Frequently Asked Questions at Grand River Kayak
Q : Do you have bathrooms ?
A : We have portable washroom facilities onsite between May 1st and November 1st
Q : Are your kayaks beginner-friendly?
A : It depends on the kayak. We carry everything from stable recreational and sit-on-top kayaks right up to composite (fibreglass) sea kayaks and everything in between. Talk to us about your concerns, and we’ll match you to a boat that’s right for you!
Q : It looks as though you only have “half-day” or “full-day” rentals? Do you rent kayaks by the hour? We only need a couple of hours…
A : We don’t rent kayaks or gear by the hour. A “Half-Day” rental is anything up to 4 hours. A “Recreational Kayak” is $ 20.00 plus HST for 4 hours. That’s $5.00 an hour if you keep it the entire 4 hours. If you return it after 2 hours, that’s equivalent to $10.00/hr. That’s pretty competitive, no matter how you look at it.
Q : We have never kayaked before. Are your tours difficult?
A : Our guided tours are not inherently ”difficult”, however several factors including weather, length of route, physical conditioning of participants, etc can affect difficulty. Shorter tours like the Lower Grand River Marshes Tour are the lowest impact, but on windy days even that can be a challenge. Most days, any of our tours are well suited to beginner paddlers.
Q : Do you rent canoes?
A : No. Only kayaks and SUP’s. We refer canoe rentals to the Grand Island BBQ.
Q : Are there age restrictions for your tours, lessons, or rentals?
A : We don’t have any specific age restrictions. Children are all different, and an athletic, energetic 8-year-old can outpaddle some 12 year-olds. Parents are better suited to understand their child’s abilities. Some tours and lessons are better suited to families and we encourage you to talk us about any concerns. We have tandem kayaks so that children too small to paddle on their own can ride with their parents. Parents are responsible for their children’s behaviour, and we ask that you consider other customers who may be participating in the tour or lesson. Private Group tours or lessons might be more appropriate.
Q : Why do we have to sign a waiver? Is kayaking that dangerous??
A : The standard “Waiver and Recognition of Risks” form performs two functions. You are acknowledging that kayaking (like all sports activities) carries certain inherent risks, and that you have been made aware of those risks. It also outlines our responsibilities as guides, instructors, and rental agents to take every necessary precaution to negate and control those risks within our abilities. Basically if we do our job to the best of our ability and an accident does occur, you are waiving your right to sue Grand River Kayak and it’s staff. If you choose not to sign the waiver, that it your right, but you will not be permitted to participate in any tour, lesson, rental or service that we offer.
