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. Whats's behind the name? 
Below are some criteria to consider: 

Guide Experience:

Whittier has been my base for the past 9 years.  Extended and day trips within Passage Canal, Blackstone Bay, Harriman Fjord, Icy Bay and Nellie Juan 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 days of relentless 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.  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 American Canoe Association I have acquired the Basic Coastal Instructor award as well as their Trip Leading Certification.

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, Katchemak Bay, Kenai Fjords, Kodaik Island and of course Prince William Sound, Alaska, and the waters off the Belize Coast. 
Going on Five years, I've instructed at Alaska's premier paddling event, 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 to 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.  
This as opposed to a company that's been in existence for a long time but has a yearly guide staff turn over and thus mostly new guides every year.

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.