http://www.nols.edu/courses/locations/alaska/akkayaking.shtml?gad=CKrs4YoFEghtiHqpsIHyTBjS-L3-AyDqmv0y

http://www.nols.edu/courses/locations/alaska/akbackkayaking.shtml?gad=CKrs4YoFEghtiHqpsIHyTBjS-L3-AyDqmv0y

National Outdoor Leadership School - Index

National Outdoor Leadership School - Nols - Index

46
Alaska
ALASKA SEA KAYAKING
Wildlife and water. Mountain and forest. Since 1971, NOLS students
have been exploring the wilds of Alaska in sea kayaks. There's
no better way to take in Alaska's dramatic coastline than by gliding
on the water. You'll have an up-close view of stunning scenery and
a chance to see plenty of wildlife, including whales, golden eagles,
porpoises, sea otters, seals and sea lions. Along the way you'll learn
how to sea kayak, even if you've never held a paddle. You'll hone
your wilderness skills, have fun, and practice your leadership as you
explore wild, wonderful Alaska.
SOUTHEAST ALASKA 30-DAY SEA KAYAKING
Your launching point for this course is Petersburg, Alaska, located in
the heart of Southeast Alaska's Inside Passage. This archipelago is a
remote land of forest and ocean. Beaches jut up against dense temperate
rain forests, where giant spruce and hemlock rise to neckcraning
heights. Much of your time will be spent near Kuiu Island,
an ancient forest home to black bears, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer,
moose and river otters. You'll learn to plan routes and navigate them
using nautical charts, as well as hone technical skills such as paddling
and how to make open-water crossings. You may be rewarded
by catching halibut or salmon, or seeing the humpback and orca
whales that abound in the area.
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND 23-AND-OVER SEA
KAYAKING
Our 23-and-over courses paddle in Alaska's world famous Prince
William Sound, past towering tidewater glaciers that moan and
crackle, crystal-blue icebergs bobbing on the ocean's surface, and
wooded coves perfect for camping. The sea teems with various
forms of life, and you'll have the ideal vantage point to view it all.
Sea birds wheel in the sky overhead while tidal pools with starfish,
anemones and other small creatures dot the shorelines. You'll work
hard paddling with all your gear stowed in your boat, but you'll
have opportunities to play as well. There are fish to catch and so
many things to learn about in your explorations.
DETAILS
Age and Length:
16 & Over ? Average age: 19 ? Duration: 30 days
16 & 17 Only ? Duration: 30 days
23 & Over ? Average age: 30 ? Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $3,715 (16 & Over); $3,005 (23 & Over)
Course start/end: Palmer, Alaska or Petersburg, Alaska
Fly in/out: Anchorage, Alaska or Petersburg, Alaska
College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics, 2 hours Leadership Techniques, 2 hours Skills
Practicum (16 & Over; 16 & 17 Only); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over)
Dates: page 112
"NOLS TAUGHT ME THE IMPORTANCE
OF GIVING NATURE THE RESPECT
AND CARE IT DESERVES.
?
Eric Hubbell, Alaska Mountaineering '04
Prince William Sound's deep fjords and massive tidewater glaciers are sure to impress.
ALASKA BACKPACKING AND SEA KAYAKING
Alaska is a land of incredible fjords, forested ocean coasts and high
alpine meadows. You'll see much of this wild country as you explore
it on foot and in a sea kayak. Your month-long adventure will
give you a chance to learn two wilderness travel skills, backpacking
and sea kayaking, while exploring two very different environments,
the waters of Alaska's Prince William Sound and the mountains of
Southcentral Alaska. Your sea kayak will follow a route where glaciers
flows directly into the ocean and seals, sea otters, many species
of birds and even whales are easy to spot. You'll learn how to handle
your boat in different conditions of wind and tide, and also how
to be a good leader and keep a positive attitude after a long day of
paddling. The mountains of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the
Talkeetnas or the Chugach Range will be your home for the backpacking
section. Here you'll start below tree line and head into the
mountains along glaciated river valleys, reaching open high-country
known as tundra. The vistas here are wide, the mountains
rugged, and the lessons lifelong.
DETAILS
Age and Length: 16 & Over ? Average Age: 18 ? Duration: 30 days
Tuition: $4,300
Course start/end: Palmer, Alaska
Fly in/out: Anchorage, Alaska
College Credit: 2 hours Environmental Ethics; 2 hours Leadership Techniques; 2 hours Skills
Practicum
Dates: page 112
Tracy Baynes