Choosing the right outfitter is the key. Here are some ideas that will help.

• What kind of adventure do you want?
• Do you want to try kayaking for just a day or a weekend?
• Are you ready for a full week, or even longer?
• Do you want to bring your own camping gear, or have it all provided?
• How much will you appreciate "gourmet" meals, or would you rather bring some of your food, or eat "backpacker" style?
• What group size do you want, and what guide ratio?
• Where do you want to go? There are sea kayaking trips offered in almost any coastal area.

Few things are more important than where you go on your kayaking vacation.

• How much time, trouble and/or expense will it be to get there?
• What will the weather likely be?
• Are there lots of mosquitoes and pests in the area you're considering?
• How important is the area's wildlife to you, and how much wilderness are you looking for?

Experience

• How long has the company been in business?
• How much experience do their guides have, and what is the quality of the training their company provides their guides?
• The experience of both the company and the guides makes a big difference, and the quality of training is crucial.
• The experience of the company can be your best measure of the knowledge and ability of a company and its guides.

Precautions

• What does the outfitter do to reduce any risk inherent in any water-oriented activity? Training and experience, again, are the keys.
• Do the guides have extensive first aid training?
• Do they carry adequate first aid kits for the type of trip they are guiding?
• Do they carry quality two-way VHF radios?
• Are the guides experienced at giving clear safety instructions?
• What equipment is going to be used?
• How close is outside help if it is ever needed?

Guides

• Each guide should have a high-quality two-way marine radio.
• Each should have a certification in wilderness first aid, from a course with a minimum of 40 hours.

Equipment

• If you want to be using the best equipment, ask your outfitter what they use, then ask around to check on that equipment's quality and reputation.
• Single kayaks are fine for competent guides, and fun to try out, but aren't appropriate for groups of novice kayakers in most conditions.
• If you want to try a single, look for an outfitter whose guides use them and will let you try them when they feel that water conditions are appropriate for your skill.

Guide Ratio

• For most waters, and with novice kayakers, most outfitters consider 5:1 or even 6:1 appropriate.
• In waters where wind is often a factor, fewer paddlers per guide is best.

Guides' Work Schedules

• Guides' work schedules is perhaps the most overlooked issue in the sea kayak outfitting business. Guides usually work very long hours for weeks at a time.
• If any of your guides has worked more than two or three weeks without a few days off, he or she is likely too tired to make the best decisions or to give you the best trip they are capable of.
• Most companies allow guides to work at least three weeks without a day off. Some work as many as thirteen weeks in a row.
• Consider if you want to try kayaking for the first time with a tired guide; this can be the most important question to ask an outfitter before signing up for your sea kayaking vacation.

Insurance & Liability

• Is the outfitter adequately insured in case of accidents? Ask. Many outfitters are not. This is a good measure of the standards by which an outfitter operates.
• You will be asked to sign a liability release.

Does the outfitter cancel trips because of inadequate sign-ups?

• How important is it to you that your trip is not canceled after you sign up?
• And how much warning will you have if your outfitter does cancel? Most outfitters will cancel a trip that doesn't have a set number of sign-ups; some cancel with very little notice.
• Check the policy, so you don't get stuck with a canceled vacation and no time to make alternate plans.
• Reputation, nothing is better than a recommendation from someone who has done it. Ask friends, ask for letters from past travelers, and for published reviews.

Find out what you're getting into

• Is this trip really appropriate for you? Go with an outfitter who you feel wants you to be fully informed about what their trips entail. You will be happiest if your trip is a good fit for you.
• Ask questions, and take all the time you need to feel comfortable with the company. A good outfitter wants guests to know what they're getting into.

If sea kayaking is for you, and you choose the right outfitter, you'll likely have the time of your life.

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