I was wondering...!

Below is a list of questions and answers to the most common questions. If you have a question that is not on the list, drop us an email and we'll answer you and add it to the list.

How long is the season for a guide?
Our season begins May 11, 2012 with limited tour availablity. These early trips will be run by our return guides. However, we typically don't get really busy until somewhere around the second week of June. Busy season runs until mid-August and trips end the first week of September. Usually there is a bit of work for a few days after the last trips...you know, clean up and packing. All the dates are subject to change, but for now, that's the plan.

What if I need extended time off during the summer?

Unfortunately, due to the dynamic nature of the business, extended periods of time off are not available. We do our best to schedule you with two days off per week. Occasionally we ask if there are volunteers on staff willing to give up one of their days off when we're really busy. We take time off requests seriously and do our best to fulfill them, but more often than not, during the core of the season we need all able bodies ready and available.

What's the deal with training?
Training is in early-May this year and will last several days. We will cover trip logistics, company policies and rescue training. Part of training involves 'shadowing' senior guides on all of our trips to gain first hand experience. Training is mandatory for all first year staff members.

Should I bring a car? What if I don't bring a car?
Lowell Point is about 3 miles from Seward city center, so a car isn't totally necessary. However, if you want to travel around the Kenai Peninsula or Alaska, a vehicle can be handy. Alaska is big, and transportation can be a challenge depending on how much time you have available. We have a few bikes available for guide use, but if you have a bike of your own you may want to bring it and a lock. Cab service is also available in Seward for a nominal fee.

Will my cell phone work in Seward?
Your phone will likely work in Seward city limits but availability gets sporadic away from town. There are a few Alaska based cell phone providers that provide service in Seward as well. There is very, very limited cell reception when you are scheduled on Fox Island. The best place to get a signal on the island is in a little sea cave that faces toward Seward. No really...you'll see it soon enough.

Is there internet access available?
There are a couple of internet cafes in Seward and there is internet access at the Seward Library. If you have a laptop with wireless capability you will be able to pick up a signal at Lowell Point. The internet service in Seward is 'high speed' by Alaska standards which means it is pretty slow, so we may ask you to avoid picking up the wireless signal during business hours.

What's in Seward?
Seward is a pretty typical small town. It's pretty easy to get around, and all the usual amenities are available. Go to www.sewardak.org if you want detailed info.

How do I get to Seward?
Seward is located approximately 2.5 hours south of Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. There is daily flight service into Anchorage. There are a few options to get to Seward from Anchorage. The Alaska Railroad provides daily rail service from mid-May to mid-September. AT&T Park Van Connection provides daily service mid-May through mid-September. Seward Bus Line provides daily service early May to mid-September. Kenai Fjords Tours also offers occasional shuttles between locations. Each of these providers offers a special rate to staff members coming to Seward to work. If you have questions regarding travel contact us.

How often do I get paid?
SCSK pays biweekly and guides are responsible for maintaining their own time sheets. SCSK does not offer direct deposit. There are two banks in Seward, Wells Fargo and Bank of Alaska. A full pay schedule will be posted in the office at Lowell Point. Please remember, you will not get a full pay check for awhile at the beginning of the season, maybe not until mid-June, so come prepared to survive for a few weeks on your own savings.

Who the heck am I working with?
Click here to see the crew. If you haven't already, email us your favorite picture of yourself and a short bio. Keep checking back as we will keep updating as new folks get hired.

What's the deal with guide housing?
Full time Sunny Cove staff are given the opportunity to live at Lowell Point or Fox Island (depending on the scheduled rotation) at no charge. Housing consists of a communal yurt on Fox and a communal yurt in addition to some other facilities at Lowell Point. There are kitchen facilities at Lowell Point and there is very limited storage space for the guides. We all live in pretty close quarters, so the ability to share and cohabitate is important. Getting along is pretty easy at SC with a few simple guidelines... 1)respect each other 2)keep your gear clean 3)keep your body clean. Your bunk is waiting!

I have a pet. Can I live in guide housing with my pet?
No. Due to the limited space available in guide housing pets are not allowed.

What if I don't want to live in guide housing? How hard is it to find a place to live in Seward?
Finding housing in Seward can be a real challenge. Seward relies heavily on tourism in the summer time and nearly all of the rentals available in the summer are lodging rentals. If you intend to live outside of housing you'll need to start looking really early. Check the Seward Phoenix Log, Seward City News and Craigslist for listings.

What's a normal day like for a guide?
The guiding schedule may entail any number of combinations of trips or chores. In general, guides can expect to participate in 1-3 trips per day for 5-9 days at a time. This can sometimes make for a day that begins at 7:15 am and finishes at 9:15 pm with few breaks in between. We do our best to be fair and accomodating when scheduling but due to the dynamic nature of trip booking the schedule can change at the last minute with little notice. We try to schedule two days off weekly and we try to honor time off requests. We do our best to be flexible with the schedule and expect the same in return from our guides. May and late August are the best times to plan longer road trips or excursions as we typiclly aren't quite so busy.

What kind of gear will I need?
Well, you're gonna be a kayaking guide in a cold-water climate, so you'll need cold-water kayaking gear. You can check out the whole list at our gear page. Guides are responsible for providing ALL of their own personal gear. Sunny Cove gear is for clients. Pro deals will be made available to guides so that gear can be purchased at a discount.

What are the chances a first year guide will get onto a multi-day trip?
Well, that's up to you. SCSK operates like any other guide company, and senior lead guides get first pick for multiday trips. However, more often than not those lead guides need assistants on their trips. Whether or not you get scheduled for these trips is totally up to you. If you show drive and talent it is pretty likely that we will notice. Also, don't be afraid to ask. But, if you are going to ask be sure you are getting practice wherever you can. Shadow trips, put on a drysuit and practice your rescue technique, spend some time learning new information to add to your naturalist repertoire....like we said...it's up to you....we only send the best.

Is a Wilderness First Responder certification required?
A Wilderness First Aid certification is sufficient for an assistant guide position. However, a WFR is required if you are aspiring to move beyond an assistant guide position. We hold our guides and their abilities to high standards and promote those who strive to be the best. Our promotion guidelines can be found in our 2012 Staff Manual.