FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
1) Do I need to have any previous kayaking experience?
I PADDLE kayak tours and rentals are for everyone. Beginners are encouraged and welcome. I am an ACA Certified Instructor and we always begin with a brief lesson to get you on your way. The rentals go out on the calm safe waters of the Esopus Creek. Safe for families and beginners. Guided tours are for beginners, but adults only, unless it's a private tour and discussed prior.
2) What should I bring and what is provided!
Includes - kayak, paddle and life vest. I also have water squirters that the kids and kids at heart LOVE!
Bring - Hat, Sunglasses, sunscreen. water, snacks, cell phone in a drybag/baggie, Bring a change of clothes and towel to keep in the car....just in case.
3) What should I wear?
Wear clothes that you don't mind getting a little wet and are quick drying, such as athletic clothes, Swim suit/board shorts. No jeans or cotton. If you're renting you can wear water shoes, flip flops or go barefoot. (Tours, you shouldn't wear a swim suit and please wear water shoes or old shoes)
4) What type of equipment do you have?
We will be using all new Wildnerness Systems Pungo 120 kayaks. These were chosen for their comfort, large roomy cockpit and stability. There is also a Wildnerness Systems Pamlico 145 Tandem kayak for those that need a 2 seater. I have SUPATX 10'6" paddleboards. I think you'll love them!
5) Is there a weight limit?
The cockpits are quite large making it pretty easy to get in and out. Single kayaks - 300 lbs. Doubles - 500 lbs. SUP - 250, 275 ish,
6) What if there is bad weather on the day of our reservation?
We will not paddle in thunderstorms, high wind or any weather that is dangerous. We do sometimes paddle in light rain if there is no threat of lightening. The policy is if thunderstorms threaten, is to try to "wait it out" if radar indicates that it might pass through or dicipate. Best bet is to come prepared for the weather. If the weather is going to be questionable, I will be watching it from start of the day and will be in close contact with you. Often it is hard to tell if a tour will cancel early enough to save you the drive. Plan to come unless you hear from me. There is no refund if you decide not to come. There is a full refund if I call it because of weather.
7) How many people on a guided tour?
It's important for safety and for a great group experience to keep it small. We will generally have 5 -8 on a trip.
8) Do you offer private tours or special requests?
Absolutely!
9) What about children?
Minors must be accompanied by an adult. You probably know your children well enough to know their limitations. They should have some experience with being in the water even though they will be wearing a PFD. I have life vests for toddlers and children. Generally, ages 4 and up can enjoy a family outing sharing a tandem kayak with a parent and about 11 they can paddle by themselves. However, every child is different. Please call me!
For the sunset tours there is a minimum age of 16 years in order to participate.
9) Can we bring alcohol?
Nope. Can't. Sorry. I Paddle New York also reserves the right to refuse service to any paddler deemed incapable of paddling should they arrive already intoxicated. Safety first!
10) Will I get wet? Will I tip over?
You may not even get your feet wet and it is unusual to tip over. If you do tip over, it's generally from messing around. You will be wearing PFD which will make you float almost effortlessly. With the rentals you will be close enough to shore to pull the boat over, empty the water out and get back in. Generally, it's to make an effort not to. If you are on a guided tour, we will get you back in the boat.
11) What about dogs?
The Saugerties Beach and parts of the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve do not allow dogs so we cannnot allow dogs as well.
12) What is your cancellation policy?
Rentals -
Cancel 24 hours prior - Full refund
If I cancel due to weather - Full refund
Tours -
Cancel 3 days prior - Full refund
No show for all or part of your reservation - No Refund
If I cancel due to weather - full refund
Your reservation is holding equipment that could go to someone else and it's difficult to get those folks back. The weekends are usually sold out.
13) So how do I find where tours depart and the Saugerties Beach?
GPS address for many tours is 2 Ferry Street, Saugerties NY
GPS address for Tina Chorvas Park is 75 East Bridge Street.
GPS address for Saugerties Beach is: 47 SouthPartition Street, Saugerties NY
My rental location by the Saugerties Beach is: 61 South Partition Street, Saugerties NY
Please feel free to call or text me anytime with questions. I really want to make sure we get everything right.
