Finding a good kayak outfitter while vagabonding

Kayaking is a great way to explore a place. The skinny craft is multi-faceted: It goes through churning whitewater, along lake and estuary coastlines, and can even catch a wave. But when you’re traveling, how do know which operators are truly professional and which you should avoid?

Prices for kayak rentals and short, guided trips can be affordable for vagabonders, depending on the location. Popular tourist destinations may be more expensive, but overall rental prices are much cheaper than multi-day guided excursions. While kayak magazines, such as Canoe & Kayak and Sea Kayaker, are more likely to have articles about major expeditions, some of the outfitters mentioned may also provide rentals on a shorter term.

The best outfitters will have gear for people of all ages and sizes. Start by asking what they provide and how much they charge. Ask to look at their gear, and make sure that things look well cared for and are in good condition. You don’t need to be a professional to know. Broken rudders, banged-up paddles and frayed life jackets may be a clue that they don’t care very much about their gear. That translates to not caring much about their customers.

Doug Connor, co-owner of the Half Moon Bay Kayak Company and former member of the USA Canoe/Kayak team, has advice for kayak renters at home and abroad: “If you’re interested in renting, responsible outfitters will ask you a little about your experience so they can recommend an activity or area that matches your skill level. Good guides know destinations extremely well and can give advice with different skill levels in mind. They’ll also tell you what to stay away from—whether it’s a too-big surf break, shipping lanes, or other navigational hazards. They’ll be interested in your safety as well as the safety of their gear.”

When you first contact an outfitter, whether it’s by phone, email, or just walking up to a shop, keep some common-sense things in mind:

•    If you’re calling, do they have a phone message?
•    Do they return calls or emails relatively quickly?
•    Do they seem to know anything about kayaking or how to operate their gear?
•    Do they have a professional attitude, and are they willing to talk with you about what you’d like to use the kayak for?
•    Do they seem to know their area, or are they just willing to quickly exchange money for gear and have you go on your way?
•    How long have they been in business?

If you’re planning more in advance, and looking for potential outfitters before you embark on your trip, check with your local kayak outfitter. Have they been where you are going or do they have any contacts there? If you’ve already done some of your research and know what’s available, see what the local outfitter thinks. Can they tell you more about the boats a shop owner says he has, or whether particular information seems odd to them? While professional kayakers have plenty to do to keep their businesses running, they’re always happy to talk with interested people and give advice.

Ultimately, the best advice is to use common sense and be cautious. Remember, water is not our native habitat. Have you had good kayaking experiences on your travels? Please share them with us in the comments section.