BELLINGHAM KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Footwork on Foam: Bellingham’s Kayak Soccer Tournament
A community tournament run by the Community Boating Center where teams of four paddle sit‑on‑top kayaks to score on floating goals—this guide explains the format, schedule, and practical details.
Footwork on Foam: Bellingham’s Kayak Soccer Tournament.
Join the fun with kayak soccer in Bellingham: teams of four paddle sit‑on‑top kayaks on a floating pitch to push a giant soccer ball into floating goals, celebrating the FIFA World Cup from the water. The event welcomes all ages and skill levels and requires no prior kayaking experience, with team captains responsible for registering their squads and scholarship support available to remove cost barriers.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Celebrate the World Cup from a floating pitch
Compete in short, lively matches on a waterborne soccer field—use your kayak and paddle to move a giant soccer ball into floating goals and advance through group play toward a championship.
Four‑person teams and bracketed group play
Teams consist of four members, each in a sit‑on‑top kayak; groups of four teams compete on specified days with winners moving on to the championship round.
A championship and community beer garden
Each set of group winners is invited to the championship; after a winner is crowned, participants are invited to an all‑ages beer garden at the Community Boating Center to celebrate.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
Expect a compact, energetic evening: teams arrive and are slotted into a bracket, play two short play‑in matches while other teams watch from MegaSUPs included in registration, then the two play‑in winners face off in a group final before returning to the Community Boating Center.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each session runs approximately 2.5 hours in the evening; group play sessions are scheduled on July 2, 3, 9, or 10, with the championship on July 18.
Arrive at the Community Boating Center (CBC) by 5:30 PM to check in and be placed into the bracket.
Sit‑on‑top kayaks are used for play and MegaSUPs for spectator viewing are included in registration.
Team captains register entire four‑person teams; a scholarship program is available to ensure cost is not a barrier.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is each event?
Each group play session lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
How many players are on a team?
One team consists of four members, each paddling their own sit‑on‑top kayak.
When are the group play dates and the championship?
Group play takes place on July 2, 3, 9, or 10; winners from each group are invited to the championship on Saturday, July 18.
Do I need kayaking experience?
No prior kayaking experience is required; the event is open to all ages and skill levels.
Are vessels and spectator platforms provided?
Yes—players use sit‑on‑top kayaks for matches, and teams waiting to play can watch from MegaSUPs that are included in registration.
How do I register my team?
Team captains are responsible for registering their four‑person teams and serve as the event point of contact.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes—there is a scholarship program to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation.