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Jim Lake Discover Kayak or SUP Intro Tour
Pricing
Ages 18+
Ages 18+
Ages 6-17
Description
Jim Lake Discover Kayaking - Beginner Paddling Tour near Anchorage
Set against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountains, this short introductory outing teaches you the basics of paddling a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, then turns you loose to practice on Jim Lake and its connecting creek.
Your guide starts things off on shore with the essentials — how to hold a paddle, how to get your balance, and what to expect once you're out on the water. From there, you'll ease into paddling on the calm, glassy surface of Jim Lake, with mountain views stretching out around you the whole time. As your confidence builds, the route continues onto a quiet connecting creek, giving you a taste of moving water in addition to the stillness of the lake.
It's a slower, more hands-on pace, with plenty of time to get comfortable in the boat, ask questions, and simply enjoy being out on the water in the Mat-Su Valley. Snacks are served along the way, and a waterproof phone case comes with every trip so you can capture the moment without worrying about your gear.
Duration
Location / Where to Meet
- This class takes place at Jim Lake, Maud Rd Exd, Palmer, AK 99645 - View on Google Maps
- A round-trip shuttle from downtown Anchorage, Palmer, or Wasilla is available for an extra fee
- Approximate driving distance: roughly 45 miles (72 km) / about 1 hour from Anchorage, and approximately 10 miles (16 km) from both Palmer and Wasilla — estimated from public geographic data, needs confirmation
Ages & Requirements
- All ages welcome
- One child aged 5 or younger may join as a free lap rider per paying adult — must be scheduled in advance
- No previous paddling experience required — this trip is designed to teach it
What's Included
- Kayak or stand-up paddleboard
- Life jacket
- Paddle
- Waterproof phone case
- Snacks
- Tour guide and paddling instruction
Not Included
- Gratuity for your guide
- Round-trip shuttle from Anchorage, Palmer, or Wasilla — available for an extra fee at checkout
What to Bring / Wear
- Non-cotton base layer
- Quick-drying shirt and pants
- Fleece jacket
- Rain/wind outer layer (pants and jacket)
- Hat with drawstring or a beanie
- Shoes that can get wet and dry quickly (flip-flops discouraged)
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Adventures by True North Ak
FAQs
Is transportation from Anchorage included?
Transportation is not included in the tour price. Your guides offer a round-trip shuttle from downtown Anchorage for an additional flat fee of $175 per group (1–6 people). The shuttle meets guests at the downtown Anchorage Visitor's Center (the Log Cabin) and is roughly a 45-minute ride each way to the meeting point. Shuttle service is also available from Palmer or Wasilla for $85. Shuttle service must be requested and scheduled in advance.
Do I need previous paddling experience?
No prior experience is needed for these trips. They're designed to welcome beginners, and your guide will cover paddling basics before you head out on the water.
How far in advance do I need to make a reservation?
Online reservations must be made by 5 PM the day before your scheduled tour.
What wildlife might I see on Jim Lake?
Your guides paddle through glacier-formed lakes, marshlands, and river systems where river otters, beavers, bald eagles, salmon, ducks, owls, porcupines, moose, bears, and coyotes have all been spotted. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the terrain is prime wildlife habitat.
What will I actually learn on this trip?
Your guide will teach you the fundamentals of paddling a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, then give you time to put those skills into practice as you paddle and float around Jim Lake and its connecting creek.
Can I choose between a kayak and a paddleboard?
Yes, both kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for this trip.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: Cancel by phone more than 1 day before your trip (before 5 PM the day prior) for a full refund minus card processing fees. Cancellations within 1 day are non-refundable.
No-Shows: Arriving more than 15 minutes late, or backing out at departure for a non-safety reason, counts as a no-show — no refund.
Weather: Trips may be modified, postponed, or canceled for unsafe conditions (high wind, fog, flooding, storms, extreme cold, whiteout, etc.). If a trip can't run safely, guests get a reschedule or full refund. Your guides call within an hour of the start time if weather forces a change.
Fitness/Mobility: Guides may turn back participants who can't safely keep pace, per ACA Essential Eligibility Standards for water sports. No refund if turned back for this reason — contact your guides in advance with any concerns.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
Maud Rd Exd
Palmer, AK, 99645
US
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