FAQs

Can I just sign up for a single tour or do I have to purchase the complete package?

Yes! The Beginner Flatwater Kayak Tour Package is a better value if you were to do all of the trips, but you can sign up for the C&O Canal Beginner Kayak Tour as a standalone tour, if desired. Just follow the registration link on this page and you can purchase a single trip.

Here are some answers to some other frequently-asked questions:

• IMPORTANT: Have all participants in your group created an account, pre-completed our electronic risk form, and have they been scheduled along with you? Please make sure! Only those individuals whose names appear on our schedule will be able to participate in any event. Your purchase is not a reservation. Please chat or message us if you need assistance with our online process.
• Please schedule or re-schedule your events online using your scheduling login – and check your wait list status regularly – wait listing for an event is a commitment on your part to attend. We recommend checking on Monday and Thursday before weekend events. You WILL NOT be notified when you are automatically moved off the wait list, so be sure to check using your scheduling login. The roster generally solidifies the week of the event and we make final adjustments to capacity at that time. Adjustments made on a Friday that result in your being added are accompanied by a manual text and phone call from us. Please respond promptly. Remove yourself from the wait list if you can no longer attend.

• You have up until 72 hours before start time to reschedule (please do so online). Guests who do not reschedule in time or don’t show up forfeit their trip. No exceptions are made to this policy and we do not offer refunds.
• Please do not wait until the last minute to prepare for your trip.
• Please arrive and be prepared fifteen minutes prior to your trip start time. (Late arrivals will not be admitted.)
• Personal floatation, paddle, and kayak are provided at no charge.
• Although our beginner trips do not include intentional capsizing, you could accidentally end up in the water. Therefore, in the spring and fall we require that all participants wear synthetic clothing that dries quickly. Patagonia Capilene is great for such a situation and it can be worn under basic nylon pants and jackets. Long pants are a good idea on many beginner trips. Visit our retail store for assistance with purchasing the right clothing for kayaking.
• On some trips, you will have to help carry your kayak on two short portages.
• Store your car key in a “Hide-a-Key” box or similar somewhere on your vehicle.
• You may repeat any trip at a discounted rate. Message or chat with us for more info.
• All trips meet rain or shine. A decision to postpone due to lightning or other dangerous conditions is made on-site at the last possible minute. (Mother Nature often cooperates if we wait and see.)
• For your safety and enjoyment, we request that you keep your personal information up-to-date on your schedule page using the link at the top right that says “Personal info”