- Why a
Guide?
As friendly as it can sometimes seem, the ocean is a
dangerous place. Cold water temperatures, fog and low visibility, boat traffic,
changes in weather, and the convoluted-ness of the Maine coastline make sea
kayaking in Maine especially challenging. A guide is an extra pair of hands,
and extra pair of eyes, an added perspective of experience and local knowledge
as well as being a weather monitor, an equipment bearer, a natural history
interpretator, and first aid provider.
- I can't
decide if I should take a lesson or a tour.
The small guide-to-guest
ratio of our tours allows us to provide some instruction on techniques and
safety during a tour. Strokes, rescues, navigation, minimum impact use of
islands, and even use of Inuit style paddles are some of the
possibilities.
- How long in advance should I sign
up for a tour or lesson?
If you're lucky, you may even be
able to get a tour the day you write or call us. Less risky, though, to reserve
a date 2 - 4 weeks in advance. Deposits are fully refundable if you cancel at
least one week in advance. For an Inn-to-Inn Tour, the sooner the better,
because the Inns can fill up very quickly in the summertime.
- I haven't kayaked before -- am I
taking on too much?
Paddling at
tour pace isn't necessarily much more strenuous than walking. And it's not just
about arm strength. We'll provide some technique tips to ensure you're paddling
with your whole body, and if you're doing it right, as long as you take some
breaks, you'll be able to go all day.
- What sets Water Walker apart from
other outfitters?
There are lots
of outfitters and kayak guide companies on the coast of Maine. A number of them
are good friends -- and we respect what most of them have to offer. But so far
as we know, none of them can match our combination of personal service and
quality equipment. (We don't know anyone else who offers fiberglass kayaks,
carbon paddles, and Lotus Design pfds, for example, and we know of just a few
outfitters who regularly offer custom tours for small groups).
- Should I bring a
camera?
We provide each paddler
with a large dry bag -- for extra clothing, lunch, etc. -- and your camera will
stay plenty dry in there. We bring a digital camera along and are happy to take
trip photos and to send them to you by email after the trip is
over.
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