FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to bring my own equipment?

Only items listeds on the Participant Gear List - see General Info page. We provide all equipment required to kayak including: kayak, paddle, spray skirt, and PFD (personal flotation device)

What kind of boats do you use?

Necky Manitou (13 and 14 ft) models made of 100% recycled materials. Necky Kayaks uses their own cut outs and plastic waste to produce these high performing and suprisingly strong kayaks. Check out these unique boats at www.neckykayaks.com. For children's programs, we use Emotion Bliss models.

Can I bring my own boat?

Yes, you will receive a $10 discount on the course price. For lessons, we recommend sit-in kayaks with a spray skirt. Sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks may be used for other courses.

What if it rains or is cold outside?

Some of the best paddling happens in rainy or cooler weather. We rarely cancel courses based on weather forecasts; all courses meet rain or shine, and the decision to cancel is made just prior to put-in. If there is thunder or lightning, we will postpone or cancel a course.

Where do I go to the bathroom?

Use the bathroom before arriving at your put-in location, most definitely. Note: Ford Park in Harbor Springs has a public restroom. Check out our website - see Put-Ins & Locations page - for the closest amenities to put-in locations. Otherwise, we go in the great outdoors following LNT (Leave No Trace) guidelines.

Do I need a lot of upper body strength to kayak?

No. Kayaking is a sport of endurance and finesse. It's all in the hips and abs, commonly referred to as the core. Good upper body strength is always an added benefit for any sport, but anybody can learn to sea kayak regardless of core or upper body strength.

Will I have to learn to roll?

This depends on how far you wish to take the sport. Most people find that once they learn to roll, they experience a new level of confidence. This confidence (and competence in rolling) builds a strong foundation for applying all other paddling skills especially edging for recovery strokes (bracing and sculling).

In situations when you can swim to safety (e.g., if you close to the shoreline or on a calm, warm summer day without wind), you do not need a roll. Also, if you have mastered your deep water re-entry back into your boat and you can do it in very little time, then you do not need a roll.

I can't swim!
Will I enjoy sea kayaking or be scared silly?

If you enjoy being in the water and have a spirit of adventure, you will love the sport. The eskimos couldn't swim either, and they lived by the kayak. In our Fundamentals: Body, Boat and Blade lesson, we will teach you how to get back into your kayak from a capsize in deep water using a paddle float. You will also be wearing a PFD (personal flotation device) to keep your head above water. All of this is practiced under the watchful eye of our experience instructors.