Kayak and Umiak Adventure

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Experience the waterways and natural wonders of Portland in our traditional skin-on-frame kayaks and umiaks.

During this week campers learn the basics of boating and journey on our local rivers and lakes. They take to the water everyday, either paddling our traditional kayaks or working as a team to paddle down river in our 24-foot umiak.

We teach the fundamentals of kayak and boating safety from proper gear to the principles of rescue rolling a kayak (practiced in calm shore waters with instructors "spotting" students). Plus we cover techniques such as efficiently paddling, knots and other marine skills.

They also come back with an appreciation for the local natural history of our area as we look for great blue herons, deer, muskrat, kingfishers and much more.

If you do not have one, we can provide your child with the required PFD.

About Our Boats

Skin-on-frame boats have evolved and been put to the test over thousands of years of heavy use on some of the most arduous seas in the world, such as the arctic ocean. The "skin" of our highly flexible and resilient boats is ballistic grade nylon (the same material used in bulletproof vests). The frames of these boats are lashed and pegged through traditional construction. Modern engineers and boat builders value the flexibility of skin-on-frame construction for being more efficient and durable then fiberglass design in many respects. Because of the natural profile of our boats they also encourage closer encounters with river wildlife from ducks to birds to otters.