ShePaddles:
Women’s Intro to Sea Kayaking
June 4-7, 2026
Your paddling journey starts here!
Discover the sea in good company. This introductory retreat is designed for women who want to unlock the joys of sea kayaking in an immersive and supportive environment. Our wilderness ecolodge offers a focused setting with hands-on instruction that allows every paddler to progress at her own pace. By learning and training in a small group, you’ll benefit from collective discovery while gaining the skills to navigate the water independently.
A refined approach to the fundamentals. With a small group size, our learning atmosphere is personal and naturally inclusive. Guided by our experienced instructor Emily Burke, you will master efficient paddle strokes, effective maneuvering, and the mechanics of the tide. Instruction will also cover coastal navigation and risk management—essential tools that turn a simple outing into a safe, self-reliant adventure.
Unlock a new world of adventure. This journey is about more than just gear and technique; it’s about the self-assurance to explore. Our setting fosters a space where curiosity is encouraged and no question is too small. By the end of the retreat, you’ll leave with the ability to plan and execute your own paddling trips independently.
Connection beyond the paddle. After each rewarding day on the water, return to the comfort of our cozy yurt accommodations. Share stories of your adventures, forge new friendships, and soak in the tranquility of our pristine location in the Kenai Fjords.
Join us and discover the joy and freedom of sea kayaking in a supportive and empowering community of women!
Meet your instructor:
Emily Burke, Professional Guide
100 Ton Master Mariner License, M.Sc. in Marine Biology
You can often find Emily sipping coffee on a boat while searching for wildlife, quick to share a smile and a story about the ecosystem you are experiencing together. Emily loves the wonder and awe that rugged fjord landscapes inspire and how every day on the water can be a peaceful and playful way to engage with the world.
Emily first came to Seward as a sea kayak guide in 2015 and has developed a deep affection for the Kenai Fjords. Over the last decade she has lead kayak camping and mothership-based kayaking trips, deckhanded on glacier and wildlife tour boats, and currently captains the Shearwater Cove vessels.
During the boreal winter, Emily migrates south and works as an expedition guide on ships along the Antarctic Peninsula. She supports sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboard programs in polar waters as a safety boat driver, interprets ice and wildlife for guests, and gives presentations on the region’s ecology.
Emily is also a research scientist, specializing in marine biology and movement ecology. She enjoys the challenge of coordinating fieldwork logistics for sailing research vessels and remote field camps, as well as sharing findings in scientific publications. Emily holds a degree in evolutionary biology from Harvard University, a Masters of Science in marine biology from the University of New Hampshire, and a 100 Ton master mariner credential from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Wherever she explores coastlines and currents, Emily brings an infectious enthusiasm for adventure and the natural world that engages everyone around her. She looks forward to sharing this special sea kayaking retreat with you!
Class Topics & Activities
Topics
Introduction to sea kayaks and the associated gear: parts of the boat, rudders, paddles, spray skirts, pfds, vhf radios
Layering & things to consider when gearing up
Paddling strokes & techniques
Launching & landing from docks & wild coastlines
Coastal navigation & tides
Interpreting weather in a fjord environment
Water safety & risk management
Natural history & paddling with wildlife
Trip planning & daily routines
activities
daily guided kayaking excursions to practice skills & techniques. Destinations include:
Hidden Waterfall in Humpy Cove
The Fox Island Spit, aka Sandspit Point State Marine Park
El Dorado Narrows
Hat Island
Classroom sessions
Option for controlled capsize practice in the protected waters of Shearwater Cove
enjoy lunch and a beach walk on the Fox Island Spit
shared dinners & hangouts around the fire
scheduled down time to relax and enjoy our cozy yurt accommodations
The Whole Scoop
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Each participant will have their own bed in a yurt that is shared with one other woman. Each yurt has its own private shower and composting toilet.
There are two yurt types on the property: Original Yurts and Premier Yurts. Original Yurts have an open floor plan with 1 queen bed and 1 full size futon bed. Premier Yurts have 2 queen beds that each have their own private bedroom space.
There are three pricing options to meet your budget, depending on which bed type you choose. See full pricing details and options below!
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Our oceanfront yurts are outfitted with off-grid amenities to make your wilderness retreat experience comfy and cozy!
Every single yurt on the property includes these amenities:
comfortable beds with down duvets, linens, blankets, and pillows
private shower with on-demand hot water and composting toilet
shower towels & earth-friendly biodegradable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
outfitted kitchen with running water for preparing hot drinks and snacks
heater to stay toasty warm
table and chairs for seating
outdoor decks
Premier Yurts include these upgraded amenities:
most prominent ocean and mountain views available on the property
electricity for lighting & charging devices
private bedroom spaces for each bed
covered outdoor deck
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All meals are included in your retreat price. Please include any dietary restrictions when you book your spot.
Meals are hearty and healthy, and snacks and drinks are available 24/7. You are welcome to bring any preferred snacks as well.
Retreatants are welcome to bring any alcohol they would like to enjoy.
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The retreat begins at 12:00pm (noon) on June 4.
At 12:00pm, everyone will meet our boat in the Seward Harbor for the 45 minute boat ride out to Shearwater Cove. Shearwater Cove is a remote wilderness location and is accessible only by boat - no roads here! Your round trip boat tour transportation is included in the class price.
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Transportation to Seward is not included in the class price. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Seward by 12pm on June 4. Please contact us if you need assistance with planning travel to Seward! We are well versed in Alaska travel logistics and are happy to help. You can also check out our FAQ page for information about which airport to fly into, and the most common ways to get from Anchorage to Seward.
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Everyone will be back in the Seward Harbor no later than 12:00pm on June 7.
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Nope! We’ve got you covered for all sea kayaking gear including spray skirts, pfds (lifejackets), paddles, vhf radios, and of course the boats themselves. The only thing that you are required to bring is a full set of rain gear and a pair of rubber boots - more details below in the next question.
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Yes and yes!
Each participant is required to bring a full set of rain gear and a pair of high-top rubber boots (as opposed to ankle-high rubber boots). You will be outside for the majority of each day, and will be stepping in water as you climb in and out of the kayaks. We want to ensure that everyone is able to stay warm and dry.
We will provide a packing list with recommended items to bring. Recommended items include 2 complete sets of outdoor layers (more details on what this means in the packing list), and a separate set of cozy clothes and shoes for wearing around the yurts.
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This retreat requires a 7/10 level of physical stamina, stamina being the key word. You don’t need to be crazy strong, but you do need the endurance to be outside in potentially cool, rainy weather for extended periods of time. Participants should be prepared to spend the majority of the day outdoors and active in a wilderness environment. Specifically, you should be comfortable sitting and paddling in a kayak for up to 45 minutes at a time between breaks. While we move at a pace that favors discovery over speed, the ability to sustain physical effort throughout the day is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience on this retreat.
There are several flights of stairs from the dock at Shearwater Cove up to the yurts, so please keep this in mind as you pack your bags. Soft luggage that can be worn as a backpack is highly recommended.
If you have any questions about the physical and mobility level needed to enjoy this retreat, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Rates & policies
Cost is per person, all-inclusive:
Original Yurt, Futon Bed: $1,843
Original Yurt, Queen Bed: $1,985
Premier Yurt, Queen Bed: $2,176
booking policies:
50% deposit due to secure your spot. Remaining 50% due on April 4, 2026.
Half of initial deposit is non-refundable.
cancellation policy
Due to our short operating season we have a strict cancellation policy. We are not able to make ANY exceptions to this cancellation policy. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. One option is travelinsurance.com.
Cancellation within:
0-45 days from retreat start date - no refund
46-90 days from retreat start date - 50% refund minus non-refundable portion of initial deposit.
91 days or more from retreat start date - full refund minus non-refundable portion of initial deposit.
can’t make these dates, but dying to go on a retreat?
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