Emotion Kayaks For Sale

Just wanted to post a reminder that we have various models of Emotion Kayaks for sale in the shop.  I also have other models in the demo fleet.  Some of the demo kayaks are for sale for a slight discount.

Check out the Emotion Kayaks website : http://www.emotionkayaks.com/

We have package deals set up that include everything you need to get on the water!

Stop by the shop and check out the kayaks or set up a time to get one on the water.

Kayaking with Orca Whales

I had a custom 9am Half Day Kayak Tour this morning.  It was a nice morning.  The temps were warming and the sun was out.  On my drive to the launch beach I saw a few Orca whales and new that we would have a chance at an encounter today.

I had the usual small group (4 guest).  It was a nice trip for me as I knew two of the people of the trip and the other two were their relatives.  After a bit of beach time going over safety and handing out gear, it was time to go.  As we paddled out to the strait the strong ebb tide started grab the kayaks and take us south.  But we were soon interrupted by large dorsal fins in the distance and made out way the shore to raft in a kelp bed.  We bobbed around as watched as the killer whales made a distant pass by.  We continued on and once again we had to raft as more killer whales were approaching. It was a great time.  Though we had to make a slow paddle home against a bit of current, it was a great trip.  Check out the photos.

Rafted up looking for where the killer whales are traveling.

You can see the Olympic Mountains in the background.  Check out how blue the day was.

It is hard work out there kayaking, but someone has to do it :-)

Harbor Seals doing what they do best, look like rocks.

End of the kayak tour they got to take pictures with their guide , LOL, me.

It was a great morning to be out there.  If you want to join the fun, just give Discovery a call.

SAVE with Coupon

Ok I just posted another coupon on Discovery Sea Kayaks Google Business listing.

We are a bit hard to find but if you do a search with google maps you can find us and check out the two coupons.

Once at google maps search for “discovery sea kayaks” 98250.  Yes you need the quotations around discovery sea kayaks. On the left hand side of your screen you can scroll through the listings and find our ad.  From there you can find the coupons.

Check out the new coupon if you are interested in a Multi Day Kayak Tour.  This a rare opportunity to save on one of our award winning kayak camping tours.

It is only good for one specific date.  Go check it out!  If the date works for you give us a call (360 378 2559) and set your reservation.  Don’t for get to let us know you have the coupon.  You must present the coupon to us the day of your tour.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Pictures from this weekend

It was a nice weekend here on the island. Saturday as very beautiful and Discovery Sea Kayaks was busy on the water. It was nice having multiple trips out on the water and seeing all the guides out working.

I had a 9am Half Day Tour and the Orcas were with us from the start of the day. We headed out slowly making sure there were no whales in shore where we were going to be traveling. So we rafted the kayak in a nice kelp bed and waited to see what was going to happen. I decided after a short time that it was time to move. We headed south along the coast toward the Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Along the way we had to stop and raft up as whales would pass by us. By the time we reached the lighthouse there were more whales. We rafted once again in a nice kelp bed and enjoyed the show. There was plenty of activity from breaching and cartwheeling. It was really a great trip.

Check out some of the pictures.

You can see a large dorsal fin in the background.

Here is a picture of my group for the morning.  Great Trip!

Rafter up doing a bit of whale watching from kayaks here on San Juan Island.

Another pass from the killer whales.

Well I did not get any images of the closer passes or of the breaches.  But memories are what all of us took away from this amazing kayak tour.

The Killer Whales have been in the area and we have been getting great encounters on our Kayak Tours.  So come on out and join a Sea Kayak Tour and let Discovery Sea Kayaks be your guide.

Coupon for Half Day Kayak Tour

I just posted a limited time coupon on Discovery Sea Kayaks google maps listing. If you can find us via google maps you can print out the coupon and save on a Half Day Kayak Tour on San Juan Island.

All you have to do is go to google maps and search for “discovery sea kayaks” 98250.. You have to have the quotes to find us for some reason. But usually show at the bottom of the list. Check it out and SAVE..

Today was a beautiful day here on the island. Our Multi Day trip returned today and saw Orcas 4 different times! So the killer whales are here and Discovery Sea Kayaks West Side Kayak Tours off the best opportunity to see killer whales!

So reserve a trip and get on the water with us. San Juan Kayak Tours are what we do best!

Emotion Kayaks In Stock!

Discovery Sea Kayaks, located in the heart of downtown Friday Harbor has Emotion Kayak in stock.  These are great kayaks for those looking for a stable kayak to knock around the calm waters and bays.  Easy and light so they are great for strapping on your sail boat or power boat, great for waterfront homes and perfect for those that need a light kayak to put on top of the car.

We currently have 3 models in stock:

Advant-Edge: is a 12’7 kayak that has all the stability to be comfortable and the tracking ability to enjoy effortless kayaking.  Currently we have this packaged with a Bending Branches paddle, spray deck and cockpit cover for $809.00. Plus a FREE Stohlquist PFD!

Glide: is only 9’7 and 37 pounds.  I have been amazed by how well this little kayak tracks and the speed at which you can travel.  This is the ultimate kayak for tossing on your sail boat or power boat.  Currently we have this packaged with a Bending Branches paddle, spray deck and cockpit cover for $659.00. Plus a FREE Stohlquist PFD!

Spitfire: is a small sit on top kayak.  This will be a great choice if you have guest who just want to mess around in calm bays when visiting your waterfront home or for boaters looking for an inexpensive solution for getting to land from anchor or mooring.  Currently we have this packaged with a Bending Branches paddle for $309.00.  Plus a FREE Stohlquist PFD!

Come by the shop and check them out or set up a time to take one on a Demo!

Kayaking and Wildlife Photos

Lime Kiln Lighthouse Kayaking    Elephant Seal   San Juan Kayaking   Day Tour   Sunrise Kayak   Teaching Kayak ClassSpeiden Island   Early Sping Kayaking   San Juan Kayaking      Dorsal Fin of Orca   Spy Hopping Orca               Orca

Getting Ready for Kayak Tours for 2009

It is hard to wait for the 2009 kayak tour season to really kick off here on San Juan Island.  The weather has been so nice it is crazy.  Though we have been running a few winter tours and I was on the water yesterday teaching lessons.  It just seems not enough folks come up in the winter to take advantage of such good weather and water conditions we have been having.  I keep looking at the forecast and thinking some of the Seattle kayaker weekenders might start showing up early. So far we have not been seeing much. The other day I was on the West Side of San Juan Island to catch one amazing sunet and had the opportunity to sea Dall’s Porpoise, River Otter, Bald Eagles and Stellar Sea Lions.  That was from just sitting around in one place on the shore.  It was pretty nice. The yesterday I was on the water to teach lessons and the water conditions was so calm it was great for do intro kayaking lessons.  Plus with the sun high in the sky, we were really warm.  After classes I visited the south end of the island to catch view of fox and various raptors flying around. Then at the end of the day I hired a new Guide for the 2009 season. It looks like he is going to be another great addition to the Discovery Sea Kayak Guide Team. So all in all it has been great out here. If you live in the region and would like to come out to San Juan Island and join a Kayak Tour. Get in touch with us. We are ready and set to get people on the water to enjoy this wonderful time of year. 

San Juan Island Kayak Tours

March is on it way and before you know it spring will be here.  Multi-Day kayak trips are already booking.  We are excited to hear the phones start ringing as it is a sign that soon summer will be here.  If you are planing on getting on the water for a San Juan Island Kayak Tour, start your preparations now.  Spend three to five days with your guide as you paddle from island to island.  Camping out, eating wonderful and relaxing on the beach with amazing views.  The San Juan Islands offer and amazing experience to the first time kayaker to the old pro’s. Discovery Sea Kayaks guides will develop a route that will take on an adventurous paddle through the island.  Look out for Bald Eagles, Harbor Seals and Ocra Whales.    If you only have a day, check out our Day, Half Day and Sunset Kayak Tours.  Our Guides are all excited to get on the water with a host of new people of the 2009 San Juan Island Kayak Tour Season.  Check out out website and gives us a call.  

Kayaking During The Winter on San Juan Island

Winter kayaking in the San Juan Islands can be a great experience.  It is true that it rains more during the winter and the temperatures get a bit chilly.  But the scenery is just as beautiful and there is usually plenty of wildlife to view.  The added bonus is there is few kayakers on the water or other boat traffic.  If you have been here during the summer months you know that the waterways are full of motor boast and the coast line teaming with kayakers.

The main caution during the winter months is the quick changing weather that lead to strong winds.  Winds tend to be the most common reason for Discovery Sea Kayaks to cancel tours, though cancellations are rare.  Kayaking San Juan Island in the rain is its own experience in itself.  Discovery Sea Kayaks provides you with rain gear and dry bags to keep you personal things nice and dry.  Sometimes to have  little adventure in your life you have to step out into the elements and just accept what you get and have fun.  Because if you get over the idea of rain as being miserable, then you will start having fun.  It is the Pacific Northwest, so if you live here I am sure you are use to it.  If you do not live here, you will get the full experience of the region.  Foggy days are common in the winter.  Kayaking along the shore in the fog is amazing. One of my favorite times to be on the water.  It is usually calm and still when the fog is in the area.  It as a different dimension to the adventure. 

There are other opportunities for fun while you are here for a visit.  There are two National Historic Parks that you can visit and enjoy nice small hikes with stunning views from American Camp.  Take a nice walk up Young Hill and have demanding view towards the west with views of Vancouver Island.  Visit the San Juan Island Trails Committee website and look over the various options to get on local trails.  Beach-combing along South Beach can be a wonderful time.  Bundle up and head out for a walk with views of the Olympic Mountains.  You will practically have the beach to yourself this time of year.

If you are a birder you can drive to nice location to view a mix of sea birds wintering in the San Juan Island.  Go to Cattle Pass at the southern tip of San Juan Island and look for Mergansers (Commons, Red Breasted and Hooded), Scooters, Buffleheads Golden Eyes, Grebes and the list keeps going.  Don’t forget to scan the tree tops for the many Bald Eagles that enjoy life here in the San Juan’s.

You can even contact Captain Jim if you want to go on a boat ride.  Check out Stellar Sea Lions hauled out on rocky islands. Pass along the islands taking in the scenery.  Contact Jim at Maya Charters for more information. 

Dine out at some of our great restaurants.  Breakfast at Rocky Bay Cafe.  Start the day where all the locals like to sit and enjoy traditional eggs and pancake breakfast.  Sip coffee and enjoy the slow pace of the island.  Eat dinner at Steps Wine Bar and Cafe where you can dine on locally grown foods prepared with perfection.  Chef Madden Surbaugh creates wonderful dishes that are well worth the trip to San Juan Island alone! Other establishments I recommend are Cocho and Backdoor Kitchen.  

Find lodging at Junier Lane Guest House.  This is a fun and quite place to stay.  During the winter months the Guest House is quiet.  Relax after dinner and cozy in for the night.  Enjoy the art throughout the Guest House.   

So if you are thinking of a getaway this winter.  Check out San Juan Island, though we are a small town.  We offer everything you need for a relaxing slow paced vacation.  

 Contact Discovery Sea Kayaks today to set up your winter kayak adventure on San Juan Island. 

January 2009

January 2009 and Sunny!