The wild fjords, islands and inlets near Haines, AK offer a superb classroom to learn the art and science of sea kayaking. These waters include The Upper Lynn Canal and the Chilkat Inlet- renowned for their numerous uninhabited islands, pristine ecology, magnificent peaks, and marvelous wildlife viewing. The area has a rich history of gold seekers, adventures, explorers, and the Tlingit tribe.

Imagine paddling with the reflections of glaciated mountains on glassy water- honing skills and forging memories. You’ll have the opportunity to navigate with a chart and compass, develop your group management techniques in rough seas, and practice teaching kayak rescue techniques to your fellow students. You may be lucky enough to paddle placid waters amidst a pod of orcas or humpbacks, or spot a Coastal Brown Bear feeding in the intertidal zone. As an IWLS student, you’ll play an active role in the curriculum of the course, step into a leadership role, and learn effective tools for teaching and leading in an outdoor environment.

This comprehensive Kayak course is the perfect setting to achieve your goals whether
you are looking to become a professional guide, hone your technical abilities for personal adventures, or
expand your leadership skills. It focuses on teaching students to be safe, efficient, knowledgeable and
confident outdoor leaders in the backcountry.

Haines: Haines, Alaska is the starting/finishing place for this trip. Haines is a small
community located along the fjords at the top of the Inside Passage. The natural beauty and wilderness
access found here are responsible for its reputation as a center for wilderness adventure in Alaska.

The Lynn Canal Fjord: The Lynn Canal is one of the longest and deepest fjords in N. America. It stretches 90 miles from its northern limit south to Juneau, AK. The venue for this course is adjacent to a UNESCO world heritage site- the largest protected wilderness on the planet. The Lynn canal features a great blend of protected seas and more exposed water that makes it ideal for progressing from basics to more advanced skills. The Lynn canal also features massive tidal range- 20+ ft. This provides opportunities to learn tidal dynamics and to learn the secrets of using the tides to your advantage while paddling. In addition to this, remote river deltas and pristine cobble beaches make for great classrooms, camping, and berry picking.

The Tongass National Forest: Our route will head south from Haines, AK into the Lynn Canal Fjord. The Fjord is largely hemmed in by the lands of the Tongass National Forest- which at 17 million acres is the largest in the US. The Tongass is a temperate rainforest- and one of the last intact examples of such an ecosystem on the planet. This forest features towering old growth trees, wolves, bears, blacktail deer, moose, huge runs of salmon, and many rare marine birds. The route of the course also parallels the dramatic Coast Ranges. The Coast Ranges are particularly dramatic- rising more than a mile above the Fjord and studded with waterfalls, glaciers, and snowfields. Camping in the Tongass provides a great opportunity to learn how to safely and ethically call the wilderness home. This course offers an opportunity to hike near the famous Davidson Glacier and its electric blue ice.

Our Instructors: IWLS instructors and guides are highly-trained professionals recognized as
some of the best in their field. They have a wealth of experience from guiding throughout Alaska, Canada,
and the world. They genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge of the outdoors in the wild places that they
love. Their experiences and leadership help our students to have the best possible experience during their
course. Students' safety, education, and enjoyment are their primary goals. The International Wilderness
Leadership Schools’ educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the
guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of
technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS
curriculum world-class.

Experience Level: No previous experience is necessary for this course. However, with a
desire to learn and an enthusiasm for adventure, you’ll develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of
wilderness exploration.

Certifications: Upon completion of the course, participants may qualify for the following
certifications:

Sea Kayak Guide Training Certificate of Completion

Course Itinerary(Download Printable PDF)

Day 0: Meet in Haines for a pre-trip meeting and orientation. Students will be responsible
for lodging and meals on their own this day.

Days 1-3: Orientation, chart and compass, float plans, rescue day in the swimming pool, general introduction to different types of kayaks and kayak anatomy, emergency communication, camp basics, bear and fire safety, Leave No Trace principles. Over these days, we’ll learn and practice paddle strokes, maneuvers, self and assisted rescues, and an introduction to the wet exit.

Days 4-6: Our first day in the field and a short paddle to our first wilderness camp. Intensive technical skill instruction and development. Days will be spent in the field addressing points of the course curriculum. Students will plan the route and destinations in advance, with flexibility incorporated into the day-to-day route and itinerary. This will provide for many opportunities and teachable moments related to judgment and decision-making. We aim to spend 6-8 hours daily on skill development and traveling our route, with time spent on shore participating in lessons, problem-solving activities, discussions, and debriefs.

Days 7-8: In this portion of the course, you will have the opportunity to test the skills gained and further develop your leadership abilities. You will analyze weather and tides, and take the reins as leader of the day. In the last 2 days of the course, we will have final evaluations. Students will be evaluated by their instructors on their understanding and completion of the IWLS curriculum.

IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership.
Here are a few points that your course will focus on.

• Leadership: We not only exemplify leadership – we teach it and implement it.
  Students will have opportunities to lead the group through a variety of activities, objectives, and
  responsibilities.
• Safety and Risk Management: Safety is always our #1 consideration. As the course
  progresses, students will develop an awareness to appropriately assess risk and make safe decisions
  in and out of the field.
• Expedition Behavior and Group Dynamics: Because this course is a true wilderness
  expedition, interactions between group members need to be supportive and contribute to the efficacy
  of the group. The daily dynamics of the group, combined with guided instruction, will teach students
  not only how to be a member of a cohesive team but also how to influence and lead an expedition.
• Environmental Ethics: As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on
  the planet, it is our duty to respect the natural world. All of our courses practice and teach Leave
  No Trace® principles.
• Communication Skills: Speaking in public, managing a personal conflict, or leading
  a group in the wilderness - all of these situations require effective communication. Students will
  gain confidence in their communication abilities while developing personal leadership styles during
  this course.

The IWLS Sea Kayak Curriculum is oriented to providing students with a solid skill set of paddling techniques to be safe and confident in a coastal environment. Here are a few of the topics students will learn in the course. :

• Paddling Techniques: Course instruction will help you discover ways to improve the efficiency of your paddle strokes and perform advanced maneuvers from bow draws to the stern pry.
• Braces: Paddling in rough conditions requires solid bracing skills. We’ll learn and practice the low brace, high brace and sculling brace in a fun, controlled environment.
• Rescues: What happens when you’re paddling with clients in the frigid waters of Southeast Alaska and a boat capsizes? We’ll learn everything from the paddle-float rescue to the assisted bow rescue to kayak rolling.
• Route Finding and Navigation: Learn old school methods and state-of-the-art techniques. You will learn to take a bearing, triangulate your position, and learn to interpret a marine chart.
• Camp Skills Learn about the tents we'll be utilizing, how to organize our kitchen
  and keep our food secure and appropriately protected from bears and other wildlife.

Course Documents:

• Course Overview- Printable detailed course overview & itinerary.
• Equipment List - Overview of personal clothing and equipment that you'll need for this course.
• Rental Gear List - List of backpacking gear, and personal items available for rent
• Registration Form - Outlines policies, and essential information. One required per participant.
• Health Form - This form enables our guides to have accurate health information in the event of an emergency.
• Water Based Activity Waiver - One required per participant. Guests under the age of 18 may go on one form.
• Travel Info - Helpful information on how to get to/from Haines, Alaska.

CLICK HERE FOR DATES & PRICESWhat is included in the course price:

• Camping gear - group camping equipment, tents, stoves, etc...
• Expedition food - all food while out in the field.
• Transportation during trip - travel to the trailhead, and back to Haines after.
• Professional guides - Our guides have extensive knowledge of the area and a passion for backpacking in wild places.

Students are responsible for the following:

• • • Personal clothing & equipment
    • Food and Lodging in town - We can happily recommend lodging around Haines!
    • Travel insurance - we highly recommend travel insurance for all of our programs.
    • Airfare
    • Reviewing course policies - please reference our policies page for policies regarding payment, cancellations, refunds and student responsibilities
    • Gratuities

     

To Book your adventure, follow the steps below:

• Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill outan online form to request more information: Request More Info
• Place a deposit of $500 to reserve your spot: this can be placed over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
• Once you've reserved your spot, you'll receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information.
• Be sure to submit all trip registration documents at least 45 days prior to your course. This includes information on your arrival/departure, lodging, dietary, and medical information.

Feel free to call or email anytime if you have questions about your upcoming trip. Our team is excited to help you prepare for your adventure!

What sets IWLS apart from other outdoor organizations?

The International Wilderness Leadership School has been training outdoor leaders and providing technical instruction for over 20 years. We operate instructional and guided programs throughout the world. They range from instructional rock climbing courses and guided ascents of the world’s tallest peaks to remote sea kayaking expeditions and leadership guide training courses. IWLS is at the forefront of the outdoor recreation industry and continues to raise industry standards.

How much experience do I need for an IWLS course?

No experience is necessary to sign up for many of our leadership and guide training courses. All that is generally required is good physical and emotional health and motivation for unique learning experiences. New participants have varying levels of experience. A strong desire to be an active participant and learn new technical and leadership skills are the most important factors for success on an IWLS course. More experienced students will have more time to focus on specific guiding considerations and teaching skills.

How do I prepare for my IWLS course?

You don’t need to be a superstar athlete for your IWLS course, however, a modest amount of physical fitness training will help you to prepare for active participation in the upcoming expedition. IWLS will recommend a variety of books and reading material that will support your course. Reading these materials will help you prepare for the technical skills and environmental considerations associated with this course.

Are IWLS courses available for college credit?

They can be, yes. Since 2008 IWLS has been accredited through the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). This accreditation ensures that our curriculum and programs are independently audited and are at the state of the art. This accreditation also helps facilitate our relationship with partner universities, including Western Colorado State. Inquire by phone or email for more details.

How do I secure a spot on a course or semester?

In order to secure a spot on a course or semester, all students must place a deposit. First contact our office by phone, email, or through Livechat to confirm availability. After you've reached out we can help you place a deposit over the phone, online, or by sending a check in the mail. Anyone on our office team would be happy to assist you in securing your spot today! For more information on securing your spot and registering, see our registration page: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/register/

How much does it cost to place a deposit?

For a single Domestic course- $500.00
For a single international course- $500.00
For a Domestic semester (2-4 courses)- $750.00
For an International Semester (2-4 courses)- $1,000
For a Year Program ( 5+ courses) - $1500.00

Full Payment is Due 90 days prior to the course start date

What does my tuition cover?

Transportation during the course, quality group equipment,cooking gear, food, and high quality instruction are all included in the tuition fee. Additional costs may include: transportation to and from the course location, personal equipment costs, travel insurance, and college credit fees.

What is your refund policy?

In the event that you are unable to join us, the following guidelines will apply. All deposits include a $150 non-refundable registration fee. Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 90 days prior to the start date. 50% refunds will be provided 60-89 days prior to start date. The 50% retained by IWLS can be credited towards another course if used within 12 months. No refunds will be provided with in 59 days of the start date. This policy has been established to meet the demands of planning well-organized courses and programs. If for any reason a course ends early there will be no refund. If you have not paid in full 90 days prior to your trips departure, and you have not contacted us regarding other payment options, we reserve the right to schedule another individual in your place. In this event, you are responsible for any associated costs.

Where does my course take place?

IWLS offers programs in North America and around the world. To find out where a particular course is operated please visit the course or semester page you're interested in for specific information.

How do I reach the meeting point for my course/semester?

For Alaska/ Yukon Programs starting in Haines: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/haines-travel/
For Alaska/ Yukon Programs starting in Skagway: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/skagway-travel/
For Utah/Nevada Programs starting in Salt Lake Cityk: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/utah-pre-departure/
For Argentina Programs starting in Mendoza: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/argentina_travel-info-2/
For Nepal Programs starting in Kathmandu: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/nepal_travelinfo/
For Ecuador Programs starting in Quito: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/ecuador_predepart/
Contact us if you have any questions.

Do I need travel insurance?

For International courses you are required to obtain travel insurance.
For Domestic courses you are strongly encouraged to obtain travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect against things like lost baggage, missed/delayed flights, and most importantly -- emergency expenses associated with an evacuation/rescue.

For more information on getting insurance and why its recommended: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/travel-insurance-2/

Who should I purchase travel insurance through?

We recommend AIG Travel Guard. To learn more: https://www.travelguard.com/agentlink.asp?ta_arc=148098&pcode=ADVTPP&[email protected]

What equipment do I need?

For the most part students are expected to pack personal clothing and gear while IWLS will provide certain items or may have items such as a sleeping bag available to rent. Each Course has its own equipment list which outlines items we expect participants to bring, items available to rent if you prefer not to purchase, and technical gear that will be provided. All courses include group camping gear such as tents, stoves, and pots/pans. For more details be sure to review the equipment list(s) associated with the course or semester you are interested in.

Does IWLS rent equipment, if so how do I secure rental items for my course?

IWLS offers equipment rentals for all our domestic programs. To view our rental agreement for domestic courses: https://dev.chilkatguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Domestic-Rental-Form_digital.pdf

For international programs we work with local outfitters to help students rent gear in country. Inquire by phone or email for more information.

What kind of food can I expect?

Balanced, nutritious meals are of critical importance for a successful expedition. Rather than off-the-shelf freeze dried backpacking food we strive to utilize whole foods and meals from scratch whenever possible. A core part of IWLS curriculum is meal planning and preparation. You will gain experience using camp stoves and cooking delightful meals in the backountry. Typical menu items can include curries, pastas , soups, oats with nuts and dried fruit, breakfast scrambles, and more. The exact menu will vary depending on the type of activity and location.

Can IWLS accommodate dietary restrictions?

IWLS can accommodate some dietary restrictions. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and some allergies are restrictions that we commonly work with. Due to the difficulties of menu planning in remote areas some dietary preferences may be difficult to accommodate. Please let us know if you have a dietary restriction not mentioned above, we're happy to help review our menu in detail and review options to accommodate your dietary considerations.

How is safety addressed in IWLS curriculum?

Risk management and decision-making are amongst the most important skills of a wilderness trip leader. Safety is always #1. We draw on many years of guiding experience all over the world, with an impeccable safety record, to instruct students as to the key elements of risk management. We emphasize outlining risks by objective and subjective hazards, understanding activity and location specific dangers, and by conforming to and teaching Industry recognized best practices. We draw our curriculum not only from experience buy partly from organizations like the ACA, AAIRE, and AEE to ensure that we are teaching the state-of-the-art safety and risk management techniques.

Does IWLS cover leadership theory?

Our courses do cover the tenants of leadership theory. IWLS leadership theory curriculum is integral part of every course we offer. Our leadership education model is effective for training safe, positive, and engaged outdoor leaders. We emphasize a variety of leadership styles, and communications techniques. As students gain skill and responsibility, they can discover their personal strengths as a leader. The IWLS curriculum gives students the tools to succeed as leaders in all aspects of life, from the backcountry to the boardroom.

How does IWLS deliver leadership experience in its courses?

Gaining practical leadership experience is a key part of the IWLS experience. One of the primary methods we use in delivering this is through Leader of the Day. Participants rotate as Leader of the Day, taking on much of the responsibility of the guide. You might find yourself waking early to cook breakfast, planning the days route, managing the days activities, or using newfound skills to make a key decision. Leader of the Day experiences present opportunities to practice using your leadership voice and technique in real world situations, with the watchful eye of the instructor keeping things safe.

Will I gain teaching experience?

See One, Do One, Teach One is one of IWLS fundamental axioms. We believe that the ultimate stage of mastery is the ability to teach a skill that has been learned. Therefore, each student will have several opportunities to teach lessons to the group. We will prepare the participants with lectures on lesson planning and how to engage with differing learning styles. The students will then select several lesson topics of their choosing and deliver their class to their fellow participants.

Is there any overlap in IWLS course content in my semester program?

Each activity and location that IWLS has a course for has its own specific curriculum. This course specific content dovetails with general IWLS lessons that are common to all locations and activities. Some courses, such as Mountaineering and Ski/ Snowboard Mountaineering also have some shared technical content. Generally, the shared curriculum is of critical safety importance like crevasse rescue or knots. Semester students often report that this shared curriculum was a boost to their comprehension as they were able to draw a deeper understanding from more exposure to the key material.