Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a trip?
*All our booking is now done online. We are a small business (just Eddie and I!). We are both full time on the water! I answer the pages before trips in the morning and at night after trips. (Thank you for your patience while I respond to everyone!-Tara) You must pre-book your trip and we book very early! We do one trip per day and have 13 spots per trip. We believe in one-on-one personalized service from beginning to end and we are here to answer any questions/concerns you have!
How many miles/how long is the trip?
Burgess Falls: Approximately 2 miles each way. This is an out and back trip and the round trip milage is approximately 4 miles on a still water lake. Trips last on average 5-6 hours but can occasionally be shorter or longer. Be sure to come to play all day and be ready for adventure!! Trips meet at 9:15 am CST at our parking lot and usually return to the parking lot between 3-3:30 pm. We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes early for your trip meet time as the bus leaves at 9:15 am cst with or without the whole group. **You DO have to be on the schedule to go, we do not allow tag along with their own equipment due to outfitter regulations**
How much does a trip cost?
Our cost is $60 per person + Tax. This cost includes Kayak, Guide, Gear and transportation from our parking lot (less than 2 miles from our launch site!) to our launch site and back.
Can I paddle right up to the Waterfall?
Typically from some time in April/May - late June we can paddle all the way up to the waterfall **as long as water levels are brought up to summer elevation**. During the other months we have to kayak, then hike to the waterfall. The distance/difficulty of the hike depends on the time of the year. *Please see the booking page (Burgess Falls Kayaking) for more information on water levels and keep in mind these water levels can change at any time as the lake is man controlled and used for flood control.
Is there an age limit?
We do have an age limit of 9 years old and above. In the summer months there is a lot of boat traffic and we want to keep your family safe. In the other months the hike can sometimes be too hard for younger children. You are always welcome to message our Facebook/Instagram page with any questions or concerns! **Ages 12 and above are typically the ages that can comfortably kayak the whole trip on their own.**
What should I bring with me?
During the summer months it gets very hot so be sure to bring sunscreen, water, snacks and a lunch. You will have room on your kayak for a backpack. During colder months be sure to bring layers and the things listed for the summer months. It’s more fun when you are comfortable and have layers to put on or take off! Don’t forget a towel, even if you don’t get wet it’s a great cushion!
How many people are there on the trip:
We book 13 people max per trip and do one trip per day. Singles don't be afraid to come! We will make you feel like part of the family. If you can't find a friend to come, we'll make you feel right at home!
Do I have to know how to kayak/swim to come?
No! We love taking beginners and we have sit inside kayaks to make those new to the water feel safe and secure. You'll get a kayak lesson before we take off and we'll make sure you feel ready to go before we leave the launch area. We encourage a very laid back and relaxed trip so there is no need to rush out to the waterfall and no one feels/gets left behind. We'll be with you the whole time to make you feel extra safe on your day full of adventure on the water!
Is alcohol allowed on the trip?
No, Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on all of our trips for everyone's safety and because we will be on State Park property at the bottom.
Pup Policy
As we are in a natural area and focused on finding wildlife/nature during the trip we do not allow dogs on our trips.
Music
If you want to listen to music during the paddle, please bring ear buds so everyone can enjoy the natural surroundings. This is a guided trip so speakers playing music will not be allowed in the kayaks as we want to focus on getting back to nature and in touch with the area.
Cancellation Policy
Refunds and cancellations are having a very big impact on our small business since we only have 13 available spots per day. We will no longer issue refunds if you cannot come on your trip, so be sure to sign up for a date you know you can come for sure. We do understand that things do come up so you can reschedule your booking one time during the **same season** if you contact us before 9:15 am CST two days before your trip (If there is availability). We do go out rain or shine and we do NOT cancel for weather. (Weather policy is below). We value you as a part of our kayaking family so please contact us with any questions or concerns.
**We DO NOT reschedule for the following season**
You CAN transfer your booking to another person if you can't make it for your trip. Please contact us to learn how to transfer your booking. (You will need to contact us at least 24 hours in advance to transfer a booking to someone else). The best way to contact us is via Facebook or Instagram for the fastest response. The e-mail is only checked about once per day and typically at night. **We DO NOT reschedule for the following season**
**Bad Weather Policy: We go out rain or shine and we do not cancel for weather. It is up to you to check the weather and decide if it's weather you want to be out in. You can reschedule your booking one time for any available date within the same season if the weather is not what you'd like to be out in.
**Please be very aware of these policies before signing up for a trip, especially signing up for dates late in the season.** We fill up early and it is possible we may not have any dates available to rebook. **We DO NOT reschedule for the following season** We have had to put these policies in place so we can continue to serve our kayaking family at the lowest possible cost for a fun-filled, no rush day on the water.
**Please Share this information with your entire group.**
If choosing to rebook your trip, you must move the entire reservation (All tickets under the reservation.) Tickets within the reservation are the property of the person booking/paying for the trip and individual members of the group can be changed out (with proper notice to KAT) as the reservation holder wishes without notice to those who were forwarded the email within their group.
More questions?!
We love questions!! I'm happy to make you feel fully prepared for your trip! Just message the Facebook/Instagram page and I will get back to you as quickly as possible. Keep in mind there is one person answering all the pages and e-mail and I am also out on the trip as a guide during the day. The e-mail is only answered once per day so for fastest response please contact us on social media. I am so excited to talk to you and answer any questions/concerns you have! -Tara
We can't wait to kayak with you!!
