Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board

Re: kayak outfitters in San Juan Islands,trips

Posted By: John Lange
Date: Thursday, 29 April 1999, at 7:46 p.m.

In Response To: kayak outfitters in San Juan Islands,trips (patschad)

> What are the names and email addresses of good outfitters leading trips in
> the San Juan Islands (off the coast to Washington)? What is the
> temperature? Have you had personal experiences? Orcas? Tell all... Food?
> Individual kayaks (not doubles) Thanks. Pat

Check out Seattleboating.com (link below). They have many "local links" that include outfitters in the San Juans. The weather depends on when you are planning to go. Today is Sunny and in the high 60s. August is the most consistently dry/nicest weather, but I would always be prepared for rain. I don't know how long you plan to go, but the Islands are wonderful. Another option could be to take a trip in "Canada's San Juan Islands." Same water, better exchange rate.

I don't know where you usually kayak, but Puget Sound has cold water (no matter what time of year). Dry suits or wet suits are highly recommended.

If you want to combine learning kayak skills with your trip, I can highly recommend George Gronseth's Kayak Academy. George is the author of Deep Trouble, and was the editor for Sea Kayaker's safety column. He offers a 5-day training course that includes two days in Lake Washington and a 2-3 day trip in the San Juans. The focus of his class is definitely on learning kayak skills. I have not taken the 5-day course, but did take the 2-day intro course. It was worth every penny and is more exhaustive than any other sea kayak course I have researched. His teaching is excellent, and he focuses on saftey/paddling strokes/rescues. My wife and I both succeeded in rolling by the end of the course, and he only taught rolls in the last hour, but the early instruction on bracing was invaluable! I recommend that anyone interested in developing/perfecting kayaking skills take a course from George.

Seattle Boating

Messages In This Thread

kayak outfitters in San Juan Islands,trips
patschad -- Wednesday, 28 April 1999, at 9:22 p.m.

Re: kayak outfitters in San Juan Islands,trips
John Lange -- Thursday, 29 April 1999, at 7:46 p.m.

Re: kayak outfitters in San Juan Islands,trips
Shawn Baker -- Friday, 30 April 1999, at 5:18 p.m.

Re: kayak outfitters in San Juan Islands,trips
John Lange -- Monday, 3 May 1999, at 9:01 p.m.

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