The fjord which separates the communities of Juneau and Haines Alaska is located at the northern most end of the famed inside passage. It is a glacially carved valley inundated by the sea and reaching depths of over 2000 feet, making it the deepest fjord in North America (outside Greenland). This stunning stretch of coastline with varied shoreline offering us towering cliffs, stretches of huge boulders and cobble, or black sandy beaches with pristine camp spots, will capture you imagination and leave you wanting more. On our journey we travel through the Channel Islands, past Berners Bay and Eldred Rock toward Ayiklutu Point and finally the little fishing town of Haines, Alaska. Paddling north we will be in an ancient intact ecosystem home to the Tlingit people and to apex predators on land and in the sea. So keep your eyes peeled on the water or in camp with any luck we will get a glimpse of some of the wildlife we will be living with during our week at sea.
Join us in the rugged Channel Islands for a paddle of a lifetime August 2 - August 8. Open to all skill levels with a veteran Alaskan guide included.
We will be traveling north using the wind and tide to hopefully aid our progress. This trip will be about our journey but we can also work on some valuable skills which can be applied to future expeditions in Alaska or anywhere in the world.
- Expedition planning
- Navigation
- Wind and tides
- Safety
- Leadership
- Natural History
The subjects above are just a few of the possible areas we can work through as we spend 7 days paddling the waters between the capitol of Alaska and our destination of Haines.
Joe Oesterling is the owner and operator of SEAK Expeditions. Joe traveled to Alaska for the first time in 1999 and finally stayed in 2010 and has traveled throughout North and South America on numerous expeditions and as a guide. He lives in Haines, Alaska with his wife Tracy, 5 dogs, 2 cats and a crow. On the water Joe is a sea kayak guide and instructor, river guide and water taxi captain, holding a 50 ton masters license from the USCG. On land he is a carpenter/woodworker and is also a SAR K9 trainer and Handler with SEADOGS based in Juneau, Alaska. Joe has a degree in Zoology with a focus in Animal behavior and has a passion for sharing his backyard and all of SE Alaska with people from all over the world.
”It’s perfect for the beginner and intermediate paddler. This environment, this destination, the skills progression and the way this trip was constructed in such a manner that allowed everybody get what they wanted. Our expanded purpose was met, our individual goals were met and the group goals were met.”
— David Whitmire
“It is actually hard to describe all of the benefits you get out of it. The bottom line is a significant increase in skills and comfort and handling the boat in various conditions. We were able to do that with wonderful instruction and really capable experts.”
— Dr. Michael Stern
Below is just some of what we will cover over our week together and we can focus more on one area than another as our group get to know each other and discover our focus. Expedition planning Essential equipment route planning float plans Navigation map and compass GPS Smartphone? Weather, wind and tides weather and wind in marine/mountain environments tidal specifics Safety remote travel cold water communication Leadership group group dynamics risk management
We'll provide everything you need once you arrive, until you leave. You may want to bring your favorite PFD and paddle, and if you have a TRAK kayak already, bring it with you and save.
$900.00