We've never been sea kayaking, but think we'd like to take the full day trip offered in Friday Harbor in early July.

Has anyone done this before? Are the waters around San Juan Island "kayak friendly" especially for newbies? Any suggestions???

Do it!! It's easy and the best way to be on the water. The companies are used to newbies-it's really quite hard to actually tip over. You'll probably be a little sore after a full day trip, unless your upper body is in great shape, but it'll be worth it. Seeing whales by kayak is extraordinary.

If you like it Clousie plan your next kayak adventure to Lund (the end of Hwy 1). Awesome! You will love the waters around the San Juan's. Alas...I did that a couple of times from Redmond, Wa. but in a Zodiac. The only kayaking I've done was on the Deschuttes in Oregon.

Water in the San Juan is usually very nice, often quite flat. Even on days with a little blow, there are plenty of protected areas,

When you're out of the boat, check out the ``Pig War'' sites and Lime Kiln Point, where you can often see whales from shore.

Thanks for the encouragement. It sounds as though it will be great, and a nice break from 2 weeks of hiking.

I checked through outfitters in Friday Harbor, and I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with either Sea Quest Kayaks or Outdoor Odysseys.

ttt

I went kayaking with Sea Quest Kayaking Tours and they were great. The guides were very knowledgeable and took us right to where the killer whales were feeding that day. My family will never forget that experience!