The Moondance

The Moondance won best sea kayaking film of 2021 in the World Paddling Film Festival

Back in 2020, when Covid slowed tourism to a halt, we found ourselves in a rare moment of stillness. The usual rhythm of our days—packing dry bags, launching kayaks into glassy waters, and guiding guests through the winding channels of the San Juan Islands—was suddenly put on pause. Like so many others, we faced uncertainty. But instead of waiting for normalcy to return, we decided to turn our energy toward something new: capturing the magic of kayak camping in a way that could be shared far beyond the islands.

Without the steady flow of trips launching from shore, we had time to reflect on what made our experiences so special. It wasn’t just the breathtaking scenery—the rugged shorelines dotted with madronas, the misty mornings where harbor seals bobbed curiously beside our boats, or the sunsets that set the water ablaze with gold and pink. It was the way being out there made us feel. The way a slow morning, coffee in hand, gazing at an undisturbed horizon, could bring a deep sense of peace. The way laughter rang through camp after a long day of paddling, stories unfolding under the glow of headlamps and campfire embers.

We knew that feeling was something worth sharing.

We picked up some cameras and began documenting what it means to live in rhythm with the tides. We wanted to showcase not just the adventure, but the simple joys of kayak camping—setting up camp on a remote beach, cooking delicious meals over a camp stove, waking up to the sound of eagles overhead.

Now, looking back, we’re grateful for that unexpected pause. It allowed us to create something lasting—a way for others to feel the magic of the San Juans even from afar. And more than that, it reminded us why we do what we do. Leading trips isn’t just about showing people a beautiful place. It’s about inviting them into an experience that lingers long after they’ve packed up their tent and paddled back to shore.

And as we continue guiding, we carry that reminder with us: that the real magic of the San Juans isn’t just in the landscape—it’s in the moments we share, the connections we make, and the way these islands stay with us long after we leave.