Do I need any experience?
No experience is required. We actually enjoy teaching the first timer!
Do I need to be in great shape?
No, it is good if you are of moderate fitness. Our tours are on flat water and go at a slow pace. We take frequent breaks to tell stories and talk about the ecology.
What if we don’t like the weather on the day of our tour?
We do kayak in wind and rain. However, if you do not feel comfortable in the conditions of the day you may reschedule your tour to suit your comfort level to a different location or a day in which we have availability.
What do I need to bring on a tour?
Bring lots of water, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, hat, & insect repellent. Other things to consider bringing include a camera or camera phone with dry bag, and a snack. Cooler off-season tours, please dress for the weather and consider dressing in quick dry clothing in layers. You can also bring a water repellent jacket or blanket to keep dripping water off of your lap.
What should I wear on a tour?
Dress for the weather. In the summer that means shorts and a t-shirt. Synthetic nylon clothing will dry quicker then cotton. If it looks like rain you can bring a rain coat. If it is a cool, off-season day you should wear layers, fleece jackets are great. It is not a bad idea to bring a towel along with a change of clothes for after the tour, especially if you are looking to go to dinner after a sunset tour.
How young can a kayaker be?
Any age as long as they are 30 lbs or more and in a two person kayak with an adult. Our smallest life jacket is made to fit a 30 lb child. Our shortest tour for children is 1 hour. This time goes quickly and most children are fine on any length tour, some even fall asleep with the motion of the kayak.
How old can a kayaker be?
Any age, especially if they are in a two person kayak with a strong kayak partner, the double kayaks are perfect for this scenario. You may also want to choose one of our more sheltered from the wind tours (i.e., Alligator River or Maritime Forest).
How old do you have to be to go in a single kayak?
We recommend that a kayaker should be 13 years or older to go in their own kayak. That being said, we have done as young as 8 because that child had prior kayak experience. Children under 13 in their own kayak do pay the adult fare.
Can we drink alcohol on your tours?
No, our insurance company does not permit this.
Can we smoke or vape on your tours?
No.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes you can. We like to know that you have your own doggie floatation and that he or she is comfortable on the water and is not likely to bark at wildlife. A small additional fee may apply.
Are there restrooms or porta pottys at your tour locations?
All except Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. There is one at the Pea Island visitor’s center 2 miles north of the kayak launch site.
What is Stand Up Paddle Boarding?
Stand up paddle boarding and stand up paddle surfing also known as SUP is the fastest growing water sport in the world. The sport was invented in the 1930’s, but the act of paddling in the stand up position may date back 7,000 years. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Hawaiian surfers, know as “beach boys” took outrigger canoe paddles and paddled out on solid redwood surf boards to take pictures of tourists learning how to surf. The sport regained popularity in 1995 as Hawaiian watermen Dave Kalama and Laird Hamilton rediscovered the sport on a calm day with little waves. They did as the “beach boys” did and took outrigger canoe paddles and paddled out on their longboards. Laird took it to the extreme, and used the extra speed he could generate while stand up paddling to get him into larger waves without the assistance of a motorized tow-in. Eventually the sport made its way to California where it caught the interest of Hollywood celebrities as a hip exercise and core workout. Today its popularity has spread to every type of waterway in our country.
Is Stand Up Paddle Boarding the right sport for me?
This is a sport for anyone looking for a new fun adventure. The paddle boards come in all shapes and sizes to fit anyone. You can take it real slow and explore calm waters, or you can take it out on the ocean and learn to ride the waves. However you choose to SUP you will get a great workout and discover a whole new kind of fun.
Why should I SUP with Coastal Kayaks?
Our professionally trained instructors will make learning to stand up paddle board easy and fun. We have high end paddle boards in various sizes to accommodate all paddlers. Not only will you get the lesson, but you will be able to practice your new skills at one of our tour locations on a guided tour with your instructor. All SUP tours depart from the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary in Corolla.
What kind of SUP equipment do you use?
We are using high quality epoxy/fiberglass boards which fit paddlers from the very small to about 250 Lbs.
Tell me more about your Stand Up Paddle Board Tours
We are currently offering SUP tours at the Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest and Marsh. The tours start out with a lesson which will teach you how to get on to your board and to your feet. You will learn the basic paddling strokes with proper technique to make paddling fun and safe. These tours cost $75 per person and last 2 hours.
Why should I kayak with Coastal Kayak?
We have been the Outer Banks’ premier kayak touring company since 1999! We are trained professional instructors who have a passion for kayaking and sharing this passion with you! We take our time making sure everyone is comfortable and proficient.
What kind of kayak equipment do you use?
Most of our kayaks are recreational touring kayaks. The kind that you sit inside of. We prefer sit-in kayaks because we feel they are much smoother through the water (easier), and you stay drier and warmer on our off-season tours. We do have a few sit on top kayaks if requested. We have single and 2 person kayaks of different sizes to accommodate just about any size kayaker. 2 adults can ride in a tandem together.
Is there a weight or height limit to your kayaks?
We have kayaks to fit all paddlers up to 350 Lbs. and we have taken kayakers up to 7’ tall. Please let us know if you are a larger paddler and we will accommodate you comfortably.
