Frequently Asked Questions
Are these trips right for me?
I've never kayaked before. Are these trips good for beginners?
Yes, we offer easy beginner trips and learn to kayak sessions. We have taken many people out on their first kayaking experience. ​Please watch the Intro to Kayaking video below for basic kayaking techniques. The kayak seats will already be set up in an upright position and we will show you how to adjust your foot pedals. The only strokes in the video that you will need for the beginner trips are the forward and reverse strokes. We will demonstrate these techniques.
I have a lot of experience kayaking. Are these trips good for kayakers with experience?
Yes, experienced kayakers are welcome on all trips. Easy beginner trips go slow and stop frequently to look at the plants and animals along the way. As the trips level up in difficulty, so does the speed that we travel at.
I have my own kayak (or paddleboard). Can I use that instead of rent?
Yes, as long as your boat is suitable for the conditions, you are able to transport it unassisted, and you wear a life jacket. I have life jackets available for rent for $10 if you don't have one or forget to bring it.
Paddleboards are welcome on our Astronomy tours.
I've never kayaked before. What are the physical requirements?
Easy beginner trips will be the slowest and require the least paddling.
You will need basic strength and flexibility, to be able to get into and out of the boat. Here's a test you can do: can you can get off the floor from a seated position without needing to flip onto your knees? Try it in the bathtub. Getting out of a kayak will be slightly more difficult than that due to the curved floor. The guides will stabilize your boat and you enter and exit.
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Any injuries to your shoulders, arms, or hands can interfere with your ability to paddle.
Are there age and weight restrictions?
Yes, due to the size of the boats there is a minimum age and weight requirement of at least 12 years and 90 lbs.
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Maximum weight for these boats is 325 lbs.
What should I bring and wear?
What's provided?
We provide Winderness Systems Pungo 120 kayaks (12 foot sit inside recreational kayaks), Onyx life jackets, paddles, 5 liter dry bags, cell phone cases, and field guides.
What should I bring?
Please bring a hat and/ or sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Chances are it won't be buggy, but it is a good idea to pack bug spray just in case.​
What should I wear?
Workout clothes made from synthetic fiber clothing is the best for drying quickly. Please bring an extra layer to put on for evening paddles.
You will have to step into the water, and possibly into mud to get into your kayak. Shoes that can get wet and/ or muddy are advised. Flip flops are not ideal because they can easily float away or get stuck in the mud and break, but are preferable to stepping into a river barefoot.
Should I bring my cell phone or binoculars?
We can not be held responsible for damage to valuables on this trip. Please take this into consideration when deciding what to bring. Use caution when considering bringing binoculars as salt water can damage them.
If you are on an all equipment included tour, you will receive a cell phone pouch and a dry bag.
If you bring your cell phone, we recommend downloading Merlin, the bird song identification app.
If you bring your binoculars, we recommend wearing them with a neck strap or harness and binoculars advertised as waterproof.
Cancellation Policies
What is the bad weather policy?
Sometimes the weather does not cooperate with us. If there is steady rain, high winds, or a previous heavy rain that will impact the river flow, the trip will be cancelled. Full cloud cover will cancel stargazing and meteor shower trips. ​
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Option 1: Full refund
Option 2: Receive a coupon for a free trip of the same value, plus a $10 gift card.
What is your cancellation policy if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens, and plans can change. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel a trip with us. ​
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14+ Days Notice: Full refund of deposit
6-13 Days Notice: No deposit refund, but you will receive your deposit back as a coupon to use towards any future group or private trip
1-5 Days Notice: No refund, but you will receive a $10 coupon to use towards any future trip.
Less than 24 Hours Notice: No refund, no coupon (no-show policy applies)