18-Day Wilderness Immersion Kayaking Expeditions
The wilderness of Southeast Alaska offers a spectacular and varied natural history. The sea teems with life and nearby forests offer sanctuary to many animals. On past trips, we have seen whales, bear, wolf, river and sea otters, seal and sea lions, and Sitka black-tailed deer. At every camping beach, there are opportunities to explore tide pools and the amazing diversity of creatures that live within them. Much of our trip is spent paddling around Kuiu Island. This is along one of Alaska's major migratory flyways, so there is ample opportunity to observe many western birds. Southeastern Alaskan waters are full of halibut and salmon, and it is a virtual paradise for those who like to fish.
On this trip, you will work hard paddling with all the gear for the expedition stowed in your hatch, but you will have a great time as well. You will learn the skills you need to organize and lead your own kayak expedition long after the trip has ended. These skills will begin with the basics-camping, cooking, map reading, stove use and low impact/leave no trace techniques—skills that are the foundation for wilderness sea kayaking.
We will begin by teaching you sea kayak technique such as paddle strokes, tides and ocean currents, weather, marine hazards, rescue techniques and wet exits. You may want to learn how to roll a kayak as the Aleuts did. Throughout the trip your leaders will hold informal classes on a wide range of subjects. As the trip progresses and you begin to feel more comfortable, the teaching emphasis shifts to the environment. Do not be surprised to find yourself sitting in on a discussion on geology, logging practices in Alaska , marine ecology or the current state of our oceans. We will also discuss different leadership styles and communication.
You will be living with three other students in a “cook” group during the trip. These groups will enable you to master the art of backcountry cooking and living and disperse our impact on the beaches we visit. Before these groups are formed, you will get lots of coaching from the leaders on the trip on how to cook. As time goes by you'll be cooking up pizza, cinnamon rolls and other gourmet delicacies that you made from scratch on a single-burner stove.
Weather and Other Challenges
Southeast Alaska has a maritime climate and the weather can be variable. The amazing lush rainforest that we will be experiencing daily results from an abundance of rain. You should expect it to rain a little less than half the time. A big storm may require us to stay put on a beach for a number of days. There are times when you will be wet, cold and tired, but you will learn to manage these situations. Generally, the weather will be a comfortable temperature (mid 60s) with the sun peaking through scattered clouds but you will learn to appreciate these days rather than take them for granted.
Identifying and managing the hazards of wind and waves, rocky shore-line, fog, currents, open crossings, cold water and long stretches of exposed coastline will be theme of the instruction you will receive. Your time in Alaska will be made healthy and enjoyable as you learn to consistently manage risks in the environment and take full responsibility for yourself.
The group will learn to work together, and as you learn about and depend upon each other for safety and comfort, strong friendships can develop. Learning to be a contributing member of an expedition can be a challenge with immense personal rewards. It takes a lot of commitment to the group and a willingness to set aside personal goals at times for an expedition to succeed.
Trip Objectives:
Safety and Judgment
Students will be taught to practice responsible actions and promote the health and safety of self, others and the environment. Objectives include the ability to:
• Demonstrate knowledge of cold water environment
• Learn and apply the basic first aid skills appropriate to this environment
• Display an awareness of weather and sea conditions appropriate for safe travel
• Use experience and judgment to implement sound decisions and follow them through to completion
Leadership and Teamwork
Students will be exposed to the theory and practice of outdoor leadership, teamwork and expedition behavior. This will include commitment to the group, a positive attitude, acceptance of others and cooperation to achieve goals. Objectives include the ability to:
• Work effectively with other members of the team
• Appropriately communicate ideas and concerns on individual and group levels
• Understand the considerations for planning and carrying out safe and environmentally sound expeditions
• Accurately identify personal strengths, skills and areas for growth in developing leadership styles
Outdoor Living Skills
Students will learn to live and travel in remote areas within a framework of personal safety and care for the environment and the equipment. Objectives include the ability to:
• Live comfortably in a maritime environment
• Safely explore the shore and coastal forest by foot
• Practice the principles of coastal seamanship as it relates to sea kayaking
• Demonstrate a respect for and care of all personal and expedition equipment
Environmental Ethics
An integral part of this trip will be to raise student's awareness of their effect on self, others and the environment. Objectives include the ability to:
• Consistently perform sound minimum-impact living and travel skills
• Display an understanding of the history, facts and potential solutions to pertinent environmental issues
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge and respect for local cultures
• Use basic observation and interpretive skills to demonstrate an understanding, appreciation and respect for the natural world above and below the water
Sea Kayaking Skills
Students will the necessary skills for safe travel throughout the trip. Objectives include the ability to demonstrate an understanding of the following:
• Safe launching and landing in various conditions
• Paddle signals
• Basic strokes; forward, reverse, sweep, draw, low and high braces
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