555 Harris Ave
Bellingham
WA 98225
One of the core goals of Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers (BBOP) is to honor and respect Polynesian cultural traditions through the promotion of both competitive and recreational outrigger canoe paddling for youth, families, and the community. Keiki (kids) ages 8-14 will enjoy games on and off the water and learn to paddle as a team in a 6-person outrigger canoe! Sign up for one or more of the 4 sessions throughout the summer, which includes opportunities to race with your BBOP team! We provide paddles and PFDs for free. Please see our website for more details, https://www.bbop.us/youth-program.
All youth must register before getting into a canoe.
Visit our membership page for more info.
Practice Times: 4:15- 5:30pm
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 6 – Aug 21, 2025
(Each session includes 8 practices, for a total of 10 hours of instruction)
Session 1: May 6 – May 29 Focus on Paddle Technique and Sprint Racing
Session 2: June 3 – June 26 Focus on Marine Ecology
Session 3: July 1 – July 24 Focus on History and Culture
Session 4: July 29 – August 21 Focus on Strength and Conditioning and long-distance competition
Location: Launching from the Community Boating Center.
?All kids get a BBOP t-shirt upon sign up
?No drop-ins allowed. No “make-up” for missed practices.
?A fee waiver is available (click here for info)
?All youth are welcome to participate in our BBOP race on August 16, 2025 to show off their new skills!
Ready to sign up? Register HERE.
Help is available for TeamSnap registration!
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What to Wear
All youth are required to wear a PFD. We will have PFDs and paddles available, but bring a PFD and/or paddle if you have one.
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Dress in layers, avoid cotton. Rain gear help to keep the body warm and insulated. Tights worn for other sport work well.
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Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet- neoprene booties with wool socks will help keep the feet warm.
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Bring a change of clothes and a towel.
