Alaska Kayak School Calendar

October 06 - April 07

Introduction to Kayaking “Sampler” – Try kayaking in one introductory 2 hour session, 30 minutes of lecture and 90 minutes practicing introductory skills such as the wet exit (safe capsize) and a few strokes and maneuvers in the comfort of a heated pool. Come and see if kayaking is for you? Advance registration strongly recommended, first come first served. Ages 11 and older.
Day: Monday
Date: December 18
Times: 8-10 PM
Location: Kate Kuhns Aquatic Center
Cost: $10/person/session, includes $5/person donation to Homer Community Schools
Pre-requisites: should be able to swim and take verbal instructions
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Kids Kayaking – Two hour introduction to kayaking for youngsters ages 11 – 17. Learn and practice safe capsize and a few strokes and maneuvers for an evening of holiday entertainment. Includes a 30-minute safety briefing and 90 minutes paddling.
Day: Tuesday
Date: 19 December
Time: 8:00-10:00 PM
Location: Kate Kuhns Aquatic Center, Homer High School
Pre-requisites: follow verbal instructions and can swim
Cost: $15/child; $5 donation to Homer Community Schools
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Kayak Racing @ Kate Kuhns Aquatic Center – “Run the gates” just like Olympic champions in high-level slalom kayaking competition. We use regulation slalom gates to set kayak slalom racing courses in the pool. You can race against yourself, race against the clock, and other racers. After a brief introduction to slalom kayaking and wet exit practice, you’ll get to take a few practice runs, and then compete against the assembled racers. Prizes for 3 fastest racers. Fastest time of 2-3 runs qualifies.
Day: Thursday
Date: 21 December
Time: 8:00-10:00 PM
Location: Kate Kuhns Aquatic Center, Homer High School
Pre-requisites: follow verbal instructions and can swim
Cost: $10/racer; $5 donation to Homer Community Schools
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Fundamental Kayaking Skills – Learn the basics in 3.5 hr. kayaking skills training sessions using river kayaks in the comfort of a heated pool. The primary goal is to discover the fun of kayaking, and learn the all–important "wet exit" or safe capsize and recovery. You'll also practice general control of the kayak: forward, back, stop, spin, balance, ruddering, steering and turning in a series of games, drills and competitions. Yes, it's very fun!! Other topics covered include: selecting a kayak, kayak fit and posture, safe carrying and launching, the paddle, hypothermia, cold shock, clothing for paddling, and group dynamics. These are generic skills shared by all types of kayaking: sea, white water, surf, marathon, polo, etc. Regardless of your interest or experience in kayaking, these fundamental skills will improve or awaken the kayaking skills you already have. A final assessment of your skills will give you direction for your future training and skill development. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. This course covers British Canoe Union 1-2 star skills, and American Canoe Association level 1 and 2 skills. This is an ideal course if you’ve never had instruction. All equipment provided. You bring a bathing suit and a towel.
Days: Sundays
Times: 11 AM - 2:30 PM
Where: Service High School Pool
Dates: November 19, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 18, April 15, April 29.
Cost: $100, or $95 per session, personal check or money order to Alaska Kayak School PO Box 3547, Homer, AK 99603.
Pre-requisites: should be able to swim.
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

If you want to take this course, try to reserve your spot(s) no later than 7 days before the course. We have to reserve the pool and they need 7 days to inform the lifeguard staff. There's always a chance we have enough students and you could reserve the week before, but ...... registering sooner is always better. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Kayaking Skills Refinement – Develop refined strokes and maneuvers, balance, bracing and rolling skills, plus crisp efficient rescues, and a detailed awareness of the sport of kayaking. Build on your fundamental kayaking skills and refine your paddling performance. The strokes and maneuvers we emphasize in this class include: efficient forward and back paddling, sculling draw, low and high braces, sculling for support, Eskimo rescues, assisted rescues, and development of Eskimo rolling skills. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. This course covers British Canoe Union 2-3 star skills, American Canoe Association level 3 skills.
Days: Sundays
Times: 3 - 7 PM
Where: Service High School Pool
Dates: November 19, December 10, January 14, February 11, March 18, April 15, April 29.
Cost: $110, or $105 per session, personal check or money order to Alaska Kayak School PO Box 3547, Homer, AK 99603.
Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills, and care free wet exit.
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Eskimo Rolling - Learn the fundamental skills needed to recover gracefully from a capsize without exiting your kayak, the ultimate self-rescue; the Eskimo roll. Develop your rolling skills in a series of safe drills designed to build the parts of the roll from the ground up: safe capsize, hanging out upside down, Eskimo (bow) rescues, efficient use of the "rolling knee", and smooth sculling skills. Once these skills are well developed, put it all together in 1-on-1 supported rolling drills. The fall-out from the Eskimo rolling sessions includes: increased confidence in your bracing and balance, and the development of the Eskimo rescue. Space is limited.
Days: Saturdays
Times: 6 - 9 PM
Where: Service High School Pool
Dates: November 18, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 17, April 14, and April 28.
Cost: $90, or $85 per session, personal check or money order to Alaska Kayak School PO Box 3547, Homer, AK 99603.
Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills, and care free wet exit.
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue . Learn fast and efficient rescues for sea kayaking and water safety. Practice in a heated pool. We teach over 25 different rescues and all have different applications. Build strong rescue skills and confidence. Also improve your kayak control, balance, recovery and bracing skills. This is one fun course!! Great course for all sea kayakers and especially for guides. The details and standards for these rescues are the same as the rescues used by professional guides and leaders. This course focuses on the skills needed to conduct rescues in a diversity of conditions. Get ready for the 2007 paddling season, have a new set of rescues in your quiver ready for your summer adventures. Increase your confidence on the water by developing your knowledge and practice of life saving and rescue on the water.

Topics covered
Theory of Safety and rescue
Kayak Control and Balance for Rescues
Spinning the kayak
Turning the Kayak
Rafting Up
Assisted Rescues - yank, t, t-x, H-I, Eskimo, scoop, sling, etc.
Solo Rescues - paddle float, cowboy, re-enter and roll
Cleopatra's Needle
Towing - with towline, towing without-towline
Days: Saturdays
Times: 6 - 9 PM
Where: Service High School Pool
Dates: March 17, April 14, April 28.
Cost: $100, or $95 per session, personal check or money order to Alaska Kayak School PO Box 3547, Homer, AK 99603

Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills and care-free wet exit

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Introduction to Kayaking “Sampler” – Try kayaking in the comfort of a heated pool in one introductory two hour session, 30 minutes of lecture, and 90 minutes practicing introductory skills such as the wet exit (safe capsize) and a few strokes and maneuvers. Come and see if kayaking is for you? Advance registration strongly recommended, first come first served. See you at the pool.

Day: Monday

Date: January 8

Times: 8-10 PM

Location: Kate Kuhns Aquatic Center

Pre-requisites: should be able to swim

Cost: $10/person/session, includes $5/person donation to Homer Community Schools

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Fundamental Kayaking Skills (Fundamentals I) – Learn the basics of kayaking in a 9-week course that combines 30-minute lectures and 90-minute pool kayaking skills training sessions using river kayaks in the comfort of a heated pool. Topics covered include: selecting a kayak, kayak fit and posture, safe carrying and launching, the paddle, safe capsize and recovery. Other topics include: hypothermia cold shock and clothing, group dynamics; strokes and maneuvers – forward, back, stop, spin, turn, rudder, balance and bracing, simple towing and basics of rescues, and an introduction to Eskimo rolling. These are generic skills shared by all types of kayaking: sea, white water, surf, marathon, polo, etc. Regardless of your interest or experience in kayaking, these fundamental skills will improve or awaken the kayaking skills you already have. A final assessment of your skills will give you direction for your future training and skill development. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. British Canoe Union 1-2 star skills, American Canoe Association level 1 and 2 skills. Ideal course if you’ve never had instruction.

Days: Monday

Times: 8-10 PM

Dates: January15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12

Cost: $245 w/ sales tax + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total $265.

Pre-requisites: should be able to swim.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Kayaking Skills Refinement (Fundamentals II)– Build on your fundamental kayaking skills and develop refined strokes and maneuvers, balance, bracing and rolling, crisp efficient rescues, and a detailed awareness of the sport of kayaking. Strokes and maneuvers emphasized include: efficient forward and back paddling, sculling draw, low and high braces, sculling for support, Eskimo rescues, assisted rescues, and development of Eskimo rolling skills. Nine 2-hour sessions include 30-minute lecture and 90 minutes of skills training in the pool each night. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. British Canoe Union 2-3 star skills, American Canoe Association level 3 skills.

Days: Tuesday

Times: 8-10 PM

Dates: January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27, March 6, 13

Cost: $245 w/ sales tax + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total $265.

Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Balance, Bracing and Eskimo rolling – You have developed and refined your kayaking skills, but your confidence in your balance, bracing and Eskimo rolling still needs work. It is common (and wise) to continue to build your balance, bracing and rolling abilities over a long period of time. Additional coaching and practice can maintain good quality and safe rolling habits by getting focused-support to improve, change, or develop additional rolling styles. Course will consist of 30-minute lecture/discussion and 90 minutes pool time; 9 sessions. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. We will use video analysis to coach your rolling.

Days: Wednesday

Dates: January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14

Times: 8-10 PM

Location: Kate Kuhns Aquatic Center @ Homer High School

Cost: $245 w/ sales tax + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total $265.

Pre-requisites: fundamental and refined kayaking skills

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Kayak Camping and Trip Planning- Develop strategies for planning and executing a smooth and manageable multi-day sea kayak camping trip. Where to go? What to bring? When to go? Scales of difficulty, Sea Kayaking hazards, equipment needed, packing a kayak, bear safety and conservation, minimum impact camping, planning food, navigation skills, making a trip plan, and anything else we have time to cover. Interactive lectures, discussions, and video.

Days: Thursday

Dates: January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15

Times: 7-8 PM

Location: Homer High School classroom (to be announced)

Pre-requisites: want to go kayak camping or improve your sea kayak trip planning skills, then this course is for you !

Cost: $60/person (tax included) and Homer Community Schools fee both included.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue. Learn fast and efficient rescues for sea kayaking and water safety in nine 1.5-hour pool practice sessions and nine 30-minute lectures/video session, Practice in a heated pool. We teach over 25 different rescues and all have different applications. Build strong rescue skills and confidence. Also improve your kayak control, balance, recovery and bracing skills. This is one fun course!! Excellent course for all sea kayakers and especially for guides. The details and standards for these rescues are the same as the rescues used by professional guides and leaders. This course focuses on the skills needed to conduct rescues in a diversity of conditions. Get ready for the coming paddling season, and have a new set of rescues in your quiver ready for your summer adventures. Increase your confidence by developing knowledge and practice of life saving and rescue on the water. Topics covered: Theory of Safety and rescue, Kayak Control and Balance for Rescues, Spinning the kayak, Turning the Kayak, Rafting Up, Assisted Rescues - yank, t, t-x, H-I, Eskimo, scoop, sling, etc., Solo Rescues - paddle float, cowboy, re-enter and Eskimo roll, Cleopatra's Needle, Towing - with towline, and towing without-towline.

Days: Thursday

Dates: January 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15

Times: 8-10 PM

Cost: $245 w/ sales tax + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total $265

Pre-requisites: fundamental and refined kayaking skills, or permission of coaches

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Soldotna, Seward
2006-07 Winter Skills Training Sessions
So Hi and Seward High School Pools
Fundamental Kayaking Skills I and II
Eskimo Rolling, and Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue

November 11, 12 • December 16, 17 • January 20, 21
February 17, 18 • March 10, 11 • April 21, 22

Fundamental Kayaking Skills I– Learn the basics in 3-3.5 hr. kayaking skills training sessions using river kayaks in the comfort of a heated pool. The primary goal is to discover the fun of kayaking, and learn the all–important "wet exit" or safe capsize and recovery. You'll also practice general control of the kayak: forward, back, stop, spin, balance, ruddering, steering and turning in a series of games, drills and competitions. Yes, it's very fun!! Other topics covered include: selecting a kayak, kayak fit and posture, safe carrying and launching, the paddle, hypothermia, cold shock, clothing for paddling, and group dynamics. These are generic skills shared by all types of kayaking: sea, white water, surf, marathon, polo, etc. Regardless of your interest or experience in kayaking, these fundamental skills will improve or awaken the kayaking skills you already have. A final assessment of your skills will give you direction for your future training and skill development. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. This course covers British Canoe Union 1-2 star skills, and American Canoe Association level 1 and 2 skills. This is an ideal course if you’ve never had instruction. All equipment provided. You bring a bathing suit and a towel.

Soldotna
Days: Saturdays
Times: 9 AM - 1230 PM
Where: So Hi Pool
Dates: November 11, December 16, January 20, February 17, March 10, April 21.
Cost: $65 w/ tax
Pre-requisites: should be able to swim.
Registration: phone Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, or email, or sign up online (online registration).

Seward
Days: Sundays
Times: 830 AM - 12 PM
Where: Seward High School Pool
Dates: November 12, December 17, January 21, February 18, March 11, April 22.
Cost: $65 w/ tax
Pre-requisites: should be able to swim.
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Fundamentals II – Develop refined strokes and maneuvers, balance, bracing and rolling skills, plus crisp efficient rescues, and a detailed awareness of the sport of kayaking. Build on your fundamental kayaking skills and refine your paddling performance. The strokes and maneuvers we emphasize in this class include: efficient forward and back paddling, sculling draw, low and high braces, sculling for support, Eskimo rescues, assisted rescues, and development of Eskimo rolling skills. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. This course covers British Canoe Union 2-3 star skills, American Canoe Association level 3 skills.
Soldotna
Days: Saturdays
Times: 1 - 430 PM
Where: So Hi Pool
Dates: November 11, December 16, January 20, February 17, March 10, April 21.
Cost: $65 w/ tax
Pre-requisites: should be able to swim.
Registration: phone Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, or email, or sign up online (online registration).

Seward
Days: Sundays
Times: 1230 - 330 PM
Where: Seward High School Pool
Dates: November 12, December 17, January 21, February 18, March 11, April 22.
Cost: $65 w/ tax
Pre-requisites: should be able to swim.
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Eskimo Rolling - Learn the fundamental skills needed to recover gracefully from a capsize without exiting your kayak, the ultimate self-rescue; the Eskimo roll. Develop your rolling skills in a series of safe drills designed to build the parts of the roll from the ground up: safe capsize, hanging out upside down, Eskimo (bow) rescues, efficient use of the "rolling knee", and smooth sculling skills. Once these skills are well developed, put it all together in 1-on-1 supported rolling drills. The benefits of the Eskimo rolling sessions are: increased confidence in your bracing and balance, and the development of the Eskimo rescue. Space is limited.
Soldotna
Days: Saturdays
Times: upon demand
Where: So Hi Pool
Dates: to be arranged (4 student minimum)
Cost: $65 w/ tax for 3.5 hours
Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills, and care free wet exit.
Registration: Call Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email us, or register online (online registration).
Seward
Days: Saturday/Sunday
Times: upon demand
Where: Seward High School Pool
Dates: to be arranged (4 student minimum)
Cost: $65 w/ tax for 3 hours
Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills, and care free wet exit.
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue . Learn fast and efficient rescues for sea kayaking and water safety. Practice in a heated pool. We teach over 25 different rescues and all have different applications. Build strong rescue skills and confidence. Also improve your kayak control, balance, recovery and bracing skills. This is one fun course!! Great course for all sea kayakers and especially for guides. The details and standards for these rescues are the same as the rescues used by professional guides and leaders. This course focuses on the skills needed to conduct rescues in a diversity of conditions. Get ready for the 2007 paddling season, have a new set of rescues in your quiver ready for your summer adventures. Increase your confidence on the water by developing your knowledge and practice of life saving and rescue on the water.

Topics covered
Theory of Safety and rescue
Kayak Control and Balance for Rescues
Spinning the kayak
Turning the Kayak
Rafting Up
Assisted Rescues - yank, t, t-x, H-I, Eskimo, scoop, sling, etc.
Solo Rescues - paddle float, cowboy, re-enter and roll
Cleopatra's Needle
Towing - with towline, towing without-towline
Soldotna
Days: Saturdays
Times: upon demand
Where: So Hi Pool
Dates: to be arranged (4 student minimum)
Cost: $65 w/ tax for 3.5 hours
Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills, and care free wet exit.
Registration: Call Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email us, or register online (online registration).
Seward
Days: Saturdays/Sundays
Times: upon demand
Where: Seward High School Pool
Dates: to be arranged (4-student minimum)
Cost: $65 w/ tax for 3 hours
Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills, and care free wet exit.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

March - April 2007

Homer Community Schools
Kayaking Courses: March-April 2007

Introduction to Kayaking “Sampler” – Try kayaking in one introductory 2 hour session, 30 minutes of lecture and 90 minutes practicing introductory skills such as the wet exit (safe capsize) and a few strokes and maneuvers in the comfort of a heated pool. Come and see if kayaking is for you? Advance registration strongly recommended, first come first served.
Day: Wednesday
Date: March 8
Time: 8-10 PM
Location: Kate Kuhns Aquatic Center
Cost: $20/person/session, includes $5/person donation to Homer Community Schools
Pre-requisites: should be able to swim and follow verbal instructions

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Fundamental Kayaking Skills (Fundamentals I) – Learn the basics of kayaking in a 5-week course that combines 15-20 minute lectures and 90 minute pool kayaking skills training sessions using river kayaks in the comfort of a heated pool. Topics covered include: selecting a kayak, kayak fit and posture, safe carrying and launching, the paddle, safe capsize and recovery, hypothermia cold shock and clothing, group dynamics; strokes and maneuvers – forward, back, stop, spin, turn, rudder, balance and bracing, simple towing and basics of rescues. These are generic skills shared by all types of kayaking: sea, white water, surf, marathon, polo, etc. Regardless of your interest or experience in kayaking, these fundamental skills will improve or awaken the kayaking skills you already have. A final assessment of your skills will give you direction for your future training and skill development. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. British Canoe Union 1-2 star skills, American Canoe Association level 1 and 2 skills. This is an ideal course if you’ve never had kayak instruction before. Minimum of 6 students, maximum of 10.
Days: Monday
Times: 8-10 PM
Dates: April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Cost: $100 w/ sales tax (6.5%) + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total $120.
Pre-requisites: should be able to swim and follow verbal instructions.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Kayaking Skills Refinement (Fundamentals II)– Build on your fundamental kayaking skills and develop refined strokes and maneuvers, balance, bracing and rolling, crisp efficient rescues, and a detailed awareness of the sport of kayaking. Strokes and maneuvers emphasized include: efficient forward and back paddling, sculling draw, low and high braces, sculling for support, Eskimo rescues, assisted rescues, and development of Eskimo rolling skills. Five 2-hour sessions include 15-20 minute lectures and 90 minutes of skills training in the pool each night. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. British Canoe Union 2-3 star skills, American Canoe Association level 3 skills.
Days: Tuesday
Times: 8-10 PM
Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24, 1 May
Cost: $110 w/ sales tax (6.5%) + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total $120
Pre-requisites: fundamental kayaking skills. Or permission of instructors
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Balance, Bracing and Eskimo Rolling – You have developed and refined your kayaking skills, but your confidence in your balance, bracing and Eskimo rolling still needs work. It is common (and wise) to continue to build your balance, bracing and rolling abilities over a long period of time. Additional coaching and practice can maintain good quality and safe rolling habits by getting focused support to improve, change or develop additional rolling styles. Course will consist of 15-20 minute lectures and 90 minutes pool time; 5 sessions. All equipment provided. Professional kayak instructors are your coaches. We will use video analysis to coach your rolling.
Days: Wednesday
Times: 8-10 PM
Location: Kate Kuhns Aquatic Center @ Homer High School
Dates: April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2
Cost: $100 w/ sales tax (6.5%) + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total $120
Pre-requisites: fundamental and refined kayaking skills
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Introduction to Sea Kayak Navigation. Learn to read charts and know what they mean to a sea kayaker. Learn how to use and understand tide and current tables in your trip planning. Develop skills for making a simple trip plan and practice using a compass to navigate. Course consists of four 1-hr. classroom sessions.

Days: Thursday
Times: 6:45-7:45 PM
Location: Homer High School classroom (to be announced)
Dates: April 5, 12, 19, Pre-requisites: None
Cost: $35/person w/tax (6.5%) + $10 Homer Community Schools fee; total fee $45
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue. Learn fast and efficient rescues for sea kayaking and water safety in four 1.5-hour pool practice sessions and four 15-20 minute lectures/video session. Practice in a heated pool. We teach over 25 different rescues and all have different applications. Build strong rescue skills and confidence. Also improve your kayak control, balance, recovery and bracing skills. This is one fun course!! Excellent course for all sea kayakers and especially for guides. The details and standards for these rescues are the same as the rescues used by professional guides and leaders. This course focuses on the skills needed to conduct rescues in a diversity of conditions. Get ready for the 2007 paddling season, and have a new set of rescues in your quiver ready for your summer adventures. Increase your confidence by developing knowledge and practice of life saving and rescue on the water. Topics covered: Theory of Safety and rescue, Kayak Control and Balance for Rescues, Spinning the kayak, Turning the Kayak, Rafting Up, Assisted Rescues - yank, t, t-x, H-I, Eskimo, scoop, sling, etc., Solo Rescues - paddle float, cowboy, re-enter and Eskimo roll, Cleopatra's Needle, Towing - with towline, and towing without-towline.
Days: Thursday
Times: 8-10 PM
Dates: April 5, 12, 19, 26
Cost: $85 w/ sales tax (6.5%) + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total $105
Pre-requisites: fundamental and refined kayaking skills, or permission of coaches
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

Applied Sea Skills 2007. Learn to apply fundamental kayaking skills outdoors during 3 sessions paddling in Kachemak Bay I March and April. Use dry suits and all immersion wear needed to paddle safely in cold water. Review: clothing and hypothermia, launching and landing, paddling forward, back and stopping, spin the kayak in place. Also work on balance and bracing, turning, control paddling in the wind, safety features of kayaks and clothing, group awareness, signaling, essential safety equipment, basic trip planning, simple on the water navigation, paddling in waves (hopefully), solo and assisted rescues. This is a chance to paddle on cold water before summer arrives and robs us all of our time. This is a great follow-up for a winter of pool kayak training.
Days: Saturdays, Sundays
Dates: March 25, April 1, April 8.
Times: 12 – 5 PM
Location: Meet @ Homer High School, 1130 AM on day of course.
Cost: $130 w/ sales tax (6.5%) + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, total fee $150/person
Pre-requisites: fundamental and refined kayaking skills, or permission of coaches
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, email, (online registration).

May 2007

Personal Sea Kayaking Skills @ Halibut Cove - Develop and build a repertoire of personal sea kayaking skills suited for paddling sea kayaks safely in protected waters on day trips in Alaska. Course is ideally suited for paddlers that have developed some fundamental kayaking skills, including a confident wet exit, and have some understanding of the relationship between their actions and the reactions of their kayaks. AKS pool fundamental kayaking skill courses are ideal. A planning meetings will take place on Thursday April 26 @ Homer High School. This course will take place @ Halibut Cove. We will be based at Nomad Shelters yurt at Wright’s Beach. Some of us can camp, others (6 maximum) can stay in the yurt. Friday 5-7 PM– arrive at Wrights Beach, set up camp, course introduction; Saturday will be spent earning and practicing personal sea kayaking skills and introducing rescue techniques. Sunday - Will be spent practicing tripping skills and honing personal skills and rescues.
*** You will be responsible for your own transportation, food and personal clothing. All paddling equipment provided. Recent water taxi fees Please contact the Alaska Kayak School for more information.
Dates: April 26, May 4-6 or May 4-8 (4-day course)
Dates/Days/Times/Locations:
Thursday April 26: 630-730 PM planning meeting at Homer High School
Friday, May 4 (8-9 PM) Course introduction @ Wright’s Beach Yurt, camp.
Saturday May 5 (8 am – 5 PM) Halibut Cove, Wright’s Beach Yurt, camp.
Sunday May 6 (9 am – 4 PM) Halibut Cove, Wright’s Beach Yurt, return to Homer.
Where: Homer High School and Halibut Cove
Cost: $200/person sales tax included (6.5%) + $20 HCS fee, 4 day course $399 w/ tax + $20 $20 HCS fee
Register: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090; info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration). P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603.

American Canoe Association: Trip Leading Course – Guide Training @ Halibut Cove. “The goals of this course are: To provide the minimum skills and training necessary for an adult leader possessing basic paddling skills (ACA level 2 Coastal Kayaking Skills, or Basic Coastal Kayaking Course, BCU 2-3 Star skills) to lead a day trip for participants with beginner paddling skills. Difficulty of conditions for leading after completing and passing this course: “gentle conditions, with wind not exceeding 10 knots, waves not exceeding 1 foot and currents to 2 knots. The emphasis of this course is trip leading, safety education and rescue, not paddling instruction. This course is relevant for clubs, camps, scouts, and other entities providing trips.” This is an assessment course with a written examination, administered by ACA Coastal Kayak Open Water instructors or ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor Trainers. Those candidates wishing to teach kayak paddling should get ACA Instructor Certification. This is a very demanding course with a minimum duration of 16 hours. Please contact the Alaska Kayak School for more information. You can view the ACA’s course materials on the ACA website www.americancanoe.org. This course will take place in Halibut Cove. *** You will be responsible for your own transportation to Wright’s Beach (recent water taxi fees are $35/person one way + $4/person State Parks fee), your own food and personal clothing. All kayaking gear provided. To pass the exam you must have all your own safety and navigation equipment.
Dates: May 3, May 11-12
Dates/Days/Times/Locations:
Thursday May 3: 630-730 PM planning meeting at Homer High School
Friday, May 11 (6-9 PM) Course introduction and beginnings @ Wright’s Beach Yurt.
Saturday May 12 (8 am – 9 PM) Halibut Cove, Wright’s Beach Yurt, camp.
Sunday May 13 (8 am – 4 PM) Halibut Cove, Wright’s Beach Yurt, return to Homer.
Where: Homer High School and Halibut Cove.
Cost: Cost: $200/person sales tax (6.5%) included + $20 Homer Community Schools fee, if not an American Canoe Association member, member, $40 membership fee and $25 ACA Safety Education and Instruction committee fee is required to gain certification. Total cost for non ACA members wishing to be certified is: $305 including sales tax, HCS fee, and ACA fees. If no certification is desired, cost is $220 with sales tax and HCS fee, if you wish to take the course and do not pass the assessment/exam, the $25 ACA SEI committee fee is not applicable.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090; info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration). P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603.

Ride the Tide - British Canoe Union Intermediate (3 star) and Advanced Skill (4 star) training course: efficient flat water skills and paddling in current @ Halibut Cove Lagoon. You have fundamental sea kayaking skills, and have done a bit of paddling, but always wanted to add some finesse and efficiency to your kayaking skill repertoire and wish your rescue skills were top notch? This weekend program focuses on adding technical strokes and maneuvers to your paddling repertoire, and on applying the skills by paddling in fast current at the entrance to Halibut Cove Lagoon in sea kayaks!! Current speeds of 5-6 knots in the Halibuit Cove Lagoon channel allow you to practice whitewater moves in a river-like environment in “moving” marine waters while paddling sea kayaks. This is a very dynamic learning environment and really fun playtime. This is not a course for beginners, but rather it’s designed for paddlers with a confident wet exit and general control of a sea kayak. We’ll be based @ the Wright’s beach yurt, where we’ll stay Friday and Saturday nights, near the entrance to Halibut Cove Lagoon. You should be prepared for an active and fun weekend! *** You will be responsible for your own transportation to Wright’s beach, food, personal clothing, and camping gear. Some us can camp, while others can sleep in the yurt. All paddling equipment provided. Recent water taxi fees are $35/person ow + $4 State Parks fee. Please contact the Alaska Kayak School for more information.
Dates/Days/Times/Locations:
Thursday May 10: 630-730 PM planning meeting at Homer High School
Friday, May 18 (6-9 PM) Course introduction and beginnings @ Wright’s Beach Yurt.
Saturday May 19 (8 am – 9 PM) Halibut Cove, Wright’s Beach Yurt, camp.
Sunday May 20 (8 am – 4 PM) Halibut Cove, Wright’s Beach Yurt, return to Homer.
Where: Homer High School and Halibut Cove.
Cost: $200/person sales (6.5%) tax included + $20 HCS fee, includes $25 American Canoe Association course registration fee.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090; info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration). P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603.

Alaska Kayak School
Immersion Sea Kayaking Skills Symposium
25-28 May 2007, Friday to Monday
@ Kachemak Sea Festival, 25 May – 3 June, 2007

Alaska Kayak School - Center for Excellence in Kayaking Instruction, Homer, Alaska

The Alaska Kayak School’s Immersion Sea Kayaking Skills Symposium (ISKSS, pronounced “is-kiss”) is a 4-day event with daily sea kayaking skill courses designed for safely paddling in Alaska. ISKSS will be taking place on or near the Homer Spit from 25-28 May, Friday to Monday (Memorial Day weekend) 2007. Professional kayak coaches and instructors of the British Canoe Union and the American Canoe Association are your instructors. Skills courses @ ISKSS range from:

Gentle introductions of fundamental skills for novices and beginners, to
More detailed courses teaching specific strokes and maneuvers and crisp boat handling skills and rescues for intermediate paddlers, and
Advanced open water and tidal current paddling skill courses, and a
Sea kayak safety and rescue jamboree.
A sea kayaking skills and rescues demonstration for members of the public will take place on Sunday 27 May from 1-2 PM.

This is the fifth year of the Alaska Kayak School’s program @ the Kachemak Sea Festival, the10th year of teaching sea kayaking, and the 14th year of teaching paddling in Alaska. To maximize the safety and well-being of our students, the Alaska Kayak School uses only qualified instructors working at the level of their certifications or below, not above!

Alaska Kayak School
Immersion Sea Kayaking Skills Symposium Courses for 2007

Personal Sea Kayaking Skills for Novice and Beginning Paddlers. Develop safe and effective sea kayaking skills and habits for paddling in Alaska. Learn to dress for immersion and establish a foundation for long-term skill development for safe sea kayaking. Learn and practice safe capsize and re-entry – students and instructors all wear dry suits and warm clothing so that swimming in the ocean is fun! Skills that are taught in this course include: proper “fit” to a sea kayak, using a paddle safely, the importance of posture, knowledge of safety features of kayaking equipment, safe landing and launching. Other important skills included are: effective forward and back paddling, stopping, spinning, and turning the kayak, developing and maintaining balance, moving the kayak sideways, ruddering and effective rescues. This program is all part of this 1-day course in the fundamentals of sea kayaking, and is a perfect learning opportunity if you’ve never paddled sea kayaks before or have paddled before but have never had any instruction. Young paddlers ages 13-18 years old are welcome. What can you expect to get out of this course? You can expect to have a general understanding of the fundamentals of sea kayaking: knowledge of equipment for paddling safely in Alaska, basic strokes and maneuvers, simple assisted and solo rescues, and above all a safe capsize. Oh, yeah, perhaps most importantly, and have a ton of fun in the process. General areas of instruction include ACA Coastal Kayak levels 1 and 2, and BCU 1-2 star skills. All equipment provided (kayak, paddle, skirt., dry suit, booties, gloves, helmet, etc.); except personal clothing, extra clothing (in a dry bag) lunch (in a dry bag) and drinking water.
Dates: May 25, 26, 27
Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Times: 9 AM – 5 PM, meet at 830 AM
Location: Homer Spit Marine Terminal on Homer Spit
Pre-requisites: can swim and follow verbal instructions
Cost: $125 + sales tax; youth $105 + tax; 10% discount if you take more than one course.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090; info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration). P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603.

Personal Sea Kayaking Skills & Rescues for Beginner & Intermediate Paddlers. Practice and develop specific strokes, maneuvers and rescues for safe and effective paddling in Alaska. Build on a foundation of your prior kayaking skill to develop a repertoire of fun and useful maneuvers that will increase your confidence and fun on the water. Specific strokes and maneuvers that we cover in this course include: efficient forward, back paddling and stopping, stern rudder, draw stroke, sculling-draw, edging and balance, low and high recoveries, low brace turn, bow rudder turn, draw on the move, hanging draw and more. Assisted and solo rescues covered include: the t-rescue, the “yank” rescue, efficient and safe use of a sea kayaking towline, inside and outside scoop rescue, paddle float rescue and the cowboy scramble. A detailed review of safety and emergency gear will round out this detailed course. Increase your awareness of sea kayak design, function, and safety features of sea kayaks. Develop skills that will help you control your kayak in windy and wavy conditions as well as improve your wet exit performance, re-entry procedures and rescuer capabilities. What can you expect to get out of this course? You can expect to: develop and improve your knowledge and performance of specific strokes and maneuvers, increase your comfort with a wet exit and re-entry procedures, have a ton of fun, and become much more confident paddling in cold water. General areas of instruction include ACA Coastal Kayak levels 1, 2 and 3, and BCU 1-3 star skills. All equipment provided (kayak, paddle, skirt., dry suit, booties, gloves, helmet, etc.) except personal clothing, extra clothing (in a dry bag) lunch (in a dry bag) and drinking water.
Dates: May 25, 26,
Days: Friday, Saturday
Times: 9 AM – 5 PM, meet at 830 AM
Location: Homer Spit Marine Terminal on Homer Spit
Pre-requisites: fundamental skills and a confident wet exit
Cost: $125 + sales tax; youth $105 + tax; 10% discount if you take more than one course.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090; info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration). P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603.

Sea Kayaking Skill and Rescue Demonstration – a spectator event. Alaska Kayak School instructors and staff will provide a demonstration of safe and effective sea kayaking skill and rescue for members of the general public from 1-1:45 PM @ the Homer Spit Marine Terminal. Skills demonstrated will include: efficient forward, back paddling and stopping, steering, turning and maintaining balance, recovering balance, rolling and rescues. Specific strokes and maneuvers will include: stern rudder, low brace turn, bow rudder turn, draw stroke, sculling draw, sculling for support, draw on the move, hanging draw (aka side slip), low and high recoveries, and Eskimo roll. Specific rescues to be shown will include: Eskimo (bow) rescue, t-rescue, “yank’ speed rescue, inside and outside scoop rescue, cowboy scramble, sling rescue, paddle float rescue, and re-enter and roll. Come see the full repertoire of strokes, maneuvers and rescues used by skilled paddlers that paddle in advanced conditions.
Dates: May 27
Days: Sunday
Times1:00 –1:45 PM
Location: Homer Spit Marine Terminal on Homer Spit
Pre-requisites: Can see and watch
Cost: FREE

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue. This is an all-day course dedicated to the theory and practice of life saving and rescue for sea kayak paddlers. Develop an awareness of the safety features of sea kayaks, paddling gear, and sea kayaking safety equipment. Practice and learn a whole array of sea kayak rescues for many different applications, such as the t-rescue, t-x rescue, “yank” speed rescue, double kayak rescues, inside and outside scoop, Cleopatra’s Needle (save a sinking kayak), Eskimo “bow” rescue, capsize and swim your kayak to shore, paddle float rescue, cowboy scramble, transport a swimmer on your kayak, safe use and applications for towlines, sling-rescue for weakened paddlers, and more. This is an active and very fun (wet) course, but it’s extremely rewarding. Teams of participants will get to solve their own rescue scenario at the end of the course. This course is a citizen’s version of the British Canoe Union’s Canoeing Safety Test, and is full of practical and useful tips, techniques and skills. Very appropriate for any paddler, and quite useful as a tune up even for experienced sea kayaking guides. All equipment provided (kayak, paddle, skirt., dry suit, booties, gloves, helmet, etc.) except personal clothing, extra clothing (in a dry bag) lunch (in a dry bag) and drinking water.
Dates: May 27
Days: Sunday
Times: 9 AM – 5 PM (meet at 830 AM)
Location: Homer Spit Marine Terminal on Homer Spit
Pre-requisites: Fundamental to intermediate sea kayaking skill, and a confident wet exit
Cost: $125 + tax; youth $105 + tax; 10% discount if you take more than one course.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090; info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration). P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603.

Open Water Sea Kayaking Skills and Rescues. Learn about safety and design features of kayaks and gear for paddling in open water, (i.e., more than 1 mile from shore), and develop kayak handling skills and group awareness for paddling in winds up to 15 knots, waves 3-5’, 3 ‘ surf, and doing rescues in open water conditions. This is an ideal course for paddlers with intermediate sea kayaking skills such as British Canoe Union 2-3 star, and American Canoe Association level 2-3 skills. What can you expect to get out of this course? Knowledge and awareness of safety features for kayaks and gear suitable for open water paddling,; knowledge and experience planning an open water trip; knowledge and experience for navigating in open water, rules of the road, and skills and experience paddling in open water. In this course, you will practice all of the beginner and intermediate skills in open water conditions (including wet exits and rescues). You can also expect to build confidence and proficiency in open water paddling skills and rescues: paddling in wind and waves, rescues in wind and waves, and possibly small surf. This is a very appropriate course if you’ve developed your intermediate skills and is great training for any sea kayaking guide or leader. All equipment provided (kayak, paddle, skirt., dry suit, booties, gloves, helmet, etc.) except personal clothing, extra clothing (in a dry bag) lunch (dry bag) and drinking water.
Dates: May 28
Days: Monday
Times: 9 AM – 5 PM (meet at 830 AM)
Location: Homer Spit Marine Terminal on Homer Spit
Pre-requisites: Intermediate Sea kayaking Skills (BCU 3 star, ACA level 2-3)
Cost: $125 + tax; youth $105 + tax; 10% discount if you take more than one course.
Register: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090; info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration). P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603.

Ride the Tide: Paddling Sea Kayaks in Tidal Stream Currents. Learn what causes tides and currents and how to predict them using tidal constants. Practice and learn to paddle sea kayaks in fast tidal stream current at the entrance to Halibut Cove lagoon. Learn fundamentals of kayak control in current and develop group awareness and safety skills: group awareness, communication, ferries, peel outs, eddy turns, etc. You will practice sea kayak control and safety; i.e., transfer beginner and intermediate sea skills from flat water to fast moving water, including rescues. We will tune up in flat water before moving the session into tidal stream current @ Halibut Cove Lagoon. Water taxi fee (approximately $70) is included. All equipment provided (kayak, paddle, skirt., dry suit, booties, gloves, helmet, etc.) except personal clothing, extra clothing (in a dry bag) lunch and drinking water.
Dates: May 28
Days: Monday
Times: 9 AM – 5 PM (meet at 830 AM)
Location: Homer Spit Marine Terminal on Homer Spit
Pre-requisites: Intermediate Sea kayaking Skills (BCU 3 star, ACA level 2-3)
Cost: $175 + tax and state park fee ($4/person)
youth $150 + tax; 10% discount if you take more than one course.

Register: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090; info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration). P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603.

June 2007

Prince William Sound’s Outer Coast’s
Tidewater Glacier: BAINBRIDGE
30 May - 8 June 2007
Cost: $2295

Goals: Paddle one of the least visited and most exciting regions of Prince William Sound, the Bainbridge Passage, Port Bainbridge, and Prince of Wales Passage. We’ll use a fast water taxi to take us from our launch port of Whittier 65 miles to Squire Island in Knight Island Passage in southwestern Prince William Sound. Squire Island is the start of paddling into the wild region of the outer coast, Port Bainbridge. Traveling fast and light, we’ll ride the ebb tide out Bainbridge Passage and to Port Bainbridge so we can camp at the base of Bainbridge Glacier, our headquarters for two nights. We’ll explore Port Bainbridge to the south on a day trip and circumnavigate the northern part of this fantastic fiord the next day. Our goal is to paddle the outer coast of southern Bainbridge Island, and weather permitting, visit Procession Rocks. All of Port Bainbridge has exposure to the Pacific swell from the Gulf of Alaska. Our return to inner Prince William Sound via Prince of Whales Passage will allow us to paddle a loop back to our water taxi pick up spot in Icy Bay.

Skills needed: This is a trip for experienced paddlers that want a guided trip in moderate and open coast conditions in the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound:

You have developed your paddling skills so that you can paddle a loaded kayak comfortably in up to 10-15 knots of wind, and up to 2-3 foot waves and larger swells.
You have previous kayak camping experience, and are willing to happily camp in the rain.
You have developed your rescue skills, and have some experience in current, surf and breaking waves.
This is a trip for solid intermediate (BCU 3 star) paddlers wanting to develop and build their advanced open water skills (BCU 4 star), AND
A trip for paddlers with 4 star skills (or higher) wanting to paddle in advanced conditions (BCU 4 star), and develop Alaska expedition skills in a remote and scenic environment w/ current, swell, glaciers, and open coast exposure.

Conditions expected: Prince William Sound is an Inland Sea and is protected from open ocean conditions. Bainbridge and Prince of Wales Passages, our routes for accessing and returning from the outer coast, have flows of up to 3 knots. The swell out in Port Bainbridge will be determined by prevailing conditions, but could be as high as 10’ (oops, might have to change plans!). Plenty of coves and options if we need to adjust due to extreme conditions in Port Bainbridge. In Port Bainbridge we’ll be paddling shorelines few kayakers ever see. Surf landings may be necessary, but will be kept manageable. This is not a flat-water trip.

Weather: Prince William Sound is a Temperate Rainforest, and it can really rain here, especially in places like Port Bainbridge. That’s not to say that it will rain. We’ve done many trips to the Sound in which rain was not a factor. But having said that, it’s often cloudy and sometimes foggy. Drizzle and rain are common. The high precipitation makes this geographic area unique and creates the glaciers. Daytime highs in the 50-60’s and nights in the 40s-50s Fahrenheit would be normal. Summer storms with high winds and rains are not frequent, but they do occur, and can severely restrict our activities. Luckily good weather forecasts are usually available on marine VHF bands, so planning for the coming storm is normal. Good rain gear, a quality tent, and a few tarps make camping in the rain a challenge, but quite fun. Definitely clean.

Wildlife: An expected list of mammals to be seen on this adventure includes: Sea and River otters, Steller Sea Lion, Harbor Seal, Humpbacked, Orca and Minke whales, Dall Porpoise, Harbor Porpoise, Black Bear, Sitka Black-tailed Deer, and Mountain Goat. We’ve seen both mink and short-tailed weasels in the area before as well.. Many mammals are giving birth in early June, so we stand a chance to see some new borns! Terrestial and marine birds we expect on this trip include: Marbled Murrelets, NW Crow, Bald Eagle, Black legged Kittiwake, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Common Raven, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Harlequin Duck, Black Oystercatcher, Double crested and Pelagic Cormorants, and more. It’s the peak of the bird breeding season, so we’ll see lots of breeding activity. There will still be snow on the slopes, and Bears will be foraging near the shore. This is a fantastic time to be out in coastal Alaska wilderness.

Logistics: You will fly to Anchorage and use ground transportation to get to Whittier where you’ll meet us the afternoon of Saturday 2 June, and spend the night in a quaint B&B w/ seafood sinner at the local favorite eatery. That night you’ll finish get ready to board water taxi and with all your gear ready to pack in the kayaks. From Whittier, we’ll take a water taxi 65 miles to southern Prince William Sound where our paddling adventure begins on Sunday 3 June. After making a tour of Bainbridge Passage, Port Bainbridge and the surrounding coastline from June 4-8, we’ll paddle back to the southern Sound for our water taxi ride back to Whittier on Saturday June 9. Spend the night in Whittier and have a good bye dinner. Depart for Anchorage the next morning Sunday 10 June for flights home, or to continue travel in Alaska.

Costs: Includes all expenses from landing in Anchorage, Alaska, ground transport to and from Whittier and back to Anchorage. Lodging and meals in Whittier before and after the trip also included. Group camping gear, kayaks, paddles, pfds, skirts, etc. are provided. In addition, All food on the trip, all leadership and instruction are also included. Dry suits rentals available for $150. A few tents and other personal items also available for rent.

You provide Personal clothing and personal effects, a bowl, a cup and a set of eating utensils. We provide a gear, clothing and resource lists once you sign up. You should also provide as much paddling gear as needed and is feasible for you (dry suit, pfd, etc.). We have dry suits and paddling suits for rent, and we almost always throw in helmets, helmet liners and booties. You should bring your own sleeping bag and pad and as many of your own dry bags as possible. Obviously, we have some you can use if you don’t have any. If you have a favorite lightweight 4—season tent, we encourage you to use it. We have a few extra tents for rent, if needed.

We provide kayak, pfd, paddle, pump, skirt, group camp gear, all food from Whittier to the field and back, all ground and water transportation, all leadership and instruction.

Instruction: You will learn tons on a trip like this: expedition planning, bear conservation and safety, minimum impact camping,, expedition paddling skills such as paddling in wind waves and current, group safety and communication, and rough weather camping. If you don’t have a British Canoe Union 3 star or 4 star sea kayak award, we can help to coach you in all of these skills to build your repertoire of functional sea kayaking skills. Tom is a BCU A1* assessor and level 4 coach so 3/4 star assessments are possible, if you’re ready or interested.

Guides: Tom Pogson, a retired wildlife biologist, and a level 4 BCU sea kayak coach and ACA Coastal Kayak instructor trainer trainee, has spent 26 field seasons in Alaska, been teaching paddling since 1995 and leading sea kayak trips in Alaska since 1999. One of our experienced leader/coach friends from the wide circle of experience and qualified talented leaders will be assisitng Tom on this trip. Several talented and devoted coaches are being considered, stay tuned for details. If you want to learn/hone your sea kayaking skills and pick up on Alaska’s natural history, this is going to be a grand trip!

Itinerary: ***
Wednesday 30 May Travel to Anchorage ** (have gear ready to pack in kayaks), if coming form East Coast of U.S.
Thursday 31 May Meet in Whittier, B&B, dinner out, finish packing
Friday 1 June, early morning Water Taxi to Point Countess from Whittier, camp (or paddle into Bainbridge Passage and camp)
Saturday 2 June, Bainbridge Passage to Port Bainbridge and Bainbridge Glacier (13 miles)
Sunday 3 June, Explore Port BainBridge, keep camp same location (10 mies)
Monday 4 June, explore Port Bainbridge, camp in SW Port Bainbridge (14 miles)
Tuesday 5 June, Paddle Prince of Wales Passage to Fleming Island (16 miles)
Wednesday 6 June paddle Paddle Fleming Island to Icy Bay (the cave) (12 miles)
Thursday 7 June Water Taxi Pick up and ride back to Whittier, B & B, dinner out
Friday 8 June Travel Whittier to Anchorage, flights home, or continue in Alaska.

*** This itinerary will guide our trip, but adjustments need to be made in response to schedules and conditions. We try to keep as many options as possible, always, and reserve the privilege to change plans as needed for safety and comfort.

Reservations are held with a deposit of $300 and a completed registration form; 50% of the balance of your trip fees is due 75 days before departure, including the $300 deposit. The final 50% is due 30 days prior to departure. Deposit fully refundable up to 60 days before departure.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration).

Kachemak Bay State Park Paddling
Open & moving water training - Yurts over Summer Solstice
Homer, Alaska
16-23 June 2007
Skill level: Intermediate
Price: $2095, $1995 if you book by 31 Dec 2006

Goal: Paddle and explore tidal shores of Kachemak Bay State Park, near Homer, Alaska, for fun and to practice sea kayak camping skills, open water and moving water kayaking skills (British Canoe Union 3 and 4 star). A large tidal range and unusually dry coastal weather in the rain shadow of the Kenai Mountains make Kachemak Bay the perfect place to learn and practice paddling in tidal streams, maneuvering in rock gardens, and paddling in wind and waves. Kayak camping offers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty and practice efficient kayaking skills as well as enjoy sea otters and marine birds, which are abundant. The natural backdrop enhances your learning. Steve Scherrer described Kachemak Bay by comparing it to Washington’s San Juan Islands “on steroids!”.

General: Originating from the tiny finger of gravel known as Homer Spit, this adventure takes place in the deep blue marine and turquoise glacial waters of Kachemak Bay surrounded by snow-capped peaks and massive glaciers of the Kenai Mountains. Homer is the gateway to uncounted adventures in Alaska, where the locals sport bumper stickers admonishing people to "Keep Homer Weird". After an orientation in Homer where we downshift to Alaskan time, we'll cross the Bay to explore the nooks and crannies at the base of the glacier-carved mountains we see from a distance. Bring your cameras, you'll be up close and personal with numerous Sea Otters. Our nights will be spent in comfortable beach camps and even a few in Mongolian style yurts equipped with wood stoves and bunks; Alaskan-style comforts of home.

Skills Needed: Fundamental skills and some ability to paddle in wind and waves, BCU 2-3 star level or above. There will be calm water paddling, but when crossing large fiords or following their shorelines, we’re often paddling in wind, waves, and current. Our tradition is to allow for appropriate coaching of your skills to increase your fun and efficiency. This makes paddling in conditions easier and more enjoyable. To happily camp and paddle in the rain might be key, but it can be quite sunny and pleasant since the Kenai Mountains provide a substantial rain shadow.

Instruction: Tune and develop your open and moving water paddling skills, minimum impact camping, bear conservation and safety, sea kayak navigation, group awareness and rescues. Great opportunity to paddle in a fast (up to 6 knots) tidal stream at the entrance to Halibut Cove Lagoon. BCU 3 and 4 star training will be a seamless part of the trip! BCU assessments are possible, ask for details.

Weather: Days in the 50-60’s and nights in the 40-50’s Fahrenheit would be normal. High in the 70’s possible (but don’t count on it). The rain shadow of the Kenai Mountains makes the weather in Homer and Kachemak Bay unusually warm and sunny compared to the rest of the Kenai Peninsula. We could still get a nice coastal storm. Sunscreen can be important, and so can a sun hat and some nylon shorts. Good rain gear would be a good idea though. Make sense?

Conditions expected: Typical summer weather includes bright and sunny days, with cool, still or windless mornings followed by an afternoon “day breeze” off of the ocean creating “onshore winds”. The “day breeze” winds blow 10-20 knots, typically from the West or Southwest and can really put a crimp in your style if you haven’t planned for them. As the day breeze increases into the afternoon, 1-3 foot waves develop with the winds. Mornings and evenings can be very calm, but mid afternoon quite choppy. Early morning and evening paddles are stunningly peaceful, while afternoon cruising can be a fun and bouncy ride. If the wind blows against a strong ebb tide, rough conditions can result. Bugs can be factor after early June, but tolerable (we have bug jackets for your use and comfort).

Included: The cost of your trip includes travel from Anchorage to Homer and back (van one way to see the sights, fly one way get a bird’s-eye view the Kenai Peninsula). Also included are 2 nights B&B in Homer (before and after the trip), food in Homer and on the way down from Anchorage, food on the trip, water taxi, kayaking gear, and all instruction and leadership. If you do decide to have a BCU skill assessment, the BCU fees are extra but very reasonable.

You provide personal clothing and personal effects, a bowl, a cup, and a set of eating utensils. We provide a list of gear, clothing and resources once you sign up. You provide paddling gear that is feasible for you to bring with you (dry suit, pfd, etc.). We have all the gear and can rent dry suits/paddling suits as needed. You should bring your own sleeping bag and pad and as many of your own dry bags as possible. Obviously, we have some dry bags you can use if you don’t have any. If you have a favorite lightweight 4—season tent, we encourage you to use it. We have a few extra sleeping bags, pads and tents for rent, ask about what’s available.

Logistics: You fly to Anchorage International Airport and catch the van ride down to Homer with Michael Gray and the rest of the group. You’ll arrive in Homer for a night at a comfy B&B, and some needed rest. Next day, after a quick introduction to Kachemak Bay, we’ll board the water taxi across the bay to our first camp site for night # 2. We will paddle and camp for 6 nights and 7 days before paddling back to the Homer Spit under own power on day 8. Your last night in Homer is at a B&B, and you can fly back to Anchorage for connections on day 9. See the itinerary, below.

Equipment: Most of our kayaks are Nigel Dennis Explorers, HV and LV Explorer, Romany, etc. We also have a few choice fiberglass Valley, Kajaksport, Necky and Nimbus kayaks. Dry suits by Kokatat, Palm and OS Systems, Lendal and Lightning Paddles, Snap Dragon skirts, etc. We provide assorted group tarps and camp gear that is tested Alaska “tough” from many days in the field.

Guides: Tom Pogson, a retired wildlife biologist, and a level 4 BCU sea kayak coach and ACA Coastal Kayak instructor trainer trainee, has spent 26 field seasons in Alaska, been teaching paddling since 1995, and leading sea kayak trips in Alaska since 1999. Michael Gray has been teaching paddling and guiding for over 20 years and is publishing a book on camp cooking. Tom ad Michael have been doing programs together for 2 years and are reunited for another combination instructional guided trip in Alaska. Hope you can join us, I can taste Michael’s chocolate fudge/cherry cake now!

Itinerary: *** (map - Kachenak Bay State Park, Trails Illustrated, from rei.com)
Day 1, Saturday 16 June: Arrive in Anchorage. Meet by 4 PM for van transfer
Homer way, dinner en route. Overnight in Homer at an Alaskan guest cottage overlooking the Homer Spit.
Day 2, Sunday 17 June: Orientation Day in Homer for gear fitting, get ready for afternoon water taxi to scenic Eldred Passage in Kachemak Bay State Park. Camp.
Day 3, Monday, 18 June: Day trip around outer islands in Eldred Passage: Yukon and Hesketh, Camp in Sadie Cove (?).
Day 4, Tuesday June 19: Day trip in Sadie Cove/Tutka Bay, move to Neptune Bay on the afternoon/evening high tide.
Day 5, Wednesday 20 June: Haystack Rock yurt or Neptune Bay; paddle to Glacier
Spit via Halibut Cove (if tide allows), explore China Poot Bay (option) along the way.
Day 6, Thursday 21 June: Summer solstice - Glacier Spit and day paddle into Halibut Cove Lagoon, in on the flood, out on the ebb tide. Camp at yurts at Right's beach or camp on Glacier Spit.
Day 7, Friday June 22: Glacier Spit Hike to Grewink Glacier on Glacier trail or paddle into Halibut Cove Lagoon, work on moving water skills.
Day 8, Saturday 23 June: Morning Glacier Spit pack up and paddle back across to the Homer Spit if conditions allow. Overnight in Homer and go out for good-bye dinner.
Day 9, Sunday 24 June: Transfer back to Anchorage for afternoon flights.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration).

Kenai Fiords Expedition
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced, BCU 3-4 star
Alaska Kayak School, Homer
30 June - 8 July 2007
$2595/person
$2495 if you reserve by 31 December 2006

Goals: Paddle one of the most scenic regions of Kenai Fiords National Park, Alaska, and develop your expedition paddling skills. The outer coast of the Kenai Peninsula has a unique assemblage of natural environments: tidewater glaciers, large populations of marine mammals, coastal mountains rising to 5,000’ and deeply carved glacial fiords teeming with birds and a plethora of other marine life. We’ll explore the fiords and tidewater glaciers of Aialik and/or Harris Bay and Northwestern Fiord while developing our skills surrounded by wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Once you discover this place, you can’t get it out of your system.

The Alaska Kayak School is privileged to have the support of Michael Gray to work his wonders as a cook, consummate guide, and sea leader on one of our annual standards: a trip to the “fiords” in mid-summer. There is little that compares to camping within earshot of thundering glaciers and icefalls. The rugged terrain is humbling, inviting and in some ways cold, unforgiving. Excellent gear and good planning are always elegant paths to prevention.

Skills Needed: You should have the ability to paddle in wind and waves and light current, and possibly help with a quick rescue. To happily camp and paddle in the rain could be key. We’ll be addling in wind up to 15 knots, and waves 3-5’ (perhaps bigger swells), as well as maneuvering in close proximity to rocks in small-moderate swell. These are all skills that you can practice and develop as we go this trip. There will be calm water paddling, but when crossing large fiords or following their shorelines, we’re often paddling in wind and swell. When paddling in the ice, it is often necessary to maneuver the kayaks among ice bits and small bergs, so good kayak control skills are helpful (and its great practice also). Some of the longer paddling days will consist of up to 19 miles paddling over the course of the day, but most days are only 10-15 miles (3-5 hrs paddling) or less. We always allow for appropriate coaching to increase your efficiency and make paddling in conditions easier and more fun. So fear not, both leaders are high level instructors/kayaking coaches.

Conditions expected: The outer coast of the Kenai Peninsula has full exposure to the swell in the North Pacific and Gulf of Alaska. The varied seabed off this coast creates extremely rough waters in case of high winds and big swell, but the depths of the fiords and associated coves provide lots of protection. We’ll expect rain, winds 10-15 knots and some swell, but little surf and probably not many breaking waves. Paddling and camping happily in the rain is helpful, since its likely to rain, but it can be quite sunny and warm as well – see weather. Some days may be quite long, and have few landing zones, so being comfortable paddling a loaded kayak for hours is important.

Remember, the amount of daylight is surprisingly high: 18.5 hrs on 4 July. We’ve led many different kinds of paddlers on this journey, and we try to use tide and wind to keep the grunt factor low.

Weather: The outer coast of the Kenai Peninsula can get a lot of rain, but it can just as easily be very sunny and hot (70’s). That’s not to say that it will rain. We’ve done many trips to the Fiords in which rain was not a factor. But having said that, it’s often cloudy and sometimes foggy. Drizzle and rain are common. The high precipitation makes this geographic area unique and creates the glaciers. Daytime highs in the 50-60’s and nights in the 40s-50s Fahrenheit would be normal. Summer storms with high winds and rains are not frequent, but they do occur, and can severely restrict our activities. Luckily good weather forecasts are usually available on marine VHF bands, so planning for the coming storm is normal. Good rain gear, a quality tent, synthetic sleeping bag (no down!) and a few tarps make camping in the rain a challenge, but quite fun; definitely clean. This trip is scheduled squarely in the middle of the “best weather” window for each summer, historically speaking, that is.

Wildlife: An expected list of mammals to be seen on this adventure includes: Sea and River otters, Steller’s Sea Lion, Harbor Seal, Humpbacked, Orca and Minke whales, Dall Porpoise, Harbor Porpoise, Black Bear, Mountain Goat and Wolverine. We’ve seen both mink and short-tailed weasels in the area before as well. Many mammals are giving birth in June, so we stand a chance to see some new-borns! Terrestrial and marine birds we expect on this trip include: Marbled Murrelets, NW Crow, Bald Eagle, Black legged Kittiwake, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Common Raven, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Harlequin Duck, Black Oystercatcher, Double crested and Pelagic Cormorants, Horned and Tufted puffins, Rhinoceros Auklets and more. It’s just after the peak of the bird-breeding season, so we’ll apt to see lots of birds feeding young. Bugs are a factor after early June, but never intolerable (we have simple but effective bug jackets for your use and comfort).

Logistics: You will fly to Anchorage and use ground transportation to get to Seward, where you’ll meet us the afternoon of Saturday 30 June. You will spend the night in a quaint B&B and have dinner at the local favorite eatery. That night you’ll finish getting ready to board the water taxi and with all your trip gear ready to pack in the kayaks (“leave-behind” personal gear will be in our van and trailer, locked). From Seward, we’ll take a water taxi 45 miles to southern Aialik or Northwestern Fiord (depending on sea conditions) where our paddling adventure begins. We’ll be reunited with our water taxi for a ride back to Seward on Saturday July 7. Spend the night in Seward and have a good bye dinner. Depart for Anchorage the next morning Sunday 10 June for flights home, or for continued travel in Alaska.

Guides: Tom Pogson, a retired wildlife biologist, and a level 4 BCU sea kayak coach and ACA Coastal Kayak instructor trainer trainee, has spent 26 field seasons in Alaska, been teaching paddling since 1995 and leading sea kayak trips in Alaska since 1999. Michael Gray has been guiding for 20 year, is an ACA Instructor trainer trainee, and a consummate cook. Michael and Tom have been teaming up for a couple of years now, and all the trips have been great fun: Kenai Fiords (June 2005), Shuyak Island circumnavigation (June 2006), and Prince William Sound (July 2006).

What’s included: Transportation to and from Anchorage from Seward, water taxi trip into Kenai Fiords, all meals in Seward and on the trip, all leadership and instruction, kayaks and kayaking gear. Dry suits are available for rent ($150/trip for breathable suits in great condition).

Equipment: Most of the Kayak School’s fleet is Nigel Dennis Explorers, but we have a small assortment of Valley, Kajaksport, Necky, Nimbus and Wilderness Systems kayaks. Yes, we have a few LV Explorers for the ladies and even HV Explorers for the stronger paddlers. We provide kayaks and kayaking gear in addition to cookware and rain tarps. Its best if you bring your own tents (4-season please), but we have a few we can provide if needed. Some dry bags are available.

Food: We provide simple but tasty and nutritious meals that will keep your furnace stoked and your energy up for the adventures at hand. Special diets can be accommodated, just ask for details. Michael Gray’s cooking is to die for: I can taste the chocolate cherry cake now.

Saturday Day 1 (June 30) Arrive in Anchorage, van to Seward, dinner on the way.
Sunday Day 2 (July 1) - Early morning departure on water taxi to NW Lagoon, 45 miles, or alternative site in Aialik Bay. Load kayaks and gear on water taxi in Seward Harbor at 8 AM and depart for drop off in Kenai Fiords National Park. Fabulous wildlife and scenic tour of sea bird rocks, cliffs and open water on the way: sea birds, marine mammals such as Dall porpoise, Orca and Humpbacked Whales, and Steller Sea Lions. Arrive NW Lagoon/Aialik Bay, camp orientation, play tarp, tents. Go for short evening paddle? Camp.
Monday Day 3 (July 2) – Explore NW Fiord/adjacent Harris Bay or paddle est over from Aialik Bay @ Aligo Point, 19 miles. Camp.
Tuesday Day 4 (July 3) to Friday Day 7 (July 6) – Explore NW Lagoon and adjacent Harris Bay, hone group paddling , open water and moving water skills.
Paddle and camp. Glacier and wildlife watching, photography and light hiking will allow you to marvel at the recession of the ice of the glaciers that once filled in NW Lagoon; 10 miles since 1949. We'll move camp 2-4 times over the week as the weather and conditions dictate.
Saturday Day 8: (July 7). We'll be waiting at the NW Lagoon (or Aialik Bay) drop-off/pickup beach around noon, packed and ready to board the water taxi for the ride back to Seward in time for a shower and some dinner.
Sunday Day 9: (July 8). Ground transport to Anchorage for flights or continued travel in Alaska.

Reservations are held with a deposit of $300 and a completed registration form; 50% of the balance of your trip fees is due 75 days before departure, including the$300 deposit. The final 50% is due 30 days prior to departure. Deposit fully refundable up to 75 days before departure. See terms and conditions (in your registration packet) for full refund policy.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration).

July 2007

Kenai Fiords Expedition
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced, BCU 3-4 star
Alaska Kayak School, Homer
14-21 July 2007
$2560/person

The Alaska Kayak School is privileged to have the support of Bobbie Gilmore to work her wonders as a cook, consummate guide, and trip leader on one of our annual standards: a trip to the ‘Fiords’ in mid-summer. There is little that compares to camping within earshot of thundering glaciers and icefalls. The rugged terrain is humbling, inviting and in some ways cold, unforgiving. Excellent gear and good planning are always elegant paths to prevention.

Skills Needed: You should have the ability to paddle in wind and waves and light current, and possibly help with a quick rescue. To happily camp and paddle in the rain could be key. We’ll be paddling in wind up to 15 knots, and waves 3-5’ (perhaps bigger swells), as well as maneuvering in close proximity to rocks in small to moderate swell. These are all skills that you can practice and develop as we go this trip. There will be calm water paddling, but when crossing large fiords or following their shorelines, we’re often paddling in wind and swell. When paddling in the ice near the glaciers, it is often necessary to maneuver the kayaks among ice bits and small bergs, so good kayak control skills are helpful (and its great practice also). Some of the longer paddling days will consist of up to 19 miles paddling over the course of the day, but most days we paddle only 10-15 miles (3-5 hrs paddling) or less. We always allow for appropriate coaching to increase your efficiency and make paddling in conditions easier and more fun. So fear not, you have a high-level coach/instructor along to help you refine your skills.

Conditions expected: The outer coast of the Kenai Peninsula has full exposure to the swell in the North Pacific and Gulf of Alaska. The varied seabed off this coast creates extremely rough waters in case of high winds and big swell, but the depths of the fiords and associated coves provide lots of protection. We’ll expect rain, winds 10-15 knots and some swell, but little surf and probably not many breaking waves. Paddling and camping happily in the rain is helpful, since its likely to rain, but it can be quite sunny and warm as well – see weather. Some paddling days may be quite long, and have few landing zones, so being comfortable paddling a loaded kayak for hours is important.

Remember, the amount of daylight is surprisingly high: 17.9 hours on 14 July. We’ve led many different kinds of paddlers on this journey, and we try to use tide and wind to keep the grunt factor low. Its easy to make the miles if we start early and pace ourselves. Besides, there’s tons of cool stuff to see along the way.

Wildlife: An expected list of mammals to be seen on this adventure includes: Sea and River otters, Steller’s Sea Lion, Harbor Seal, Humpbacked, Orca and Minke whales, Dall Porpoise, Harbor Porpoise, Black Bear, Mountain Goat and Wolverine. We’ve seen both Mink and Short-Tailed Weasels in the area before as well. Many mammals are giving birth in June, so we stand a chance to see some youngsters! Terrestrial and marine birds we expect on this trip include: Marbled Murrelets, NW Crow, Bald Eagle, Black legged Kittiwake, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, Common Raven, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Harlequin Duck, Black Oystercatcher, Double crested and Pelagic Cormorants, Horned and Tufted puffins, Rhinoceros Auklets and more. It’s just after the peak of the bird-breeding season, so we’ll apt to see lots of birds feeding young. Bugs are a factor after early June, but never intolerable (we have simple and effective bug jackets for your use and comfort).

Logistics: You will fly to Anchorage and use ground transportation to get to Seward, where you’ll meet us the afternoon of Saturday 14 July. You will spend the night in a quaint B&B and have dinner at the local favorite eatery. That night you’ll finish getting ready to board the water taxi the next morning, and with all your trip gear ready to pack in the kayaks. Your “leave-behind” personal-gear will remain storage in Seward. From the Seward harbor, we’ll take a water taxi 45 miles to southern Aialik Bay or Northwestern Fiord (depending on sea conditions) where our paddling adventure begins. We’ll be reunited with our water taxi for a ride back to Seward on Saturday July 21, when we will spend the night and have a good bye dinner upon our return. You can depart for Anchorage the next morning Sunday 22 July for flights home, or for continued travel in Alaska.

Guides: Tom Pogson, a retired wildlife biologist, and a level 4 BCU sea kayak coach and ACA Coastal Kayak instructor trainer trainee, has spent 26 field seasons in Alaska, been teaching paddling since 1995 and leading sea kayak trips in Alaska since 1999. Bobbie Gilmore, has been guiding since 1992, and is the founder/owner of the oldest sea kayaking shop in Montana; Glacier Sea Kayaking on Whitefish Lake. Bobbie’s leads her groups on the Missouri River, the lovely lakes in Montana, Islands of Greece, the marine waters of Washington’s San Juan Islands, and much more. Oh did I mention Bobbie’s Dutch oven cooking!

What’s included: Transportation to and from Anchorage from Seward, water taxi trip into Kenai Fiords, all meals in Seward, and on the trip hearty dinner and breakfasts. Also included are: all leadership and instruction, kayaks, kayaking gear, and group camp gear. Dry suits are available for rent ($150/trip for breathable suits in great condition from Kokatat); if you don’t have a dry suit, or can’t borrow one, we strongly recommend renting one.

Food: We provide simple but tasty and nutritious meals that will keep your furnace stoked and your energy up for the adventures at hand. On this trip participants are responsible for their own lunches and we provide hearty breakfasts and dinners.

All breakfasts and dinners will be Bobbie Gilmore “specials”, based on her refined Dutch oven cookery. Special diets can be accommodated, just ask for details.

Itinerary

Saturday Day 1 (July 14) Arrive in Anchorage, van to Seward, dinner on the way.

Sunday Day 2 (July 15) - Early morning departure on water taxi to NW Lagoon, 45 miles, or alternative site in Aialik Bay. Load kayaks and gear on water taxi in Seward Harbor at 8 AM and depart for drop off in Kenai Fiords National Park. Fabulous wildlife and scenic tour of sea bird rocks, cliffs and open water on the way: sea birds, marine mammals such as Dall porpoise, Orca and Humpbacked Whales, and Steller Sea Lions. Arrive NW Lagoon/Aialik Bay, camp orientation, play tarp, tents. Go for short evening paddle? Camp.

Monday Day 3 (July 16) – Explore NW Fiord/adjacent Harris Bay or paddle est over from Aialik Bay @ Aligo Point, 19 miles. Camp.

Tuesday Day 4 (July 17) to Friday Day 7 (July 20) – Explore NW Lagoon and adjacent Harris Bay, hone group paddling , open water and moving water skills.

Paddle and camp. Glacier and wildlife watching, photography and light hiking will allow you to marvel at the recession of the ice of the glaciers that once filled in NW Lagoon; 10 miles since 1949. We'll move camp 2-4 times over the week as the weather and conditions dictate.

Saturday Day 8: (July 21). We'll be waiting at the NW Lagoon (or Aialik Bay) drop-off/pickup beach around noon, packed and ready to board the water taxi for the ride back to Seward in time for a shower and some dinner.

Sunday Day 9: (July 22). Ground transport to Anchorage for flights or continued travel in Alaska.

Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090, info@alaskakayakschool.com, (online registration).

Personal Sea Kayaking Skills 28-29 July 2007 - Develop and build a repertoire of personal sea kayaking skills suited for paddling sea kayaks safely in protected waters on day trips in Alaska. Course is ideally suited for paddlers that have developed some fundamental kayaking skills, including a confident wet exit, and have some understanding of the relationship between their actions and the reactions of their kayaks. AKS pool fundamental kayaking skill courses are ideal. Novices can also be accomodated. Saturday will be spent learning and practicing fundamental sea kayaking skills and introducing rescue techniques @ Homer's Bridge Creek Reservoir. Sunday will be spent practicing tripping skills and honing personal sea skills and rescues on a day trip in Kachemak Bay. We will use a water taxi to travel across Kachemak Bay for our day trip. All paddling equipment provided and water taxi fees included. You need your clothing, lunches, snacks, and
Dates: July 28-29, Saturday and Sunday.
Dates/Days/Times/Locations:
Saturday July 28 (9 am – 5 PM) Bridge Creek reservoir (Homer, ask for directions)
Sunday July 29 (9 am – 5 or 6 PM) Day trip in Kachemak Bay. location weather dependent
Where: Bridge Creek Resevoir and Kachemak Bay
Cost: $325/person + sales tax
Registration: Alaska Kayak School (907) 235-2090,P.O. Box 3547, Homer, Alaska 99603. info@alaskakayakschool.com, (

Oct 2006- Dec 2007
Calendar of Events, Trips and Courses

Oct 06-Mar 07 | Mar-Apr 07 | May 07 | June 07 | July 07 | Aug 07
Sept 07 | Oct-Dec 07
(see 2006 Jan-Aug Courses) (see 2005 courses)

October 06 - Mar 07

Mar 07 -Apr 07

May 07

June 07

July 07

August 07

September 2007

October 07

October 06 - April 07

March - April 2007

May 2007

Alaska Kayak School - Center for Excellence in Kayaking Instruction, Homer, Alaska

Alaska Kayak School
Immersion Sea Kayaking Skills Symposium Courses for 2007

June 2007

July 2007

Itinerary

Oct 2006- Dec 2007 Calendar of Events, Trips and Courses

Oct 06-Mar 07 | Mar-Apr 07 | May 07 | June 07 | July 07 | Aug 07 Sept 07 | Oct-Dec 07 (see 2006 Jan-Aug Courses) (see 2005 courses)

October 06 - April 07

March - April 2007

May 2007

Alaska Kayak School - Center for Excellence in Kayaking Instruction, Homer, Alaska

Alaska Kayak School Immersion Sea Kayaking Skills Symposium Courses for 2007

June 2007

July 2007

Itinerary

Oct 2006- Dec 2007
Calendar of Events, Trips and Courses

Oct 06-Mar 07 | Mar-Apr 07 | May 07 | June 07 | July 07 | Aug 07
Sept 07 | Oct-Dec 07
(see 2006 Jan-Aug Courses) (see 2005 courses)

Alaska Kayak School
Immersion Sea Kayaking Skills Symposium Courses for 2007