Cost: $350 | Use code SHIFTGEARS10% for 10% off!
Register: Backcountry Medical Guides

Course Dates: 9:00-5:30 PM on April 11 and 12

You've been exploring with us—maybe that's tackling Galbraith, or maybe it's your first paddle on the bay. Either way, now's the time to learn how to handle emergencies so nothing holds you back. This isn't just first aid; it's confidence insurance for your outdoor adventures.

Shifting Gears is partnering with Backcountry Medical Guides to bring this two-day Wilderness First Aid certification to our community. Whether you're planning multi-day backpacking trips or just want to feel prepared on your weekend hikes, BMG's expert instructors will teach you real skills for real situations. Think: how to help when someone twists an ankle on the trail, what to do if a friend gets too cold, or how to stay calm and capable when the trailhead is far behind you.

You'll practice hands-on scenarios, learn how to prevent problems before they start (the best kind of rescue!), and build the judgment skills that turn "uh oh" moments into "we've got this" moments. And you'll do it all while hiking through stunning Larrabee State Park with other adventurous women—not stuck in a boring classroom.

What you'll earn:

• Wilderness First Aid Certification (valid 2 years)

• CPR/AED Certification (valid 2 years)

• WA Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification (valid 2 years)

• The confidence to look out for your crew (and yourself) wherever your adventures take you

This course is for all women, cis, trans, and queer at every experience level—from backcountry veterans to folks just starting to explore what's out there. No prior experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Space is limited, so grab your spot and use code SHIFTGEARS10% at checkout for 10% off!

Cost: $350 | Use code SHIFTGEARS10 for 10% off!
Register: Backcountry Medical Guides

Course Dates: 9:00-5:30 PM on April 11 and 12

You've been exploring with us—maybe that's tackling Galbraith, or maybe it's your first paddle on the bay. Either way, now's the time to learn how to handle emergencies so nothing holds you back. This isn't just first aid; it's confidence insurance for your outdoor adventures.

Shifting Gears is partnering with Backcountry Medical Guides to bring this two-day Wilderness First Aid certification to our community. Whether you're planning multi-day backpacking trips or just want to feel prepared on your weekend hikes, BMG's expert instructors will teach you real skills for real situations. Think: how to help when someone twists an ankle on the trail, what to do if a friend gets too cold, or how to stay calm and capable when the trailhead is far behind you.

You'll practice hands-on scenarios, learn how to prevent problems before they start (the best kind of rescue!), and build the judgment skills that turn "uh oh" moments into "we've got this" moments. And you'll do it all while hiking through stunning Larrabee State Park with other adventurous women—not stuck in a boring classroom.

What you'll earn:

• Wilderness First Aid Certification (valid 2 years)

• CPR/AED Certification (valid 2 years)

• WA Epinephrine Auto-Injector Certification (valid 2 years)

• The confidence to look out for your crew (and yourself) wherever your adventures take you

This course is for all women, cis, trans and queer at every experience level—from backcountry veterans to folks just starting to explore what's out there. No prior experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Space is limited, so grab your spot and use code SHIFTGEARS10 at checkout for 10% off!

Register here for this course.

Get out on the water with the Community Boating Center.

Set sail on a relaxing two-hour guided evening cruise across scenic Bellingham Bay. Sail past local sights and enjoy the area's natural beauty as the crew guides the experience; guests can either take part in sailing the boat or simply sit back and relax. No prior sailing experience is required, just come with a sense of fun and adventure.

The Community Boating Center and Shifting Gears have come together to offer opportunities to get women on Bellingham Bay! Each of these programs has a tiered pricing system so you can select the option that works best for you.

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Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Registration is closed and will open in April.

Shifting Gears provides an inclusive and informative environment for new riders to feel comfortable riding bikes on the roads of Whatcom County. We are here to adventure together, work through challenges, and celebrate each and every one of us for taking a chance to set out on an adventure together. 

Join us on May 17th for our inaugural Road Ride of the season around the picturesque Lake Samish! This beginner road ride is perfect for those looking for a relaxed cycling experience or venturing into the sport for the first time.

Our Lake Samish Loop will kick off from the Transition Outpost lower parking lot; the exact location can be found here. We'll spend the first part of our day diving into cycling fundamentals and road safety. Then, we'll head out on a leisurely 10-mile journey with a 475ft elevation gain, encircling the beautiful Lake Samish. Ample breaks will provide opportunities for questions and relaxation. Finally, we'll conclude our ride back at the Outpost for a debrief and a chance to savor delicious food and drinks available at Transition.

Plan to begin our day around 9:00 am, with a wrap-up by approximately 2:15pm! 

More information can be found on our Road Ride website page.

Register here for this course.

Get out on the water with the Community Boating Center.

Set sail on a relaxing two-hour guided evening cruise across scenic Bellingham Bay. Sail past local sights and enjoy the area's natural beauty as the crew guides the experience; guests can either take part in sailing the boat or simply sit back and relax. No prior sailing experience is required, just come with a sense of fun and adventure.

The Community Boating Center and Shifting Gears have come together to offer opportunities to get women on Bellingham Bay! Each of these programs has a tiered pricing system so you can select the option that works best for you.

——

Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Registration is closed and will open in May.

Join us for a Shifting Gears gravel ride as we explore scenic backroads and mixed-surface routes in a supportive, all-women environment. Like our road rides, these are no-drop group rides focused on building confidence, working through challenges, and enjoying the journey together. Expect a full day of riding at a relaxed pace, with mileage and terrain that may include rolling hills, packed gravel, light single track, and quiet rural roads. Come ready to learn, connect, and have fun while expanding your riding skills beyond the pavement.

Route and more information posted soon!

Register here for this course.

Get out on the water with the Community Boating Center.

Set sail on a relaxing two-hour guided evening cruise across scenic Bellingham Bay. Sail past local sights and enjoy the area's natural beauty as the crew guides the experience; guests can either take part in sailing the boat or simply sit back and relax. No prior sailing experience is required, just come with a sense of fun and adventure.

The Community Boating Center and Shifting Gears have come together to offer opportunities to get women on Bellingham Bay! Each of these programs has a tiered pricing system so you can select the option that works best for you.

——

Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Register here for this course.

Please note: this is a 4-day long course with dates on July 11, 12, 18 and 19 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm each day.

Learn how to sail and get out on the water with the Community Boating Center on this women-focused keelboat sailing foundations course.

Whether you are looking to try something new, or you’re itching to buy a boat and sail around the world, this is the place to start. You will learn everything you need to know about sail theory and how to use the wind to get where you’re going! Be prepared to take the helm; you will quickly learn how to trim your sails and navigate Bellingham Bay! The goal of this class is to prepare people to independently skipper a boat.

The Community Boating Center and Shifting Gears have come together to offer opportunities to get women on Bellingham Bay! Each of these programs has a tiered pricing system so you can select the option that works best for you.

——

Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Registration is required and will open in June.

Join us for a guided day hike with Shifting Gears as we explore the diverse trails of the North Cascades. Our hikes are designed to be supportive, inclusive, and adaptable, with experienced leaders helping the group move at a comfortable, enjoyable pace. Shifting Gears day hikes are barrier-free, community-focused experiences that include transportation and encourage connection, confidence, and fun outdoors. Come ready to embrace changing terrain, build skills, and enjoy a full day immersed in nature with a welcoming group.

Learn more on our Day Hike website page.

Registration is required and will open in June.

Shifting Gears provides an inclusive and informative environment for new riders to feel comfortable riding bikes on the roads of Whatcom County. We are here to adventure together, work through challenges, and celebrate every one of us for taking a chance to set out on an adventure together. 

Join us on July 19th for our Lummi Island Road Ride! We'll pedal a scenic route from Downtown Bellingham to Lummi Island, enjoying gentle elevation along Marine Drive and Lummi Shore Road. Choose from beach relaxation, hiking, or exploring the island's attractions. We'll reconvene at 3:00pm for our return, expecting to be back in Bellingham by 5pm.

More details and how to register can be found on our Road Ride website page.

**Please note: for this ride, we require that participants cover their ferry fee in the registration.

Register here for this course.

Learn how to sea kayak with the Community Boating Center.

This is a women-focused, three-hour sea kayaking course covering paddle strokes, equipment, wet exits, self-recovery and on-water safety.

Students will learn about & practice:

• Necessary equipment for sea kayaking

• Paddle strokes

• Wet exit and self-rescue maneuvers

• Cold water safety

• On-water safety communication

In this class, you will be reviewing all skills on land before you take to the water. Students will gear up for their paddle, which includes boat preparation and dressing for cold-water immersion with provided wetsuits. On water, you will apply your new skills with stroke & boat maneuvering practice, before practicing capsize & "wet exit" (exiting the boat while underwater). You will have instructor support with this wet exit, and with the following deep water self-rescue re-entry (getting back into the boat!).

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Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Register here for this course.

Get out on the water with the Community Boating Center.

Set sail on a relaxing two-hour guided evening cruise across scenic Bellingham Bay. Sail past local sights and enjoy the area's natural beauty as the crew guides the experience; guests can either take part in sailing the boat or simply sit back and relax. No prior sailing experience is required, just come with a sense of fun and adventure.

The Community Boating Center and Shifting Gears have come together to offer opportunities to get women on Bellingham Bay! Each of these programs has a tiered pricing system so you can select the option that works best for you.

——

Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Register here for this course.

Learn how to sea kayak with the Community Boating Center.

This is a women-focused three-hour sea kayaking course covering multiple wet exit, self-recovery and assisted rescue techniques to improve on-the-water safety.

This class will teach the skills needed to help you and your companions stay safe if you capsize!

We’ll be on (and in) the water throughout this class, starting with a wet exit practice in the shallows to get comfortable. From there, we will cover the paddle float self-rescue, cowboy self-rescue, assisted T-Rescue, and cover multiple bracing and edging techniques. Understanding the limits of you and your boat is key to being safe on the water!

All needed equipment and gear will be provided; if you have your own wetsuit feel free to bring it!

If you would like to learn in your own kayak please email us first!

Prerequisites: Essentials of Sea Kayaking or equivalent experience.

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Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Register here for this paddle.

Experience the magic of bioluminescence in Bellingham Bay on this women-focused nighttime paddle with the Community Boating Center.

Join us on this nighttime paddle to witness the display of this enchanting light. We will take you to some of the best places in the region to see their glow! This trip is great for beginning and experienced paddlers alike.

The bioluminescence phenomenon is created by planktonic organisms that are active from June to September in our coastal marine habitats. Our guides will explain why they glow and why our destination of this tour offers such a uniquely incredible viewing opportunity!

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Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Register here for this course.

Please note: this is a 2-day long course with dates on August 15 and 16 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Learn how to sail and get out on the water with the Community Boating Center on this women-focused dinghy sailing foundations course.

There is no better way to learn to sail than on a dinghy. These boats offer students a responsive platform with better feedback than bigger boats, allowing students to quickly feel and understand the forces at play.

Our Beginner Dinghy Sailing course is designed to teach small boat sailing to people with little or no experience on the water. Our instructors provide a safe, controlled environment for you to discover the sport of sailing and gain confidence on our fleet of 14’ RS Quests. This class is taught with 2-3 students in each boat with instructor oversight from the safety boat. We will be running a capsize drill in this class — it is not required to participate in this but highly recommended. Capsizing is part of the Skills Test you will need to pass to rent the boats independently.

Dinghies are lightweight sailboats that balance the force of the wind by moving around the weight of the crew, unlike keelboats which have a weighted keel, such as our J24's. The sailors in a dinghy actively move within the boat, using their skill and body to keep the boat upright. This makes for a responsive sailing experience that provides great feedback that will help you to quickly learn the basics of sailing. This class is great for beginning sailors that are willing to get wet and have a ton of FUN!
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Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.

Registration is closed and will open in July.

Join us for a Shifting Gears gravel ride as we explore scenic backroads and mixed-surface routes in a supportive, all-women environment. Like our road rides, these are no-drop group rides focused on building confidence, working through challenges, and enjoying the journey together. Expect a full day of riding at a relaxed pace, with mileage and terrain that may include rolling hills, packed gravel, light single track, and quiet rural roads. Come ready to learn, connect, and have fun while expanding your riding skills beyond the pavement.

Route and more information posted soon!

Registration is required and will open in July.

Join us for a guided day hike with Shifting Gears as we explore the diverse trails of the North Cascades. Our hikes are designed to be supportive, inclusive, and adaptable, with experienced leaders helping the group move at a comfortable, enjoyable pace. Shifting Gears day hikes are barrier-free, community-focused experiences that include transportation and encourage connection, confidence, and fun outdoors. Come ready to embrace changing terrain, build skills, and enjoy a full day immersed in nature with a welcoming group.

Learn more on our Day Hike website page.

Register here for this course.

Get out on the water with the Community Boating Center.

Set sail on a relaxing two-hour guided evening cruise across scenic Bellingham Bay. Sail past local sights and enjoy the area's natural beauty as the crew guides the experience; guests can either take part in sailing the boat or simply sit back and relax. No prior sailing experience is required, just come with a sense of fun and adventure.

The Community Boating Center and Shifting Gears have come together to offer opportunities to get women on Bellingham Bay! Each of these programs has a tiered pricing system so you can select the option that works best for you.

——

Learn more about all our paddling programs and CBC partnership on our Sea Kayaking web page.