Coastal Kayak Retreat

This retreat was organized with the intention for participants to leave with incredible memories, new friends, feeling reenergized and inspired!

Our adventure will begin on Friday morning in Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. We will paddle in tandem kayaks through prime transient and resident Orca country on our quest to find the majestic sea animals as well as others that call the Salish Sea home. After a day of paddling, kayak sailing and exploring small islands, we will enjoy a seaside campsite on an island only accessible by boat. We will stretch our paddling muscles with a yoga class led by Melissa Borden, designed to wind down the body and release stress as we settle in for the evening. After a scrumptious dinner, we will take in the sunset from a vista overlooking the Canadian Gulf and Vancouver Island. From our mossy aerie, we will be able to view feeding Dall's porpoises and harbor seals below, while the sunset colors bathe everything in pink and purple. At night, some may decide to take their kayaks just offshore to take in the bioluminescence show!

Our second day will begin with a mindful meditation to set our intentions for the day, followed by slow vinyasa yoga (beginner friendly) to wake up and energize our bodies. After breakfast, we will cross to Speiden Island and then into Open Bay (whale country) We'll stop for lunch and sea glass hunting in Open Bay before paddling back to Wescott Bay where we'll catch a shuttle back to Friday Harbor.

Serena Argens and Melissa Borden have teamed up to co-host this retreat as they share a love for all things energy, specifically activities and practices that raise your vibration. Melissa is a Reiki Master and PSYCH-K Facilitator who began her journey in energy work by teaching Yoga. She is excited to share with you the profound effects the simple practices yoga and meditation can offer. Serena is a Life and Leadership Coach who is trained in CORE Energy Coaching, her mission is to help others with living more purposeful and fulfilling lives. Serena and Melissa have organized this special retreat in an effort for each person to walk away having had an unforgettable experience that leaves them reinvigorated, inspired and full of joy!  

Each participant will receive a one hour complimentary coaching session with Serena post-retreat to help channel this newfound energy.

Additional Details:

-The cost is $579 per person. $300 is due upon registration to secure your spot, the remainder is due July 15th. The cost includes kayak gear, camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, pads & mess kits) and all meals. It does not include transportation to Friday Harbor but we can provide recommendations or help arrange carpools for those interested. 

- We begin and end our trip from Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. This is approximately a 90 minute drive and then 1h ferry crossing from Seattle. We anticipate meeting at 8a on Friday, August 19th to begin our adventure and we will return back roughly between 3-4p on Saturday, August 20th.

-We will be meeting a short two block walk from the Friday Harbor ferry terminal so it is recommended to walk onto the Anacortes ferry to avoid making ferry reservations (there is overnight parking at the Anacortes ferry terminal).

-Our trip will be about 23 miles over 2 days (10 and 13 miles on consecutive days). The difficulty level is considered moderate to hard. It is recommended that those that sign up be in good physical health but extensive paddling experience is not necessary as we will in tandem boats with rudders. It is roughly 2-3h of paddling each day depending on the tides. 

-This will be a smaller, more intimate group retreat so space is limited to 12 total. If you wish to join us, we encourage you to reserve your spot ASAP!

Questions? Please email info@riseshinebright.com