Jack Atkinson
Jack has been the instigator and driving force behind both Douro and Algarve Kayak Expeditions. After having lived and worked in several parts of the world, Jack settled in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) more than 45 years ago and has been an English teacher, language school owner, and sea kayak guide during this time. Jack teamed up with Rui Calado several years ago, and to this day, they don’t have a written contract. Each knows his job and does it. Jack personally guides the Itinerary II tours.
Rui Calado
Rui is the foremost Portuguese authority on kayaking. Rui has paddled the entire Portuguese coastline and also paddled more than 120 rivers in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Rui has dedicated his life to kayaking in many facets, including kayak design and construction. Among other achievements, three years ago, Rui led an international group of 15 in a winter descent of the Grand Canyon. Rui is also a professional SUP paddler and has SUP paddled the Douro River. Between Rui and Jack, they have logged more km. Kayaking on the Douro River than anyone else, and are both experts on the Douro River as well as the Algarve. Rui personally guides the Itinerary I tours.
Douro Kayak Expeditions
Douro Kayak Expeditions organizes expeditions on the Douro River. Our tours differ in several ways from other trips on the same river. Ours are the only ones that can do the whole 209 Km of the river as it crosses Portugal, and we are the only ones who can go through all the locks. We limit our Expeditionary members to 12 plus guides. Clearly, this kind of close attention is not available in larger groups. We have groups in May, June, and September. We are also available for private closed groups at any time of the year.
Algarve Kayak Expeditions
Algarve Kayak Expeditions organizes expeditions on the Algarve and is a joint venture led by Jack Atkinson and Rui Calado. Here we combine the experience of Jack and Rui as well as the know-how of Douro Kayak and Portugal Kayak. Jack handles the marketing and web site, and Rui takes care of the logistics, kit, drivers, and guides.