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What Should I Bring?

Guiding and living in Seward requires some specialized gear. With nearly 90 inches of precipitation yearly a good pair of rubber boots (ie Xtra Tuffs) and rain gear is important. Seward is a recreational mecca, so don't forget a good pair of hiking boots or favorite toy!

Before we get into the list of required items there's one thing to keep in mind...most of these item's can be purchased through Sunny Cove at a discounted rate. Once you're hired you'll be provided with information about discounted purchasing.

Required Guide Gear

Marine VHF Radio

  • Your handheld radio should be waterproof. We've had good results with the Standard Horizon Submersible Model #HX280S.

Kenai Fjords National Park Map

  • This is a laminated 7.5 minute topographic map that can be picked up through the National Park Service here in Seward.

Type III or V Personal Flotation Device

  • Your PFD can be purchased through NRS at a discount. If you haven't already recieved the log on info for www.nrsb2b.com please contact us.

Spray Skirt

  • Spray skirts are sold in a combo of two sizes, tunnel size (around your waist) and deck size (around the combing of the kayak). You'll need to choose a skirt that fits a large deck size. We recommend neoprene because it's sturdy and more watertight than laminate style skirts.

Rescue Whistle

  • The louder the better. Avoid whistles with a cork ball inside. Cork swells with moisture and the whistle won't work. May also be purchased through NRS.

Rescue Knife

  • A good rescue knife will come in handy when you need to free a line in a hurry or you forgot your cheese knife. Choose a knife with a blunt tip (raft guide style) that attaches to your pfd. It can be tough to get your knife out of a pocket in a hurry...and it's much easier to forget when it's not attached. May also be purchased through NRS.

Rubber Boots

  • Most of us own, and virtually live in, Xtra Tuff neoprene boots as does most of Alaska. These can be picked up locally.

Personal Dry Bags

  • You'll most likely need a 10 ltr, a 20 ltr and a 30 ltr over the course of the summer. May also be purchased through NRS.

Personal Hypothermia Kit

  • This kit will go with you any time you paddle. Also known as a capsize kit. Should contain a synthetic or wool shirt, synthetic or wool pants, synthetic or wool sock, and a warm hat.

Cell Phone

  • Please be sure this phone will work in Seward. We'll need to be able to contact you and you'll use this as a backup source of contact on Lowell Point and Fox Island trips. Many guides have picked up pre-pay phones specifically for this use. Pre-pay phones can be purchased locally.

Waterproof Layer

  • Many of us have two sets of rain/paddling gear. One set is a Gore Tex type of material for light/moderate rainfall and rubberized rain gear for really wet days. Much of this gear can be purchased locally or through NRS.

Synthetic Sleeping Bag

  • We recommend a 20°bag that packs small. This is a wet climate, avoiding a down bag is a good idea.

Highly Recommended Items to Bring

  • Lightweight Thermal Underlayers
  • Expedition Weight Thermal Underlayers
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Polypro or Wool Blend Socks
  • Packable Pillow
  • Paddling Gloves/Pogies
  • Synthetic Shorts
  • Rain Hat, Insulated Hat, Baseball Cap
  • Hiking Boots, Tennis Shoes and Sandals
  • Sunglasses, Spare Glasses, Strap for Glasses
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm
  • Toiletries
  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Personal Medications
  • Bicycle for Getting to Town
  • Waterbottle
  • Travel Mug
  • Lighter
  • Pocket Knife
  • Headlamp
  • Camera
  • Binoculars

Please come prepared to spend a significant amount of time outside both working and recreating. If you have any questions about the type of gear you should bring/purchase, please drop us an email.