No Experience Necessary

Over the years we have introduced hundreds of folks to their first kayaking experience. Paddling a sea kayak is comfortable and easy to learn. You glide silently across the water observing wildlife and the coastal environment close up. Anyone healthy and fit with a positive attitude can enjoy kayaking. The amount of paddling is a good balance of challenge and ease. Our premium quality, two-person kayaks are very stable and seaworthy. If this is your first adventure tour, and you are naturally a little apprehensive about going solo, we will support you each step of the way. Please call if you have any concerns.

"As a single female, I was a bit nervous traveling alone. All three guides made me feel comfortable, safe and completely at ease".
-- Margaret Garner, Sea of Cortez

"I am a novice kayaker at best, and the skill level and the ability of our guides to encourage us and instill self confidence in tackling "new horizons" was excellent. You have a terrific program and I look forward to our next adventure with you".
-- Suzanne Anderson, Sea of Cortez

Ordinary People Realizing Extraordinary Dreams

Our guests are active people seeking educational, once-in-a-lifetime experiences; yet health-promoting and relaxed vacations. They range in age from low-teens to low-seventies. We get a mixture of singles, couples, families and friends. What they all share in common is a spirit of adventure and a willingness to experience the natural world on the most profound and intimate level. Many keep returning again and again, knowing they'll receive only the best from SKA. They have given their permission for you to contact them with questions about our trips. Call us to request our reference list. "I don't think you could find another outfitter that works as hard to ensure their guests have the kayaking experience that they've dreamed of. All 3 of my SKA tours were sublime". -- Linda Eberle, Baja and Johnstone Strait

A Typical Day

During the trip, time is perfectly balanced. You never feel rushed, bored or restless. There's coffee waiting when you get up at sunrise and time to enjoy some quiet moments by the water. Then get dressed for the day and enjoy a yummy breakfast. Afterwards, we'll take down the tents, pack up the kayaks, stretch and head off. We'll stop by a favorite beach for lunch and snorkeling or a hike, then paddle to your next campsite. Set up camp, have a laugh at Happy Hour, look through the library to identify the names of fish you had seen, beachcomb with new friends. You'll have dinner, watch the stars come out, learn about the constellations, play a game and head to bed. You can be as active or as relaxed as you like. The days just flow. "We truly enjoyed this trip and consider it possibly the best vacation we have ever had. Your attention to detail, care of your equipment and planning is evident in the success of your trips. We are so glad you made our first kayaking adventure a pleasant, memorable one. Keep up the good work". -- Bob and Elizabeth Mills, Johnstone Strait

Your First Experience

For beginner kayakers considering taking a tour, here are some tips when shopping for a sea kayak outfitter that can help make that first sea kayaking tour a great experience. Most first-time kayakers will have a positive experience if the tour company and guides are sensitive and competent to deal with their needs. Be sure to inquire of the outfitter: the level of difficulty of the trip, duration, weather, typical participants (age, gender, paddling experience), which trips are suitable for beginners, the qualifications and experience of the guides, their philosophy about leading trips, and their approach to first-time kayakers, the guide to participant ratio; what kayaks and equipment are used, the weather conditions at different times of year, etc. You can also ask for a list of what to bring, their trip menu, references. Do ask what is included in trip price (ie meals, hotel nights, sleeping bags & pads, etc). Our niche at SKA is introducing novice kayakers to the sport and the areas we paddle - we love that!

"Apprehensively, I slid into the kayak and started paddlling - - it was the start of a journey that became one of the best adventures in my life".
-- Elle Andra-Warner, Johnstone Strait

Getting into shape for the tour doesn't necessarily involve intensive training - you don't need to be a super athlete to paddle (the majority of first-time kayakers on tours seem to be in their 40s and up). Sea kayaking is not difficult to learn. But some basic training within 2 months prior to your sea kayak tour will make it a more comfortable experience and help prevent repetitive motion injuries: ie resistance exercises to increase your upper body and abs strength, stretching exercises to increase your range of motion and daily walking to build up your endurance and general fitness.

The guides are always in close proximity, well equipped and specially trained to handle emergency situations. They take your concerns or apprehensions to heart - that way they can help make kayaking a more positive experience for you, so please communicate closely with them. Find your comfort zone - the journey will be much more enjoyable.

The goal of any sea kayak tour- whether you are a first-time kayaker or an experienced paddler - is to have a good time and a great adventure. So relax and enjoy exploring the beauty of nature from a viewpoint only possible from a kayak.

"Since this was my first trip of this kind, I really didn't know exactly what to expect. However, the whole experience was just great…the people, the first-rate equipment, the area & nature, the guides, the food was wonderful, plus the weather and traveling connections. I especially appreciated the equipment list you sent. It all fit into my backpack and I was ready to go."
-- Arlene Perry, Sea of Cortez