In April of 2021, Kenmore City Council passed a unanimous motion to change the name of Squire’s Landing Park to ƛ̕ax̌ʷadis (Tl' awh-ah-dees), the name of the Lushootseed village previously located in or near present-day downtown Kenmore. ƛ̕ax̌ʷadis translates to “a place where something is grown or sprouts” and honors the Coast Salish People who originally inhabited the area, and the many Indigenous Peoples who still reside here.
The SelkieProgram includes year round instruction as well as several immersive 3-5 day camps (2025) in the spring and summer that includes speakers and films pertaining to the sport and overcoming challenges and metal health
A mainstay of SEASTR’s mission is to expand the confines of what is considered surfing, paddling, or any other rigid definition of sport. Limiting what’s considered “valid” only limits what’s possible—and it often limits who is welcome or accepted. Instead of focusing on the sport, SEASTR is all about the experience
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By facilitating opportunities for racing, voyaging, camps, and clinics, SEASTR acknowledges human health--emotional and physical--is intrinsically linked to nature. SEASTR's experiences dive deep into "Blue Space," facilitating access to the coastal regions shown to improve our health, body, and mind.
The 1st 4 ‘sessions’ will cover the following:
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Gear & Equipment
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Basic Elements of SUP
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Safety
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Goals for the season
SELKIE/INCLUSIVE PADDLING
sel·kie, noun SCOTTISH: a mythical creature that looks like a seal in water but assumes human form on land
Selkie, in partnership with Kenmore, WA's ƛ̕ax̌ʷadis (Tl' awh-ah-dees) Park, empowers youth who identify as female in our community by offering a paddle program that serves as a unique platform for self-discovery and confidence building.
Primarily for young women ( but with allocated times for co-ed and mixed ages), Selkie’s mission is to introduce youth to possibilities within themselves and develop a relationship with the water. Youth paddle camps offer a pathway for them to recognize their potential. We anticipate that this space will allow them to discover a version of themselves that is strong, confident and authentic.
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3 yearly ‘sessions’ (Spring/Summer/Fall) will begin with an entry level paddle experience reviewing gear, water safety and PSUPA instructor guidelines. * 8 well maintained recreation SUP boards with adjustable paddles, leashes and PFDs are supplied
Selkie: Youth 14-18 who identify as female
Every Wednesday 5pm-7pm March 1st- Nov 1st
MAX 8 (10 with additional coach)* you can bring your own equipment and safety gear after vetting
Open Paddle: 16+ all welcome
Every Thursday 5pm-7pm April 1st-October 1st
All Paddle: Ages 14+ all welcome
Saturdays 9am-12pm available for those who have attended min 4 Open Paddles or 4 SELKIE Program sessions. From seeing just how far you can paddle to learning more about technique and adventure race preparedness. MAX 8 (10 with additional coach) * you can bring your own equipment and safety gear after vetting
Creating a space where we can focus on our strengths and feel respected and expand on water skills, environmentalism and dreams
For the rest of the season each program will discover and cover the following in relation to their mission:
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Stand Up Paddling to your ability - this is a dynamic sport
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Types of Stand Up Paddling
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Guest speakers
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River cleanups
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Community Racing
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Voyage planning
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Adventure racing
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Land & water workouts (exercise equipment supplied)
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Encouraging and supporting others in water sports helps promote gender equality. By breaking down traditional gender stereotypes and barriers, it challenges the notion that certain sports are only for men. This fosters a more inclusive society where women and men have equal opportunities to participate and excel in water sports.
Participation in water sports can empower us by boosting our self-confidence, self-esteem, and sense of accomplishment. As we develop our skills, we gain a greater sense of control over our bodies and abilities, helping us challenge societal norms and take on leadership roles both within the sports community and in other areas of our lives.
SEASTR fosters empowerment by offering experiences designed to help participants move outside their comfort zones and into places of growth and discovery.
SEASTR is a nonprofit, which means that we're able to offer experiences to participants at little to no cost. While access to the maritime community is a multi-faceted conversation, our low-cost programming aims to help alleviate the financial factor, break down the barrier of affluence, and encourage equal access. Inclusion will change the way this world operates and with reciprocity we create sustainability.
Encouraging inclusivity and creating access for diverse communities can have a significant impact on the maritime industry. A more inclusive workforce, enhanced cultural competence, skills development, innovation, expanded market reach, and improved social responsibility. By actively embracing diversity, the industry can thrive and adapt to the evolving global landscape while fostering a more equitable and sustainable future
Participants in our the program will not only be able to get paddle lessons but have access to organizations that offer auxiliary certifications, safety training and even swimming. Program experiences range from one-on-one lessons to overnight retreats (2025). Included are informative events that focus on skills, safety, community, art, literature and mental health resources. SEASTR along with her partners can provide gear, food, transportation and lodging if needed
Our programs are inclusive: BIPOC, Women & LGBTQIA+
Erica Lichty is PSUPA certified, Professional Stand Up Paddle Association - SEASTR is partnering with other orgs to offer open water safety classes and basic swimming courses.
We will be offering focused events from Slough clean-ups to 'Headlamp Series' exploring night paddling and adventuring.
From one-on-one lessons to retreats helping prepare for endurance races, SEASTR can provide all levels of instruction and preparedness. The Northwest offers many community races and adventure series. SEASTR has participated in most of them and is here to help guide others so they too can enjoy all these waters have to offer.
We will explore the Slough from Lk Sammamish to Lake Washington.
Workforce Development & Paddling
The most important thing is to not ‘exit stage right’ once you make these spaces available.
If the environment resonates with someone you have literally created an opportunity for them to make big changes in their lives and in their family and community.
With a love of the water and with developing a relationship with it you can inevitably make a living there as well.
This is where we want to make sure that inclusionary pathways to the marine world are not only made known but that the tools and resources are there as well. We should know our rights and learn to advocate not only for ourselves but for all
Selkie emphasizes environmental conservation, with participants becoming advocates for clean water and eco-friendly practices. This commitment not only fosters clean, strong, inclusive communities but also aligns with our mission to create positive ripples in our community. Selkie will launch in Spring 2024.
“Mentoring younger women in my sport has been at the top of the list in these later years of my paddling
career. That is why what SEASTR is doing resonates with me so strongly. It gives me an opportunity to be
vulnerable and honest about my story and provide advice and wisdom to help younger women navigate
their personal goals with self love, determination and balance. I think the magic is sharing our personal stories and journeys.”
- Carol Shick Stevenson WA Outrigger Canoe
MEMBERSHIP DUES
we are working on a manageable monthly fee and scholarships
