“For 35 years, an able body was my passport to
adventure. My horizons seemed limitless, until multiple sclerosis put
me in a wheelchair. My wandering days seemed at an end. Or so I
thought. ETC rousted me into the outdoors again, with the equipment,
staff and experience to adapt to my changing needs. Imagination.
Flexibility. Fellowship. ETC's amazing volunteers have brought me back
to the campfire circle.”
-- Mathew Soyster, participant
Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) opens the beauty and challenge of outdoor adventures to people with special needs. Every year over 2,000 people of all abilities join us to raft whitewater rivers, ski across alpine meadows, sea kayak the waters of the Golden Gate and sleep beneath the open sky. ETC trips enable participants to access the wilderness, gain environmental awareness, and share the adventure. We invite you to join us on a trip. Groups and individuals of all abilities are welcome to participate in our sea kayaking, rafting and cross-country skiing programs. Download the ETC Brochure (pdf 700k)
ETC Happenings...
2009-2010
Elba Island, Italy
Sea Kayaking
Sept 21–28, 2009
$2100, includes hotel lodging, scrumptious meals, kayaks and guides. Sliding scale scholarships available for people with disabilities.
Join ETC for an unforgettable week of sea kayaking and exploring the warm waters off the coast of Tuscany on Elba Island. Eat and drink fabulous food and wine, as we discover this ancient and fascinating island.
Sea Kayak Trips for Individuals
Sea Kayak Day Paddles:
SF Bay: Sat, June 13
Elkhorn Slough: Sat, July 25
Tomales Bay: Sat, Aug. 22
Angel Island Overnight:
Sat-Sun, August 15-16
For more information and pricing, contact Allison:
(415) 474-4776 ext. 13
SAVE THE DATE Sea Trek Regatta
& ETC Paddleathon Sat, Oct 24, 2009
The most fun kayaking fundraiser on the Westcoast! This year, EVERYBODY who raises $3000 earns their choice of a kayaking adventure to Baja or a Rogue River rafting Expedition. The money we raise supports ETC's accessible programs.
Mendocino Sea Kayak Adventure
Oct 9–12, 2009
$400, includes lodging, scrumptious meals, kayaks and guides. Sliding scale scholarships available for people with disabilities.
Enjoy the stunning Mendocino Coast as we paddle up the Big River and explore sea caves on the open ocean. We stay at a quaint 120-year old farmhouse at Jughandle Creek Farm with excellent access to coastal trails.
Gourmet Storytelling Paddle Nov 7-8, 2009 Bring the kids! $285 adults
$250 youth
10–15 yrs, includes kayaking gear, delicious meals and camp accommodations
at historic Camp Reynolds. Sliding–scale scholarships available for people
with disabilities.
Enjoy an unforgettable overnight kayaking adventure to Angel Island. Special guest storyteller, Malcolm Margolin, will regale us with native
and urban tales. Malcolm is the author of The Ohlone Way and pub- lisher of Heyday books. A gourmet dinner will be prepared by Annie Somerville, renowned Chef from Greens Restaurant, and served in the historic and elegant Victorian dining room.
Rogue River Shared Expedition Sept 17–21, 2009 GREAT FOR FAMILIES! $850 Scholarships available to people with disabilities.
This expedition style trip winds through the Wild and Scenic Rogue River. The narrow confines of the Rogue canyon create some of the best whitewater in the west. Never fierce, this river is always fun. Most rapids are boulder-choked mazes splashing down quick turn raceways with giant, smooth black boulders lining the river. Rafts squeeze through mini-canyons that pool into big calms below.
Baja Sea Kayak
Expedition
April 3–10, 2010
$1400, includes two nights in a hotel, scrumptious meals, kayaks and guides. Sliding scale scholarships available for people with disabilities.
Beautiful beaches, warm water, abundant wildlife, and local Mexican culture will leave you exhilarated and inspired. Join us for a glorious week of paddling along the spectacular shoreline of Espirito Santos and snorkeling with baby sea lions.
