Frequently Asked Questions
What does Adventure Sixty North Supply for fully guided trips?
Partial Day and Full Day Trips - we supply a nalgene bottle of water (reusable) for each kayaker, dry bags, gloves and hand warmers if needed, rubber boots, food and snacks (full day paddles) - snacks ( on all paddles less than a full day). Guides carry VHF marine radios all paddles, Satellite phones on all paddles outside of Resurrection Bay, 1St aid kit, flare & signal kit, and Hypo kit (bag of fire starter materials and extra warm clothes and gloves) for emergency use.
Overnight and Multiday trips we include camping gear ( tent, tarp,sleeping bags and ground pads,cooking supplies,food, water filter, dry bags, crazy creek type camp chairs, water bottles, boots, gloves, kayak, paddle gear, pfd, water taxi transport or heli transport depending on trip, and fun. We can also pick you up at your Seward lodging and drop you back off after the trip is completed as a courtesy.
Do I need any previous kayaking experience?
None necessary for some of our trips although we do have some trips that we ask that participants have some paddle experience.! Most of our trips are for first timers. Every trip will begin with some paddling instruction and a basic kayak safety demonstration. For some of our trips we do suggest that our guests be in good athletic condition and have some previous paddling experience.
What should I wear?
Avoid cotton! Synthetic fabrics and wool are the better types of clothing for kayaking since they retain their warmth when wet and also breathe. Dress in layers so that you can regulate your temperature. Good rain gear is a must, especially a rain jacket and rain pants. As for your feet, rubber boots are great, but not necessary. Wool socks, hiking boots or rubber boots work. Bring along a pair of dry socks to put on after your trip. There is nothing better than a clean and dry pair of warm socks! Bring a hat and sunglasses too
What can/should I bring with me?
Day trips?
Bring your extra layer of non cotton clothing, rain gear, and hat. Please, bring any medications that you may need, inhalers,
epi-pens, prescribed medicines. Always advise your guide of potential medical issues and or conditions and always check with your physician before participating in any outdoor activity. Bring your camera equipment with fully charged battery or extra batteries. You may also want to bring your hydration system if you have one, if not we provide nalgene water bottles with water.
Overnight trips?
Bring your 2 sets of non cotton clothing, good rain gear, and hat. Synthetic underwear is recommended (long john type with long sleeved
tops). Please pack your compressible clothing in clear zip lock bags, and label the bag with items enclosed. We provide dry bags
for all of our guided trips. By putting your extra clothing in zip locks you will avoid moisture making your clothing seem wet when
you put it on in the field. should you need to search your dry bag, the clothing that is removed will remain protected from moisture
due to the zip lock.
Please, bring any medications that you may need, inhalers,epi-pens, prescribed medicines. Advise your guide that you have these
items with you and where you are keeping them while participating in daily activities. Please note! Medications must be kept in Bear
Proof Containers and not in tents or kayaks overnight. Advise your guide and he/she will stow med's securely and safely. These items
include toothpaste, mouthwash, topical ointments, sun screen, bug repellent, and treats. Bring your camera equipment with fully charged battery or extra batteries. If you have a protective container for your camera gear, please bring it. Frisbees rock!
Some of our guest like to bring their favorite book, note book (trip journal). and favorite treats!
What is the weather in Seward like?
We live in a temperate rain forest. It seems every year we get a different mix of weather. Temperatures in Seward range from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit with the occasional burst up to the 70’s. We get a mix of rains, from mist to downpour, with some sunny days thrown in, and the weather can change in an hour. In short, we never know what the weather is going to be like; even our weather stations get it wrong sometimes. We like to tell people to be prepared for the worst, that way they can be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Either way; whether rainy with a mist on the mountains, or sunny and warm, the bay is always beautiful.
Will I tip over?
All of our guided trips go out in double kayaks which are more stable than singles. While it is possible to tip over, these boats are quite stable. You will be outfitted with all the necessary safety gear, including a life vest, and our guides are constantly training and practicing their rescue techniques. Single kayaks are available for experienced kayakers to use on these trips...please advise when booking your trip so we can reserve the kayak from our fleet of single sea kayaks and insure that one is reserved for you.
Will I see wildlife?
We see: Bald Eagles, Sea Birds (Puffins, Murres, various types of ducks, etc., Sea Life (sea stars, anemones, jelly fish, salmon, etc.), Sea Otters, River Otters, Sea Lions, Mountain Goats, Bears, Seals, Orcas, Humpbacks, Porpoise, and many others. Though you are not likely to see everything, you will get a good sampling of the diverse wildlife of the Kenai Fjords and Resurrection Bay. Unlike the tour boats where you are looking down at the sea life, being in a sea kayak puts you in the environment that all these unique fauna live with every day. We do however, like to keep our distance so as not to disturb them. Everyone should know that the wildlife often frequents specific
areas of the bay and various types of topography scattered about the area.
Do I need to be athletic?
You do not have to be able to run a marathon to kayak. Sea Kayaking relies more on technique than strength. We have many varieties of adventures and some are more suited for the active explorers, while others are for families. Just give us a call and we will let you know which paddles will better suit your needs.
Do I need to bring my own food?
We will provide the food if trip is fully outfitted. If trip is a guided rental, you need your own food and drinks. We can adjust our menu to vegetarians too! Just let us know if there is anything you cannot eat, and we will adjust our menu to fit any reasonable dietary needs. Should your diet be extremely strict, we can give you tips on how to pack your meals and we will adjust your trip price accordingly. Snacks and hydration will also be provided on all of our guided trips. However, if your metabolism is in full gear, you might want to bring along some additional snacks.
What kind of gear do I need?
All of the kayaking gear you need, we provide. Good rain gear and some gloves will go a long way. fleece lined Neoprene will help keep your hands warm. Glacier brand gloves are the brand we normally use. As for overnight gear, we provide durable MSR tents for our guests, along with all the necessary camp gear. We also have sleeping bags and self inflating air mats for your use. Some of our guests prefer to use their own bags and sleeping pads and we are fine with that, as long as the gear is adequate for Alaska’s elements.
What if I have time constraints?
Alaska can be wild and unpredictable. Weather and schedules can change in minutes. We do our best to stay within the times we set for our guided trips, but sometimes it cannot be helped. We suggest you plan your trip with a good time cushion just in case times need to change. We also suggest trip insurance which will cover any change fees or cancellations due to unforeseeable circumstances. We are a flexible company, and will work with your schedules, but we cannot work with the weather.
What about gratuities?
Guiding is considered part of the service industry, thus tipping is practiced. Customarily, guides receive between 15%-20% of the overall cost of their trip. You may tip your guide and your water taxi captain at your discretion.
What if I have special needs?
We can accommodate a many types of needs. In order to be able to take you out on the water, we need to be sure you can understand and perform the proper techniques of a wet exit (involves removing your spray skirt from the kayak and surfacing in the event of a capsize), and also have the strength to help lift yourself into the kayak. In extreme cases we sometimes may have to use additional guides to make the experience a safe and enjoyable paddle for all involved. Our main priorities are safety and fun, if you have an injury or a need that requires consideration, and feel you can meet our priorities, please let us know ahead of time and we can work with you.
We work with special need individuals and groups, and find that there is nothing better than seeing the smiles and joy that we are so lucky to witness.
What if I have medical issues & about minors ?
If you have any medical questions regarding particpating in any of our adventures we strongly advise you to consult your personal doctor and honestly discuss the activity of choice that you are considering. Please note that everyone is required to sign a waiver and release of liability to participate in our adventures. Note! This applies to all minors as well and parents or legal guardian will be required to explain and sign for children under the legal age of consent. The limit of any liability for
Adventure Sixty North LLC. will not exceed the actual charges charged by Adventure Sixty North LLC for that adventure.