Learn to expedition paddle.  Experience the beautiful San Juan Islands while paddling for 5 days by single kayak. Learn how to use tides and currents while you navigate from camp to camp, paddling 5 to 15 miles per day.  On the San Juan 5 day kayak expedition you are challenged to rise to a new level of kayaking expertise.  Navigation, efficient boat packing, group management, boat control, paddle technique, personal meal planning & preparation, and practicing rescues are all part of the itinerary.  If you are ready to take your sea kayaking to an exciting new level there is no better way than by participating in this 5 day expedition full of leadership training and paddling experiences.

Meeting Place/Directions: The San Juan 5 Day kayak expedition launches and lands at "Jackson Beach" 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jackson+Beach/@48.5256195,-123.0136731,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x548f7ef102bbdc7b:0xb1d77ab61c86cdd9!8m2!3d48.5198216!4d-123.0110123

We will return to Friday Harbor in time to travel back home on Sunday night

GEAR LIST: San Juan 5 Day Kayak Expedition
 

FOR THE WATER:

-Tennis shoes or wetsuit booties

-Kayak, pfd, skirt, paddle

-wet suit with paddle jacket or drysuit
-water bottle ( 1 quart )
-Sun cream (spf 15), chapstick
-Sun hat or visor
-1 pair nylon shorts or swim suit
-Security strap for eye glasses
-windbreaker and synthetic pile sweater

FOR CAMP:

-Compact sleeping bag

-Inflatable air  pad
-Tent  - small backpack style
-Swimsuit
-1 pair walking shorts
-2 cotton T shirts
-Synthetic pile pants and jacket
-Rain coat and pants
-2 pair underwear
-Towel (small)
-Toilet kit
-Long sleeve shirt
-Sunglasses w/strap (chums or croakies)
-Insect repellent
-Flashlight w/spare bulb and batteries
-Spare eye glasses or contacts
-Shoes and socks

-small drybags to store personal gear

OPTIONAL GEAR:

-Camera w/film, batteries, and dry storage
-Book
-Writing tablet and pen
-Fishing gear and license
-Crazy creek style chair (small)
-Musical instruments (check w/us to make sure it is appropriate)
-Binoculars

Alder Creek provides dry bags for your personal gear and group gear for camp. We can also provide all boats, paddles, PFD’s. If you have any questions about what to bring please contact us. Alder Creek has a full line of paddling equipment and accessories. We would be happy to assist you in getting outfitted for your trip. Please remember to keep your personal gear to a minimum, but keep your comfort in mind.

Gratuity:  It's NEVER expected but always appreciated.  If you feel your coaches / guides have done an exceptional job and made your experience a memorable one, then you can certainly show your appreciation by giving a tip.

If your coach / guide was so exceptional that you want him or her to be your guide on all future trips, simply request them at the time you make your reservation.  While we cannot promise he/she will be available, we will do everything in our power to accommodate your request.

You will need to provide your own sleeping kit including tent, sleeping bag, and pad. PLEASE be sure they are very small and compact. Backpacking style gear is ideal.

SPECIAL NOTE: We have chosen not to provide alcohol on our trips. If you would like to bring your own please feel free to do so, we will help with the storage and transportation. Aluminum, plastic and foil containers are recommended.  Please avoid glass containers. We do not have alcohol on youth only trips.

For this expedition to be successful for all participants, we require a minimum of previous experience and comfort in the following conditions:

• Alder Creek's Full Immersion Sea Kayak II or equivalent training
• Ability to paddle a loaded boat 15 nm
• Boat control in at least Force 3 winds
• Proficiency as rescuer and swimmer with heel hook assisted re-entries

If you have questions about prerequisite skills, call the shop at 503-285-0464 or email programs@aldercreek.com!

Our San Juan Islands Tours require at least 4 weeks notice for any cancellations.  Cancellations within 4 weeks of the program are NOT refundable unless we are able to fill your spot.

The Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and often unpredictable environment. All activities are run/fun rain or shine. All programs are conditions dependent and may change at any time at our discretion. In order to keep our programs affordable a minumum number of participants may be required. If we are unable to fill a program to a minimum requirement level we reserve the right to cancel the program. A full refund will be provided in the event of a cancelled or re-scheduled activity upon request. Please allow at least 48 hour notice for any cancellations or changes in your reservation. For multi-day trips we prefer to have a 7 day notice. Just give us a call at 503-285-0464. Cancellations within 48 hours of the program are NOT refundable.