San Juan Kayak
Expeditions, Inc.
sanjuankayak@rockisland.com
PO Box 2041
Friday Harbor, WA. 98250
office 360.378.4436
cell 360.472.0749
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I TAKE YOUR TRIP WITH NO PREVIOUS KAYAKING EXPERIENCE?
By all means! For most of my clients, this is a first. If you are in average or better physical condition, enjoy camping outdoors, would enjoy moving through the water by the power of your own body and don't mind outhouses, you're in!
WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO SEE WHALES?
May and June. Last year, for example, all but one of my May and June trips encountered orcas at very close range.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU SEE ORCAS?
Almost 100% in May and June, 60% in July and August and 50% in September.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE AT OUR CAMPGROUNDS?
Picnic table, fire pit, outhouses.
WILL I NEED TO INVEST IN EXPENSIVE CAMPING GEAR?
Not really! I supply two-person tents, all the kayaking and cooking gear, breakfasts and dinners. You simply bring a sleeping bag in a stuff sack and pad(I can rent these to you if you dont have your own), rain gear, wqter sandals or booties, flashlight, mess kit, water bottle, lunches and personal items. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you after you register for your trip.
WHAT SIZE BAGS CAN I USE FOR MY GEAR/CLOTHING?
Your bags (two maximum) and sleeping bag stuff sack(one only) should be no larger than 22" long and 18" in diameter or smaller. Use pliable  nylon duffels, day packs (water-proofing instructions are included in your confirmation/equipment list packet), or your own dry bags. Please do not use rigid or external-frame backpacks. One of your bags will be a "handy bag." In it will be the things you need while paddling, ie. snacks, gloves, rain gear, layer of clothing, hat, sunscreen, lip salve, binos, camera, sunglasses, etc. This bag will be placed on the floor of the kayak in front of you where it is handy. All other clothing and gear can be packed away out of reach. For easy transport to the island, you may put all of your bags/sacks in one large duffel, which, after emptying at the launch site, may be left in my van during the trip.
WILL WE BE MOVING CAMP EACH DAY OF THE TRIP OR PADDLING FROM A BASE CAMP?
We use a different campsite each night. Mornings will find us breaking camp after breakfast, loading the kayaks and moving on to new adventure. By not using a base camp, we are able to extend our range and experience more scenic coastlines, wildlife habitat and learn to flow with the rhythm of a multi-day kayak expedition.
"Thanks for being such a big part of our family's reunion! Your management skills, thoroughness with attention to detail and obvious love of the sport and surroundings made for an ALL inclusive, wonderful experience! And it was a blast for us! Good luck with the sailing. It's a great extra attraction."
Sandy & Tom Jorling
Williamstown, MA
WHAT TYPE OF CLOTHING WILL I NEED?
A good rain coat w/ hood and pants(Gore-Tex or comparable material). Layers (polypropylene, fleece, Capilene, or other high-tech garments) and stocking cap for cool weather. Shorts and t-shirts(long or short sleaved), shade hat for paddling in sunny, warm weather. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you when you register for your trip.
WHERE DO WE CAMP?
Campgrounds are marine state parks accessible only by boat and, in most cases, only by kayak. Campsites are grassy sites usually on a bank above the beach. The last evening's campsite is a small island with only two campsites. Both are reserved exclusively for San Juan Kayak Expeditions! Camping here is a very special experience!
WHERE DO WE BATHE?
In the sea with biodegradable soap! You can swim, shampoo, bathe and shave in the sea. No fresh water is available for showers. The water here does not leave a salt residue after a swim and, though brisk, is very refreshing!
WHERE CAN I STORE EXTRA CLOTHING, GEAR AND LUGGAGE WHILE I AM ON THE TRIP?
Your things will be safe in my van while we are on the water, and they will be waiting for you at trips' end.
HOW LONG DO WE PADDLE EACH DAY?
From five to twelve miles. We will be in the kayaks from three to four hours each day. Some sections require that we remain in the boats up to two and one half hours, but usually there are one or two beach breaks to eat lunch, hike, play horseshoes or just relax.
DO I REALLY NEED TO BE IN GREAT SHAPE?
No. But you do need to be in fair to good shape. The better your physical condition, the more you will enjoy the trip. I do my darnedest to use the tides and sail with the wind, but I can't always have it my way. When these elements are against us, a prolonged period of exertion may be necessary. You best be ready!
WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO TAKE ONE OF YOUR TRIPS?
I like May and June. Things are green, wildflowers abound and whales are everywhere. July and August up the odds for warm, summer weather. September finds fall in the air and serenity on the water and is a special time to be paddling out here! 
WHAT IS YOUR MINIMUM AGE?
Fourteen. Children or young adults must be able to interact well with adults, be physically active individuals and enjoy camping in the out of doors.
DO YOU EVER CANCEL A TRIP DUE TO WEATHER OR LACK OF CLIENTS?
I have never canceled a trip because of weather. This is because rain rarely lasts more than a few hours, and there is always a lee side from which to launch and alternative routes to paddle if strong winds exist. I will cancel a trip if I have less than three clients. This very rarely occurs.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE CAPSIZES?
I have never had an accidental capsize in twenty-seven years of leading kayak expeditions here in the San Juan Islands! That safety record cannot be matched in the sea kayaking industry!
MAY I BRING MY OWN KAYAK AND/OR PADDLE?
I prefer all participants to use my double kayaks and paddles. I know how my equipment will perform in island waters, and I carry spare parts and repair materials to fix them if need be.
I AM SINGLE. IS THAT A PROBLEM?
Definitely not. You will get a two person tent to yourself and will paddle with another member of the expedition or with me, your guide. My trips attract an equal mix of couples, friends and single people. You will fit right in!
WHERE DO WE GET DRINKING WATER DURING THE TRIP?
We carry it with us in two-and-one half or five gallon containers. This water is for cooking and drinking (and contact lenses) throughout the journey. We carry enough so that you may refill your personal one quart bottle at any time. Stay hydrated.
DO YOU SUPPLY WETSUITS?
You do not need one. If you have your own, please do not bring it. Paddling in a wetsuit is too restrictive and hot. My top-of-the-line double kayaks are stable and dry to paddle.
"I just wanted to say thanks again for a fantastic trip! It was so much more than I had hoped or expected! You have a very infectious enthusiasm for the San Juans, and even though I've visited there a number of times, I feel as if you showed them to me for the first time!"
Garth Weber
Portland, OR
WHAT ARE YOUR ROUTES?
My routes are planned to utilize tidal currents, stay off the beaten paths most other outfitters use and stay, as much as possible, away from civilization.
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