Sabrina Stein
Embark on a 21-day sea kayaking adventure through the pristine fjords, glaciers, and remote landscapes of Prince William Sound, Alaska. This course is designed for those who are ready to push their limits, develop essential wilderness skills, and cultivate leadership in one of the most stunning and challenging environments on Earth. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, wilderness expertise, or a transformative leadership experience, this course will empower you to embrace nature’s raw beauty and harness your potential in the wild.
Photo credit: Molly Hagbrand
This isn’t just another outdoor adventure—it’s an opportunity to reshape your perspective and develop skills that will serve you long after the course ends. The Sea Kayaking Alaska’s Wild Coast course offers more than technical knowledge; it’s a journey that tests your resilience, sharpens your decision-making abilities, and helps you discover inner strength and confidence.
Throughout this immersive experience, you’ll gain a deep understanding of wilderness survival, sea kayaking, and leadership in extreme conditions. You’ll also connect with your team in ways that will foster lifelong friendships and create shared memories of one of the most incredible wilderness regions in the world. By the end of the course, you'll be proficient in sea kayaking and transformed by the leadership skills, adaptability, and self-awareness you've developed.
Alaska’s Prince William Sound is a remote, breathtaking region known for its towering glaciers, lush fjords, and thriving wildlife. As you paddle the pristine waters, you’ll be immersed in this wild, untouched environment, encountering magnificent sea otters, seals, whales, and seabirds. With every stroke, you’ll be surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, ice-blue glaciers, and towering cliffs.
Your expedition covers 60-100 nautical miles of rugged coastline, offering a unique challenge and discovery each day. Paddle through quiet coves, camp on remote beaches, and venture into dense temperate rainforests. As you kayak through these pristine waters, you’ll be in one of North America's most secluded and awe-inspiring ecosystems, gaining insights into the wilderness and the NOLS philosophy of leadership and self-reliance.
This 21-day adventure is designed to teach you technical wilderness skills and leadership strategies that extend far beyond your time on the water. You will gain practical experience and insights into:
Sea Kayaking Techniques: From basic strokes to advanced navigation, rescue, and safety, you’ll learn the core skills needed to maneuver your kayak through challenging waters confidently.
Backcountry Camping & Cooking: Learn to set up camp, cook meals in the wilderness, and follow Leave No Trace principles in one of the world’s most pristine environments.
Leadership & Decision-Making: Develop the skills to lead in unpredictable situations, balance group dynamics, and make effective decisions under pressure.
Risk Management: Learn how to assess and manage risks in remote settings, ensuring the safety of yourself and your team at all times.
Teamwork & Communication: Master the art of collaboration, including effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in challenging conditions.
These skills will equip you to navigate the physical challenges of wilderness travel and the interpersonal and mental hurdles that come with leading and living in remote environments.
Photo credit: Devin Duffy
Meet your instructors and fellow adventurers at the NOLS base in Alaska. After gear checks and briefings, you’ll begin familiarizing yourself with your sea kayak and get a detailed introduction to navigation, safety protocols, and the expedition ahead.
Each day will bring new challenges, from navigating the fjords and glaciers to making camp and preparing meals. Along the way, you’ll hone your kayaking, navigation, and leadership skills while developing a deep connection with your team. Expect plenty of on-the-water time as you explore hidden coves, encounter local wildlife, and engage in leadership exercises.
On the final day of your expedition, you’ll return to the NOLS base for a debriefing session. Reflect on your journey, your personal growth, and the leadership skills you’ve developed.
Celebrate your accomplishments with your team as you graduate from the course and join the global NOLS alumni network. You’ll leave this course with new skills and a new sense of purpose and direction.
Patagonia’s weather can change unpredictably, from sunshine to rain, snow, and wind in the span of hours. You’ll learn to adapt, make split-second decisions, and thrive in the face of uncertainty—a core skill of outdoor leadership.
Physical and Mental Endurance: The demanding days of paddling 6 to 8 hours through challenging waters will test your stamina and perseverance. But with every stroke, you’ll build resilience and confidence and learn to push past your perceived limits.
Teamwork and Leadership: Living and traveling in a small, close-knit team requires effective communication, empathy, and trust. You’ll experience firsthand what it takes to be both a leader and a supportive teammate, developing vital leadership skills that apply to any environment.
Photo credit: Sabrina Stein
This course is designed for individuals with a spirit of adventure ready to take on a physically and mentally demanding challenge. Whether you’re an aspiring outdoor professional, an adventure enthusiast, or someone looking to strengthen your leadership abilities in a wild, transformative setting, this expedition offers the perfect environment for personal growth and skill development.
Prior kayaking experience is not required, but a basic level of fitness and willingness to embrace outdoor adventure challenges are essential.
By completing this course, you’ll become part of the esteemed NOLS alumni network—a community of leaders who are transforming their careers, organizations, and lives with the skills and mindset developed on expeditions like this. From CEOs to environmental advocates, NOLS graduates credit their wilderness experiences with providing them the confidence to lead in any environment.
Are you ready to embrace the challenges of Alaska’s wild coast and transform your life? Don’t just learn how to kayak—discover the leader within you and take the first step toward an unforgettable adventure.
