Our Team

Jim is the owner of PackRafting Alaska, formerly Alaska Kayak Academy.  Jim started the company in 2005 as a whitewater kayaking school. Over time the emphasis has moved to packrafts due the huge demand. He loves to teach and share his love for rivers with others. He has been paddling whitewater rivers for over 50 years!! He has a love for all outdoor sports, but a special love of rivers. At season end, he loves to spend the fall exploring the canyons of south east  Utah, backcountry ice skating , and down hill skiing.

Jule has been whitewater kayaking, packrafting, and rafting Alaskan rivers since she began calling this state her home, in 2007.  She teaches packrafting safety courses and guides wilderness trips all over the state. She’s passionate about getting out and using packrafts to explore Alaska’s plethora of whitewater-new rivers & new routes are her JAM.  Having a strong background in whitewater hardshell kayaking before discovering packrafting, she specializes in teaching & refining paddling skills, boat control, & reading whitewater.  She’s incredibly personable & skilled at “meeting people where they are at” as an instructor and leader.  She is an ACA certified kayak instructor, Swiftwater Rescue Technician & Wilderness First Responder. 

When the rivers aren’t running, she’s teaching yoga & working as a holistic mental health counselor, LCP in Anchorage, AK.  She spends her free time throughout the winter living in Girdwood, skiing & scheming up summer river trips.

She’s currently working on a guidebook to serve as a resource for other boaters looking for beta & information about Alaska’s best 1-3 day packrafting trips.  Coming in Spring 2022.   For more info about Julie & her work, check out: www.alaskapackraft.com or www.alaskayogaadventures.com