Paddleboarding Knik Glacier: Alaska's Ice Adventure

Glacier Paddleboarding: The Chill Adventure of a Lifetime

At 25 miles long, Knik Glacier in Alaska ranks as one of the largest glaciers in Southcentral Alaska. This glacial lake is not just a natural marvel in size. When the sun hits a glacial lake, it casts an otherworldly, turquoise color. This vista when combined with the exhilarating activity of paddleboarding on a glacier lake creates a unique outdoor experience.

Paddling in Frozen Wonders

Paddleboarding on a glacier offers an experience that combines glacier lakes and the serene activity of paddling. Typically paddleboarding involves navigating a standalone paddleboard across a water surface with an extra slightly larger hull than its traditional kayak counterpart. In the case of glacier lakes, it becomes a thrilling water sport, a unique and exhilarating adventure for anyone who loves the outdoors. Unlike paddleboarding on a normal lake, paddleboarding on a glacier lake is combined with narrow ice channels and large ice formations—things that are typically absent in the experience. Based on the spectacular footage, the silence likely broken only by the gentle splash of a paddle, seems to be a direct contrast to the usually bustling lakes. Glacier paddleboarding is distinctive in that one actually paddles into an ice channel, surrounded by ice formations. The combination of this landscape with the regular paddling experience makes it an adventure unlike any other, the scenery decorating the activity.

Adventure in a Changing World

Adventure travel is on the rise, with glaciers proving to be a top attraction. Glacier paddleboarding in Knik is a convergence of adventure and awesomeness. These glacial phenomena indicate a changing climate in Alaska, but the attraction also showcases the beauty and vastness of glacier lakes. This attraction is an example of how adventure tourism can capitalize on natural wonders even as they are imperiled by global warming. The rise of adventure tourism and the popularity of glacier paddleboarding in Alaska reflect a growing trend of tourists seeking thrilling experiences in unique natural settings. The rise of tourism is as well expanding the outdoor market as evidenced by the appearance of the BOTE paddleboard brand in the video.

Unpacking a Glacier Boarding Adventure

Guiding the Way

Paddleboarding requires a guide for adventure tourism as there is a risk involved. The scenic location, combined with the narrow ice channels and the large ice formations, turns this into a perilous undertaking. A guide is necessary to understand the geological properties of the glacier’s ice formations, navigating the narrow ice channels, and ensuring one’s safety. This is especially true in Alaska where the terrain is known to be dangerous, as well as unpredictable.

The Tour

Alaska Helicopter Tours conducts glacier paddleboarding at Knik Glacier. Alaska Helicopter Tours will pick you from a location in the Matanuska–Susitna Valley in Alaska. This is approximately 50 miles from Anchorage. The helicopter ride alone already brings in an adventure as it offers panoramic views of the icy terrain and the parked aircraft. It is already a unique experience as one gets to see the glacier’s beauty from above before you get on a kayak.

The Board

Knik Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Southcentral Alaska, and as such requires a tour company that is used to the area. They use several types of gear for the glacier, including BOTE paddleboards. The BOTE paddleboard is quite expensive at over $1,000 retail price, but it is built for adventure. The BOTE paddleboard has a durable fiberglass deck and a feature called the Drop-Stitch. This allows the board to be inflated and deflated. It also has a built in wheel that makes it easy to transport.

How to Paddle in Icy Splendor

To try glacier paddleboarding, make sure it’s with a reliable guide. In the case of Knik, Alaska, it is Alaska Helicopter Tours that will provide the service. Keep in mind that glaciers offer a unique natural landscape but aren't without risk. Always put safety first, and make sure to prepare with the right equipment.

• Equipment and Rentals: If you don't own a BOTE paddleboard and are looking to try ice paddleboarding you can find some good deals online. Make sure to invest in a good-quality paddleboard, as it will determine the intensity of the fun.
• Knowledge and Safety Essentials:
  • Be aware of the differences and hazards of ice and the unpredictable glacier terrain. Make sure you are with a good guide who is familiar with the area.
  • Keep all necessary precautions in mind.
• Prep Steps:
  • Invest in the best outdoor gear that you can get.
  • Get a good waterproof phone cover.
  • Physical precautions like warm clothes, a waterproof jacket and life jacket should also be kept in mind.