Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need kayaking experience?
No. Beginners are welcome, and so are experienced paddlers. I’ve been kayaking for more than 20 years and I’ll be with you the whole way. If you’re comfortable being active for a few hours at a time and ready for a night of camping, you’re ready for this trip.
Do I need to be able to swim?
No. You don’t need to be a swimmer, but a life jacket must be worn at all times while in the kayak. Life jackets must be USCG Level 70 (legacy Type III), and no other type is approved. A life jacket is required gear for both registration options.
What is the minimum age?
Solo kayakers must be at least 18. If you’re paddling a double kayak, at least one paddler must be 18 or older, and no paddler can be under 13.
How many people are on the trip?
No more than 10, so everyone gets personal attention.
How demanding is the paddle?
It’s about 9 miles each way, 18 miles in total, with breaks along the way. Day 1 includes a stop at the black sand beach and lunch just past Palisade Head. Day 2 starts later and has one break at the black sand beach.
What does the $95 registration cover?
Registration is $95 per person ($190 for a double kayak). It covers your kayak trip insurance, your guided trip with me, and your overnight camping reservation at Tettegouche State Park.
I don’t have a kayak. Can I still come?
Yes. Choose Option 2 and rent a complete package from ABC Company: kayak, paddle, spray skirt, life jacket, and wetsuit. The rental is currently $120 per day with a 3-day minimum, which is about $360. ABC Company sets the price and terms, and you’ll sign the rental agreement with them directly. I’ll help with kayak pick-up and drop-off.
What are the requirements if I bring my own kayak?
Your kayak needs to be at least 14 feet long and have watertight bulkheads. You’ll also need a spray skirt, a paddle, a wetsuit, and a USCG Level 70 (legacy Type III) life jacket. You must show up with all of this gear to go on the water. Not sure if your kayak qualifies? Contact me and I’ll help you check.
What do I need to bring for food and water?
You provide your own food and water: lunch and snacks for the paddle, and dinner at camp. Bring a stove, utensils, and cooking gear that matches what you plan to cook, such as a pot or pan. A water bottle or hydration pack is strongly recommended while you’re kayaking. Potable drinking water is available at or near the campsite, and a water purifier is a nice extra to have.
How do I fit everything in my kayak?
Everything has to fit inside your kayak’s hatches, and you’ll be paddling the weight for 18 miles, so pack light. I’ll cover packing in the prep calls.
Are the Zoom prep calls required?
No, but I strongly recommend them. There are three group calls covering what to bring, how to pack, and tips for the trip, and they’re a good chance to meet your fellow paddlers. I also offer one-on-one consulting if you have questions.
What’s the campsite like?
Tettegouche State Park has primitive restrooms at the campsite, and fires are permitted. A small store is about a one-mile walk from camp if you need to pick something up.
Will I have cell phone service?
Very little, so don’t plan on it. That’s part of the escape, and it’s why I carry a VHF/UHF radio that can reach the Coast Guard.
How cold does it get at night?
It can get cool at night, even in July, so I suggest a sleeping bag over blankets.
Can I go for a hike?
Yes. Day 2 starts at an easy pace so anyone who wants can enjoy a morning hike in the park before we leave around 11:00 AM.
Where and when do we meet?
At the Silver Bay Marina at 7:00 AM on Saturday, July 17, 2027.
What if the weather is bad?
If major storms are forecast, I’ll make a weather call on July 15, 2027. If we postpone, the trip moves to July 24-25, 2027, or you’ll receive a full refund. If conditions look rough on the day, we’ll still meet at the Silver Bay Marina, make the call together, and switch to Plan B: a day of hiking and camping at Tettegouche, followed by a Sunday paddle from Tettegouche to Palisade Head and back. That’s about 12 miles round trip. Plan B is a full trip with camping, hiking, and a paddle to Palisade Head and the sea caves, so no refunds are given for a Plan B switch.
What if I need to cancel?
If you cancel by July 3, 2027 (14 or more days before the trip), you’ll receive a full refund. Within 14 days of the trip, I can’t offer refunds, because the money for your reserved camping has already been committed. If I cancel the trip, you’ll receive a full refund. If you chose Option 2, your kayak rental is a separate agreement with ABC Company, so I can’t refund anything they don’t refund. If we switch to Plan B on trip day, the trip still goes ahead and no refunds are given. Anyone who arrives without the required gear can’t go on the water and won’t be refunded.
To cancel, email director@howlingadventurer.com.
How do you keep the group safe?
I’m experienced in self-rescue and group water rescue. I carry a tow rope, a life-saving throw line, and a portable VHF/UHF radio that can reach the Coast Guard. I’ll keep a close eye on conditions all day.
How do I ask a question before I register?
Email director@howlingadventurer.com or call 507.861.3568.