 4 to 8 knots. 

As a member of the Mountaineers and Washington Kayak Club in the Seattle and Tacoma area, I stay very actively involved with the Sea Kayaking committee.  I have held several positions as the chair for the Mountaineers Sea Kayaking Classes in Tacoma for a number of years and President for the Washington Kayak Club in 2006.  I have held a position with the WKC as chair of Clinics and Training for the past three years on the Sea Kayaking side.  For the past 5 years I have volunteered my time coaching the Basic, Advanced and Coastal Clinics with the WKC.  I’m also an active participant in coaching for the Symposiums in Port Angeles, Port Townsend, and Tacoma. 

As the owner of Kayakers Go Coastal  since 2001, I find pleasure in teaching and coaching fundamental Sea Kayaking courses, but the artist in me enjoys repairing kayaks.  I also offer classes on how to repair your own boat.  I started repairing kayaks after taking a class in fiberglass repair and fell in love with this craft.  I do minor to major repairs on sea kayaks, surf boats, white water boats, surf boards, surf kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, etc., from fiberglass to Kevlar and some plastic boats.  So, when not on the water you'll find me in my shop repairing kayaks and always taking care of my two Shiz Tzu's (Ebb Tide and Rip Tide)

*The British Canoe Union (BCU) is an internationally recognized system of training and assessment that allows you to measure your skill.  The BCU is for highly motivated learners with open minds and a sense of discovery, who want to understand and enjoy kayaking to its fullest potential.

*The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a nationwide, not for profit organization that is in service to the broader paddling public by providing education on matters related to paddling, supporting stewardship of the paddling environment, and enabling programs and events to support paddlesport recreation. Founded in 1880, this marks the third century that the ACA has actively promoted paddlesports across the U.S.,