Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No—sit‑on‑top kayaks and basic on‑site instruction make the game accessible to beginners; quick paddling and balance are helpful.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Minimum age is 12. Team captains register groups of four and are the event point of contact.

How do I register a team?

Team captains register their team of four through the CBC booking link; captains are responsible for team check‑in.

What happens if bad weather cancels the event?

Cancellation and refund policy: cancellations more than 3 weeks in advance receive a full refund; 1–3 weeks: 50% refund; less than 1 week: no refund. Organizers will notify teams of weather cancellations.

Are kayaks and equipment provided?

Yes—the CBC supplies sit‑on‑top kayaks and access to MegaSUPs for spectators; bring personal PFDs if you prefer.

Is this event family‑friendly?

Yes—the tournament includes an all‑ages beer garden after finals and aims to be inclusive; check minimum age and register accordingly.

Float, Paddle, Score: Kayak Soccer Tournament on Bellingham Waterfront

On the water in Bellingham, Washington, the Kayak Soccer Tournament turns calm bay surface into a playful battleground where paddles, plastic hulls, and a giant soccer ball decide the winner. Hosted by the CBC (boatingcenter) on select July evenings, this two-and-a-half-hour event invites teams of four to race, defend, and score against floating goals while friends watch from MegaSUPs. No prior kayak experience is required; sit-on-top kayaks and simple rules make the game accessible to beginners while still rewarding quick handling and teamwork.

The scene is distinct: placid marine water framed by salt-scrub shoreline, evergreen-fringed hills, and the ferry hum in the distance. Key features include inflatable floating goals, the oversized ball, sit-on-top kayaks, and a line of MegaSUPs used for sidelines. The play space favors short bursts of speed and boat contact; the kayaks are stable polyethylene designs that encourage contact and creative paddle play rather than flat-out sprinting. Expect gulls, harbor porpoise sightings if you’re lucky, and evening light that flattens surface reflections into glittering lanes.

Teams register with a captain; four teams compete in group play on July 2, 3, 9, or 10 with group winners advancing to the championship on July 18. After finals the CBC hosts an all-ages beer garden to celebrate the victors. The event’s inclusive tone is explicit: minimum age 12, scholarship program available, and an emphasis on keeping cost from being a barrier. Matches are structured—arrival, bracket sorting, two play-in games with rotating spectators on MegaSUPs, then a short group final—so the rhythm is energetic but easy to follow.

Why this event matters for Bellingham visitors: it’s more than a novelty—it’s a social way to meet locals on the water, learn basic kayak handling under guided conditions, and connect with the boating community at a compact waterfront venue. The format channels the region’s love for water sports into a competitive, spectator-friendly layout that fits a summer evening.

Practical notes: arrive by 5:30PM for a 5:45PM start; teams of four are required; bring layered clothing for wind and spray, and a towel. The CBC provides kayaks and MegaSUPs, and organizers handle brackets and safety oversight. Whether you come as a competitor or to cheer, Kayak Soccer in Bellingham offers playful, low-barrier waterfront competition that showcases Puget Sound’s approachable coastal recreation.

Spectators and newcomers should expect a festival-like energy: referees keep play moving, shore volunteers help launch and land boats, the course is padded with safety buoys. Because the format compresses multiple short matches into one evening, energy stays high; turnaround is quick—bring snacks and a reusable water bottle. If you’re traveling from out of town, book lodging in Bellingham or nearby to stay close to the waterfront and arrive early to secure parking and check-in.

About Community Boating Center

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.