Anadyr Adventures
Sea Kayaking Trips in Valdez, Alaska Since 1989
A passion for Alaskan glacier and wildlife tours in the Prince William Sound wilderness defines Anadyr Adventures, the original, and still the best kayaking outfitter in Valdez, Alaska. We pioneered kayak based exploring out of Valdez over 30 years ago and are as passionate as ever. So rest assured you’ve come to the right place.
Anadyr offers four ways to explore: extraordinary Day trips for those with limited time, multi-day Camping trips for the adventurous spirit, Mothership trips for those desiring the mobility and amenities of a support vessel, and Lodge trips for those who wish to explore from the comfort of a remote wilderness lodge.
Trip itineraries and routes focus on the scenic highlights, wildlife hotspots and historic sites of interest in Prince William Sound. Our offerings are designed to fit your schedule, budget and expectations, while our small group trips are the perfect model to provide you with an intimate experience and excellent customer service.
Anadyr is also pleased to offer sea kayaking instruction. Our goal is to teach you the skills to become a safe and proficient sea kayaker while passing on our love for the sport. Courses follow ACA guidelines and are taught by certified instructors that have years of paddling experience.
Anadyr Adventures is here to help you plan your Alaska vacation or reach your kayaking goals.
If you’re already an experienced kayaker and visiting Valdez, please don’t hesitate to visit our shop. We are proud to be the source for local knowledge and enjoy passing on advice regarding current paddling conditions and how to safe on the water.
We will forever remember our first impressions of Prince William Sound. We strive to present that same sense of wonderment and place to each guest we introduce to this area. That’s why Anadyr Adventures is committed to accomplishing business in an environmentally sensitive manner both in the office and the field. Our impact is low and sustainable tourism is in the forefront of our agenda. We seek to share the beauty of Prince William Sound wilderness while conveying respect for the land, water, wildlife, the people of the area and the guests we serve. We ask our guests to share a similar respect for this amazing wilderness.
Our Team
Scott first came to Alaska in 1999 and began working with Anadyr in 2003. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a B.S. in Biology and Resource Management. Scott is a BCU canoe/kayak lifeguard, holds a 100 Ton Master license and an Able Seaman rating.
Aidan “Goose” Shafland was born and raised in the concrete jungle of NYC before finding his way to the wilderness. He has a BSc in Environmental Sciences and Outdoor Education from the University of Stirling in Scotland. Goose is an ACA certified L3 sea kayaking instructor, LNT master educator, and Wilderness First Responder. He is in his 11th season at Anadyr Adventures.
Sarah hails from the wild lands and wild waters of the Midwest. After spending some time at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, she transferred to attend school here in Valdez at Prince William Sound College. Fast forward a few years, Sarah is a PWSC graduate, ACA L2 instructor, and now coming into her 4th season as a kayak guide with us at Anadyr Adventures. When she’s not out on the water, you can find Sarah making homemade pasta, volunteering with the fire dept, or patching her rain pants (for the millionth time). Ask Sarah about her favorite paddling buddy, Oscar the grouch!
Born and raised in New Jersey, Anamar now calls Valdez home. After kayaking the Great Lakes, the Indian Ocean, and other waterways, the waters of Prince William Sound kept bringing her back. In her fifth year as a guide, Anamar is a L3 ACA Coastal Kayak Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Educator, and a certified food handler in Alaska and New York City. She enjoys drawing pictures, playing musical instruments with friends, and kayaking.
Matt Schiffner grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, but found his true calling after moving to Alaska. Deeply passionate about the natural world, Matt holds an AAS in Outdoor Leadership, and received his BA in environmental studies. Now in his fourth season guiding with Anadyr, Matt strives to share his love for the outdoors with anyone who crosses his path. Matt is equally adept on the water and mountains. He has submitted Denali twice. When he’s not out paddling or playing in the mountains, you may find him contemplating his next move over a chess board, or taking a pick up soccer game a little too seriously.
Kory grew up in Massachusetts, moving to Alaska in 2009 after coming here for vacation. Valdez has been home since 2015. He spent time working as a carpenter and in oil spill response. This is his 3rd season guiding with Anadyr. He is an ACA L2 Coastal Kayak instructor and Wilderness First Responder.
Originally from Michigan, Carrie now lives in Valdez, AK year-round with her husband and two dogs. She holds a BS in Economics and is an ACA Level 2 Sea Kayak Instructor, Leave No Trace educator, and certified Wilderness First Responder. Carrie teaches sea‑kayaking and outdoor leadership courses at the University of Alaska Anchorage and Prince William Sound College. Through these programs, she has completed the full 138‑mile paddle from Whittier to Valdez twice. Her guiding style focuses on building technical skills, confidence, stewardship, and fostering a deep connection to Alaska’s coastal wilderness. This is her third season with Anadyr Adventures.
Lauren grew up in small-town Indiana and studied psychology at Indiana University. After college, she moved to the west coast and slowly made her way north to eventually find her home in Valdez, AK. She is an ACA L2 sea kayaking instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and second year guide with Anadyr. Lauren is passionate about all things paddling, skiing, climbing, and cats.
August Franzen grew up in Iowa, then promptly bailed to pursue adventures in the mountains. He has a BS in Outdoor Education from Alaska Pacific University. August is an LNT master educator, and Wilderness First Responder. He is in his 2nd season at Anadyr Adventures.
Rob Galdo was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He has a BSc of Biological Science from UConn. During his summers he worked as a program coordinator at Philmont Boy Scouts Camp before finding work as a Mental Health Technician with teenagers. After 5 years of that he did a complete 180 and has joined us for his 2nd season guiding at Anadyr Adventures. He is an ACA certified L1 sea kayaking instructor.
Victoria Bergese was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She hadn’t seen too many mountains until finding Prince William Sound College in Valdez. Since graduating with an AAS in Outdoor Leadership, she has found love in all things outdoors. Victoria is here with us for her second season at Anadyr Adventures, she is a Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace educator, ACA L2 paddler and is swift water rescue trained. When Victoria isn’t paddling, she’s traveling, scuba diving, snowboarding or making meals with her friends.
Cooper Wallace was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and moved to Alaska in 2015. Cooper attended Prince William Sound College where he completed an associates of applied science in outdoor leadership. Cooper has spent his last two summer seasons as a kayaking guide in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. When Cooper is not leading tours for Anadyr, he enjoys climbing, hiking, and backcountry snowboarding. Cooper has certifications in ACA level 2 sea kayaking, swift water rescue, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave No Trace educator.
Claire Zankle originally hails from southcentral Wisconsin, but now finds herself popping between seasonal positions all over the country. Summer 2025 in Valdez is her fifth summer in Alaska, first in Valdez, and third season as a sea kayak guide. Other places she’s guided on the water have been Seward, AK and coastal Maine. She’s particularly passionate about birds and other wildlife and enjoys this aspect of outdoor guiding the most. She holds certifications in Wilderness First Response and ACA level 2 sea kayak. Outside of guiding, Claire can usually be found reading, drawing, biking, hiking, and cooking.
Jade Lacey is a product of remote Alaskan bush living. Where she may be lacking social skills, she makes up for it with her magnetic enthusiasm for the outdoors. After making one too many Americanos in the bustling metropolitan city of Boise, Idaho, Jade decided it was time to reconnect with her roots and began the trek back to her home state. Not long after moving to Valdez, she found herself enrolled in the Outdoor Leadership program at Prince William Sound College. She is an ACA L2 paddler, a Leave No Trace Educator, and she holds a L4 Swift Water Rescue certification. This is Jade’s first season guiding for Anadyr. Outside of paddling, Jade loves to rock climb, run long distances, and backpack.
Sponsorships, Memberships and Affiliates
Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 8:00pm
Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday 8:00am – 8:00pm
After Labor Day Weekend
Everyday 8:00am – 6:00pm
