EXPEDITIONS
THREE AND FOUR DAY TRIPS
Rugged coastline, picturesque seaside campsites and an abundance of wildlife highlight all  of my three and four day trips! With opportunities to view Sitka deer from Asia, river otter, big-horned sheep, dalls' or harbor porpoise, prong-horned antelope, bald eagle and orca whales yours could be a journey to remember! Also new in May, 2008 are exciting "Wildflowers and Whales" three day trips!
You'll see islands with names like Flattop, Sentinel, Canoe, Obstruction, Skipjack, Goose, Battleship, Barren and Blind(my trips show you more islands than any other company)! You'll visit a pelagic cormorant rookery, pass near harbor seal haul-outs and traverse coastlines of rugged, towering, lichen-covered cliffs, deep Douglas fir forests and white sand beach! Quaking aspen, red-barked madrona, western red cedar and wind-sculpted Rocky Mountain juniper hem the shores, while around you fronds of giant bull kelp undulate in the current and glow like rusty, gold tendrils in the warm sunlight!
Full Sails at 7 Knots!
And if the wind is just right - hoist the spinnakers! Racing side by side with five or six colorful, double kayaks all with bright, billowing sails is exhilarating! As the sea rushes effortlessly past your bow and you feel the pull of the wind in your sail, it will all take your breath away! This really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience offered exclusively by San Juan Kayak Expeditions! Rig your sail!
All of that is on the water! During beach breaks or in camp, we often have leisure time for tide-pooling, hiking, a horseshoe tournament, a nap, birding, reading or a card game! Sound like fun? It really is! Then, after dinner, how about a sunset paddle or hike? Upon our return to camp let's just sit back and tell stories around the campfire!
 And as we set up our tents on a small, secluded island accessible only by kayak. You'll look across Haro Strait into Canada seemingly a stones' throw away. We'll build that driftwood campfire and watch the sun set across the border!
Come paddle and sail the beautiful San Juan Islands with me! You'll talk about your trip for years to come!
"I am so glad you encouraged me to take the four day trip. The
spectacular beauty of the islands could not be experienced any other way. I
felt so strong! From the wake-up flute to the campfire at night, each day
was a gem. Thank you, thank you."
Jane Gilbreath
Kansas City, MO
See our Spring/Summer 2008 trip schedule!
KAYAK SAILING
When the wind is right, why not sail? By golly we do! Using sails specially designed for kayak sailing and patented for San Juan Kayak Expeditions, you may experience the exhilaration of moving effortlessly through the sea at speeds from three to eight knots. The photo below shows us making a two mile crossing at about 5 1/2 knots! Sweet!
"I have been sailing on my expeditions for the last 10 years! Kayak sailing more than doubles the excitment of the sport! It is hard to describe the feeling in words, but, if conditions are right, I guarantee you it will be one of the most exciting experiences of your life!. One good wind and you will be hooked!"
Using a combination of light-weight nylon sail with forward viewing window, paddles and a following wind, you and your kayak partner may sail for distances of up to five miles at speeds faster than a kayak can be paddled! No other sea kayaking outfitter offers this safe, unique and exciting alternative means of kayak propulsion. Go with the flow! Come give it a try!
Kayak sailing is as fun as it is beautiful!
"I loved paddling through the islands along varied and pristine shores but, after that first day of feeling the wind in my sail, I must admit, I was addicted! Sailing that way opened my senses, and I couldn't get enough! I marveled at the lingering smiles on all of our faces! And it was a nice break from paddling. Ingenious, Tim!
Sharon Stranahan
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
EQUIPMENT
All expeditions are conducted with your safety as the main concern. My equipment is new,top quality and Coast Guard approved. I am a longtime island resident and experienced sea kayaker with a full working knowledge of how the equipment will perform in island waters. Boats: Seascape II's by Northwest Kayaks. Paddles: Camano by Werner Paddles.
"So many companies advertise "best equipment or newest equipment." From experience, I know that no one out there has equipment that stands up to mine for quality and newness! No other outfitter has clients as satisfied with nor as proud of that equipment as I!"
"I was impressed with the state-of-the-art kayaks, paddles and spray skirts. The boats were very fast, yet stable, and I appreciated the luxury and ease of the foot controlled rudder. Very comfortable!"
Maggie Kountz
Hawthorne, NV
"We absolutley loved paddling with you! The trip flowed so smoothly - it was obvious that you had been doing this for a while! We felt very secure under your leadership. Your equipment was awesome - new and professional. Great colors!! We were proud to be members of your expedition and will be again!"
Bill and Paola Conchi
Kenmore, WA
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 BRIEFING & INSTRUCTIONS
At the launch site, you will receive in-depth briefing and instruction. Instruction will include loading the kayaks, adjusting foot peddles and braces, proper use of spray skirts, correct paddling techniques, use of kayak sails, capsize rescue technique (dry), chart and navigation orientation, low-impact camping techniques, etc. By launch time, you will have gained the knowledge to make you an efficient, informed and safe sea kayaker!
You will begin your journey with a firm grasp of how to handle a kayak and what to expect once underway. My two-person touring kayaks are extremely seaworthy, easy to paddle, and very comfortable.
"Over the years, I have had a chance to watch other outfitters giving instruction on the beach prior to launching. Let's just say that there is no other company out there offering as organized and thorough an instruction period as I, and it shows from our first moment on the water to our final landing! "
"We wanted to learn to paddle correctly and increase our sea kayaking skills on our trip, and we really did! We passed other kayak tours along the way whose members looked like beginners even after four days out. Working together, our group looked like seasoned veterans, smooth and in sync both in the boats and in camp!
No one out there matched our proficiency! And that made it so much more enjoyable! Thanks, Tim for your knowledge and patience!"
Jason & Jody Mayberry
Beaverton, OR
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MEALS
I supply healthful, delicious breakfasts and dinners cooked in the open fire or on campstoves and using only fresh ingredients. Meals are an important part of these expeditions. You will work hard each day and a nourishing meal every morning and evening is indispensable as well as a lot of fun. You'll enjoy every bite!
"I have never had such delicious camping food! Just loved the Griffin Bay Clam Chowder, the Posey Island Pasta and Pesto and the Blind Island Big-Honkin'-Killer Burritos, but the fresh green salad, vegetables and fruit each day were a special treat! Your meals are fun and fantastic! Thanks so much!
Karen Kunz
Seattle, WA
FITNESS RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that you exercise regularly before the trip. Distances paddled each day will range from six to twelve miles with usually one or two beach breaks and several rest periods in the boats.
A good level of physical fitness will allow you to enjoy the trip much more. In addition, windy, and/or rough conditions may require a prolonged period of physical exertion. A bit of stamina and a can-do attitude are essential in such conditions!
If necessary, my double kayaks allow me the flexibility of matching stronger paddlers with weaker ones to insure that no boat need lag behind. Recommended exercises: push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, rowing machine, jogging and swimming.
"Just wanted to let you know we had an absolutely wonderful time kayaking. Although it was hard work, it was fun, especially once we got the hang of paddling. It was great to meet you and everyone else on the expedition. Thanks for showing us such a good time."
Larry and Sylvia Thomas
La Porte, TX
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