Frequently Asked Questions
Are these trips right for me?
I've never kayaked before. Are these trips good for beginners?
Yes! 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.
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What are the physical requirements?
The hardest part of kayaking is getting out of the boat. If you can get off the floor from a seated position without needing to flip onto your knees, you should also be able to get out of a kayak.
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Any injuries to your shoulders, arms, or hands can interfere with your ability to paddle. The beginner trips are slower and less strenuous than the intermediate trips.
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. You will receive a cell phone pouch, which is advertised as waterproof. If you choose to bring your cell phone, we recommend downloading Merlin as a good bird song identification app.
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)