Adventure Brief
Discover high-quality gear and apparel at the Community Boating Center in Bellingham. From hats to stickers, show your love for the water and the local boating community.
N/A
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Discover high-quality gear and apparel at the Community Boating Center in Bellingham. From hats to stickers, show your love for the water and the local boating community.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
N/A
Fitness Level
None required – this is a retail experience for boating enthusiasts.
Wildlife
History
Established in 1971, CBC has been pivotal in making boating accessible to the Bellingham community and preserving local waters.
Conservation
CBC actively promotes sustainable boating practices and collaborates with regional groups to protect the marine ecosystem.
Community Boating Center
Discover high-quality gear and apparel at the Community Boating Center in Bellingham. From hats to stickers, show your love for the water and the local boating community.
Community Boating Center in Bellingham, Washington provides accessible on-water rentals, lessons, and guided experiences on Bellingham Bay. The organization offers a range of watercraft including single sit-inside kayaks, tandem sit-inside kayaks, single sit-on-top kayaks, tandem sit-on-top kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, dinghies, and keelboats. Rentals are available for one-hour, two-hour, or full-day periods, and an evening sail offers a two-hour guided sailing experience on the bay.
Dinghy and keelboat rentals require a Skills Test that can be completed with an on-water assessment or by taking a refresher or intermediate sailing class. Community Boating Center runs programming focused on inclusion, such as Wild Women programs and partnerships with local organizations to provide financial assistance when available. Safety is emphasized: some sit-inside kayak rentals are recommended only for paddlers who know wet exits and rescue techniques. Lifejackets are included with one-hour and two-hour rentals.
The Center also offers tandem and recreational sit-on-top options suited for all ages and skill levels. Guided evening sails allow participants to help sail or relax while viewing local sights. By combining equipment rentals, safety standards, skills assessments, and women-focused programs, Community Boating Center serves as a practical and community-oriented choice for paddling and sailing on Bellingham Bay.
Staffed by trained instructors and seasonal attendants, the Center emphasizes local stewardship and safe access to waterways. Reservations and on-site check-in options support flexible visits. Equipment options and program scheduling vary seasonally, and participants are encouraged to review rental requirements and skill prerequisites before booking periodically.
Location
Bellingham, WA
Operations on Bellingham Bay
Tours Offered
10 Experiences
Kayak, SUP, sail, dinghy
Rental Lengths
1-2 hrs & day
One-hour, two-hour, full-day options
Safety Standards
Skills Test Required
For dinghy and keelboat rentals
Check availability, confirm Skills Test requirements, and book one-hour, two-hour, or full-day rentals and evening sails.
Choose Weather-Appropriate Apparel
Bellingham’s weather can shift quickly; select breathable t-shirts or warm tank tops based on the season.
Support Local Conservation
Purchasing merchandise helps fund programs that maintain Bellingham’s waterways and promote sustainable boating.
Wear Your Patch Proudly
Patches are ideal for customizing gear or jacket sleeves and signify your connection to the local boating scene.
Check Stock Seasonally
Some merchandise items sell out quickly during peak boating season—plan ahead if you want specific sizes or designs.
CBC Branded Hat
Protects your eyes from glare while reinforcing your maritime style.
summer
Breathable T-Shirt
Comfortable for layering or standalone wear during outdoor activities.
spring|summer|fall
Patches
Add a personalized touch to your gear or apparel to showcase your boating spirit.
Insulated Hat
Keeps you warm during off-season boating or waterfront gatherings.
winter