What’s the difference?

With so many sea kayak companies out there why should you choose Paddlers’ Realm?  

As potential clients/paddlers, research is your greatest tool in choosing who to go paddling with. Below are some criteria to consider: 

-Local knowledge
-Personal kayak manuevering skills
-Leadership
-Communication skills
-Passion for the profession
-Medical Certification
-Guide/Instructor to kayak ratio

Because there is no required industry standard for medical certification or personal skill/leadership competency the responsibility falls upon each company to establish these criteria.  Some do and some so do not.  As the lead guide, lead instructor and owner of Paddlers’ Realm I have set high standards for competency and continue to increase my education in all areas. 

 

Guide Experience:

Whittier has been my base for the past 7 years.  Extended and day trips within Passage Canal, Blackstone Bay and Harriman Fjord have been my staples.  These trips along with personal exploratory journeys, both solo and with friends, from Wells Bay to Whittier to Cordova have allowed me to observe the spectrum of weather and sea conditions from flat water and blue bird skies, to gale force winds, massive seas and pouring rain.  Living and traveling in these conditions for weeks at a time has provided me with the insight of how best to care for myself and others within these conditions.  
Paddling in truly remote regions of the Sound illuminated the necessity to acquire the Wilderness First Responder certification and persue personal kayaking skills/leadership training and certification and instructing/leadership certification.   I advocate Leave No Trace Ethics and hold permits for all areas we will paddle. The guide to kayak ratio is 1 : 4.   

Instructing Experience:

Through the British Canoe Union I have attained the 4-Star personal skills and the Coach Level 2 awards, and particiapted in Coach Level 3 training, as well as three 5-star training programs.   Through the ACA I have acquired the Basic Coastal Instructor award.
Pursuing these credentials has allowed me to train in Neah Bay, Washington, Bodega and San Francisco Bays in California, Tybee Island in Georgia, Cook Inlet, Homer, Seward and of course Prince William Sound, Alaska. 
For the past four winters (Nov.-April), I’ve assisted with pool instruction one weekend/month in Anchorage and instructed at the Kachemak Bay Kayak Festival in late May.  
Additionally I provided instruction for guides of other outfitters and assisted with their BCU assesments and Canoe Safety certification.  The instructor to student ratio is 1 : 6  

Ownership:

As the owner of Paddlers’ Realm I am afforded the opportunity operate this company based on first hand research done throughout my personal and guided trips, instructional sessions, as well as working with many different outfitters and instructors/coaches.  This integrated exposure provides me with the knowledge of how best to operate a sea kayaking business from the perspective of client, guide, instructor and owner.  

So What?

 
What all of this means most to me is a dedication to and intimacy of sea kayaking.  With this combination I hope to offer the safest and most memorable experience possible, providing a positive introduction and springboard for those who've never experienced sea kayaking before and to continue to stoke the fire for those more experienced.  My passion for getting people onto the water, showcasing Alaska's natural beauty and revealing the richness and depth to be discovered and acquired within this profession, are what compelled me to start my own business, and thus perpetuate this lifestyle.