Environmental Traveling Companions


“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...   
2008
   

Kayak Baja
Nov 1-8
, 2008
Mar 7-14, 2009

$1300, 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 sealions.


Kayak Italy
Sept 22-29, 2008

more info

Discover the Island of Elba for 8 glorious days as we paddle, eat and drink fabulous wine, and explore this ancient and facinating land!

Bay Nature Magazine Interpretive Paddle
Sept 20, 2008

$90, includes lunch.

Join us for this very special collaboration between with Bay Nature Magazine and naturalist, Armando Quintero. From Sausalito, we'll paddle to Angel Island and have lunch while enjoying our favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Before paddling back to Sausalito, we will go for a hike and learn about the Island. Beginning kayakers of all abilities are welcome.

Kayak Mendocino
Sept 26-29, 2008

$400, includes all meals, accomodations, kayak rental and instruction 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 will stay at a quaint 120 year-od farmhouse at Jughandle Creek Farm with excellent access to coastal trails.

Moonlight Dinner Paddles
July 19, Aug 16, Sept 13, Oct 11

$150 includes dinner, excellent paddling instruction and gear.

We launch from our base in Sausalito for a sunset paddle on San Francisco Bay with sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline. We arrive at Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon to enjoy a delicious dinner. After our meal, we will embark on what is always a magical moonlight paddle home.

Youth LEAD Summer Program Aplications

Ages 14 - 18

More Info

Young Women’s Rafting, Sea-Kayaking and Backpacking - 21 Days

Rafting, Sea-Kayaking & Expedition Backpacking - 24 Days

Mixed Abilities Rafting and Sea-Kayaking - 11 Days

Click for trip photos

Be a Volunteer!

Volunteer Information
and
Internships

Apply for next trainings:
Winter Program
: January 2009
River Program: Spring 2009
Sea Kayak: Spring 2009

ETC in the News!

Bay Nature magazine cover

Bay Nature Dec 2006

Environmental Traveling Companions
Fort Mason Center
Landmark Bldg. C
San Francisco CA 94123
Telephone:
(415) 474-7662
Fax: (415) 474-3919

Site Updated
7/1/08