Alaska.com: Alaska's Travel Website

"The indigenous people lived on the southern shore of Kachemak Bay, and that's where we kayak. If you spend some time kayaking, you're more a part of what's going on and a part of the bay. You leave with a feeling of being part of it, not just an observer."

-- Barb Buzzelli, co-owner of Inlet Charters Across Alaska Adventures in Homer

The rhythm of the kayak is a lifestyle -- even if it's just for a long weekend. Tides, weather, potential campsites, those are things that factor into the rhythm.

Sitting just inches out of the water puts even inexperienced kayakers in the rhythm. It's easy to lose track of time and distance just paddling. Stroke after stroke, time simply fades away. Worries and troubles are left in the small wake trailing behind the kayak.

Plop-splash, plop-splash.

Then a salmon leaps in front of the kayak or an eagle flaps its heavy wings from the top of a spruce tree. Maybe a Steller sea lion surges to the surface of the chilly water.

That's the rhythm of the kayak.

And with more than 30,000 miles of coastline, Alaska is a perfect playground for sea kayakers. Kachemak Bay, Prince William Sound and Kenai Fjords National Park are all outstanding kayaking destinations.

And novices are welcome. Sea kayaks that seat two people are stable and can be maneuvered with a rudder. The learning curve is about five minutes for most people.

"We offer trips for absolutely anybody, from the experienced to total beginners," said Wendy Eason, co-owner of Kayak Adventures Worldwide in Seward. "Our guides are intensively trained. Really, kayaking is pretty simple. Just about anyone can do it.

"Once you get in the kayak, you just get the feel for it."

"Kayaking is not difficult to learn for those in reasonable condition," said Scott Burbank of St. Augustine's Kayak and Tours in Homer. "We have taken literally thousands kayaking who have never paddled previously."

So where should you wet your paddle? In Alaska, anywhere kayak rentals are available is sure to have outstanding scenery and potential animal encounters. Consider these:

KACHEMAK BAY

Homer is the starting point for kayaking the beautiful south side of Kachemak Bay. A water-taxi ride across the bay puts paddlers in one of the richest marine ecosystems in the state. Water taxis leave from the Homer Spit.

Kachemak Bay is lined with a number of smaller bays that provide endless paddling opportunities. Tutka Bay is seven miles long and could serve as a full-day paddle all by itself. Other areas across from Homer include Peterson Bay, China Poot Bay, Kasitsna Bay, Jakolof Bay, Sadie Cove, Halibut Cove and Seldovia Bay.

"I think Kachemak Bay is a great location for kayaking because of its diversity of scenery and attractions," Burbank said. "In fact, Susan and myself have traveled widely during winter months to kayak and are always thrilled to return home to Kachemak Bay, our favorite kayaking spot."

Kayak rentals allow for unlimited exploring. Most kayak companies offer half-day, full-day and multiday guided tours.

Many tours take visitors past Gull Island, a seabird rookery.

"One of the main highlights of our tour is Gull Island seabird rookery, home to eight species of seabirds including horned and tufted puffins," Burbank said. "In addition, there are a variety of other seabirds and marine mammals, as well as opportunities for tide-pooling."

KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK

Kayaking from Seward includes two options: a day trip in Resurrection Bay or a water-taxi ride and a longer trip to Kenai Fjords National Park or outside the bay. Both can be breathtaking.

Eason said extended trips to Aialik Bay and Northwestern Lagoon in Kenai Fjords are outstanding.

"The wildlife is awesome. We might see orcas, humpbacks, sea otters, black bears in addition to glaciers," she said. "And it's remote. Last year, I spent most of the summer in Northwestern Lagoon, and I think I saw three other groups of people all summer.

"When we're in Pederson Lagoon, you are paddling just a few feet from huge icebergs. There are seals munching away just 20 feet from you. The tidewater glaciers are beautiful."

Kayak companies have different offerings. Look around for what fits your schedule and budget.

Kayak Adventures Worldwide's day trips include morning, sunset and all-day trips in Resurrection Bay and a trip to Aialik Bay. It also offers extended trips in Resurrection Bay and into the national park. The extended trips can be booked with a guide or fully outfitted, complete with all camping gear and a guide to cook meals.

Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking Co. also offers day trips in Resurrection and Aialik bays, but in addition has trips to Fox Island. Its extended trips go to Kenai Fjords, Resurrection Bay and Fox Island.

PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND

The stunning beauty of Prince William Sound is accessible from Whittier and Valdez. Tour companies in both communities offer day and multiday trips.

The Sound is world famous for the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. In the years since, the Sound has essentially recovered and offers a beautiful setting for kayakers.

Whether you're setting off from Whittier or Valdez, stunning mountains, massive glaciers and wildlife set the tone for the trip. Kayak companies offer rentals for experienced paddlers and guided trips.

Popular destinations outside Valdez include Shoup Glacier and Columbia Glacier, Alaska's second-largest tidewater glacier. Columbia Glacier has been retreating dramatically the past several years, leaving massive icebergs floating for miles in front of the glacier.

Most multiday trips include stops at both Shoup and Columbia glaciers.

From Whittier, most trips include Passage Canal and a trip to Blackstone Bay, which has several actively calving glaciers.

Special sections editor Steve Edwards can be reached at sedwards@adn.com.