If you’re a adventurous couple that loves epic experience and being on the water, Glacier Paddle Boarding might be for you! You can check two things off your bucket list between the glacier paddle and the helicopter flight! It’s also a great addition to your engagement photos or elopement day. Incorporating activities into your session that reflect your adventurous style personalizes your photos to you and adds a documentary element to your photos. It feels more like a date than a photoshoot!

Unique and Adventurous Engagement Photos

Glacier Paddle Boarding was the perfect addition to Amanda & Holden’s engagement photos because not only did they get to have that exhilarating experience, they also got some epic photos of it all! They had several scenes and styled for their engagement photos but said that glacier paddle boarding was their favorite. This was a super unique and different adventure from most other glacier paddles because they wanted to include a vintage poolside or lakeside vibe by wearing their swimsuits on the paddle boards. There were lots of logistics to make this possible but I’d say it was pretty worth it!

“Our favorite part was paddle boarding on the glacial pool with Amanda. It was challenging and fun, and taking the photos in our swimsuits was exhilarating! Our minds were blown at how those turned out!” -Holden

Planning Your Glacier Paddle Boarding Photo Session

Their engagement session took place at a remote glacier in the Matanuska Valley accessible only by helicopter. We were flown to the Knik glacier where we met up with the guides to begin the paddle adventure across the blue pools. The Knik Glacier in the Chugach Mountains and is over 28 miles long and 5 miles across, making it one of the more impressive glaciers in the area.

Glacier Paddle Boarding Vendors

These blue pools on the Knik Glacier are only accessible via helicopter and we had a great team to get is out there. Outbound Heli Adventures and NOVA were all professional and accommodating to our needs for the session and safety oriented always. We felt at ease and it good hands the entire time.

When choosing to paddle board on a glacier as part of an official tour you don’t have to worry about bringing all your own gear. The tour companies provide the SUP’s, paddles, dry suits, helmets, water shoes, and a guide to ensure your safety. You can even add on a lunch to the excursion since you’ll be out there for quite some time.

Best time for Glacier Paddle Boarding in Alaska

The optimal season for paddle boarding on the glacier is between June and mid-September. June and July are the most optimal months for weather in Alaska. The glacier pools will all be thawed out and accessible this time of year.

Glacier Paddle Boarding Requirements

Glaciers aren’t inherently the safest environment and being conscious of your abilities and comfortability level is really important. For these types of adventures it’s required that you be able to swim and be physically fit. You will be paddling yourself and be exposed to some cold climates and water. You don’t need previous paddle board experience, but it helps if you do!

This couple opted to do something daring by switching into their swimsuits for part of the tour. This is not a common occurrence at all. It is really REALLY limited and ONLY if you’re a good swimmer. You have to acknowledge and take responsibility for your actions and any outcomes involving the cold water. The guide was with us the whole time watching diligently in the case anything went south.

“The biggest surprise for me was how accommodating Donna and Outbound Heli Adventures was with us! We had a lot of unique things we wanted to do and every step of the way our requests were granted and everyone was flexible to fit what we wanted.” -Amanda & Holden

What to Pack:

While the tour company provides all the big things, there are a few things you should bring as well!

• Warm layers for under the dry suit
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Camera or phone (with a strap so it doesn’t take a swim)
• Water bottle & snacks

Glacier Paddle Boarding Questions

What is the best time of year to schedule a glacier paddle boarding engagement session in Alaska?

• These tours are only available between June-September in the summer months.

Do we need any special equipment or clothing for glacier paddle boarding?

• The tour company will provide all the major equipment you need. See the packing list above to know what small items to bring.

How experienced do we need to be with paddle boarding to have a session like this?

• You don’t need any prior paddling experience, although it does help your stability! Especially having a photographer that is familiar with paddling if they’re joining in on the actual tour.

What are the safety precautions for paddle boarding near glaciers?

• You’re always accompanied by a guide who will lead the way. They’ll advise you through tricky spots, help mitigate injuries and mishaps and help if anything goes wrong.

How long does this tour/photosession last?

• The tour itself is 4 hours long and includes your flight, set up, paddle and flight back. I recommend allotting 4 1/2 hours for your check in time as well.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of our photo tour?

Hiring an Adventure Photographer is Important

These types of adventures aren’t for everyone and I recommend making sure that you hire a photographer that is familiar with SUP’s and glacier travel. You can choose to have your photographer to walk along the glacier pool edge for dramatic photos from above, or to paddle with you to document more in the moment shots. The type of glacier pool you land at will have an impact on this depending on what angles we can get from the sidelines.

I’m a paddle boarder myself and get out on the lakes regularly, so when the couple decided to add in Glacier paddle boarding I was SO IN! It was interesting to navigate with my camera gear, but I felt capable, stable and secure the whole time to get the best shots while on the water with them.

Some low quality photos of myself for the mems:

How Much Do Glacier Paddle Boarding Photos Cost

The cost of the glacier paddle boarding tour varies from company to company if you’re wanting to do it on your own.

If you want to do photo +paddle packages for portrait photos where I handle all the logistics I have the package for you:

• 4 hours of portrait/documentary photography coverage + all of the best photos in an online gallery
• 4 hour heli paddle board tour for 3 + packed lunches booked for you
• Logistics handled by me, I pass pertinent information your way so you’re fully prepared
• Other Alaska recommendations and tips if you’re traveling in

Only $4500 (does not include gratuity for tour guides)

Please note that this isn’t for elopement packages wither other logistics and vendors and is only suited for an adventure session. Elope + paddle packages are custom built for your day. Contact me for specific pricing. You can see my general elopement packages here as well.

Interested in paddle boarding but want to do it on your own? Heck yeah! When I convert someone I’m always stoked! Grab yourself a paddleboard and all the goodies to start exploring some waters near you!

Is Paddle Boarding your vibe, but not necessarily the glacier? That’s cool too! Alaska has SO many epic lakes we can explore and I have my board to bring along with me and follow you for all the shots! You can also check out my blog about 20 Fun Engagement Photo Ideas if you want something else unique!

A Review from the Couple

“I just want to say the overall experience was mind blowing, exciting, and something Amanda and I will remember forever! I cannot even imagine a more adventurous day for us to spend capturing the most beautiful engagement photos ever!” -Holden

Does this sound like the perfect adventure for you? Reach out here and let’s make it happen!!