Kayak Instruction Inc. & Kayak Crossing Outpost
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Kayak Instruction Inc. & Kayak Crossing Outpost offers an accessible and highly accommodating way for families to experience kayaking. It stands out for its exceptionally friendly and flexible staff who go the extra mile (even during off-season), competitive rental prices ($35 for 2 hours with extension options), well-maintained equipment, and the unique opportunity to 'try before you buy' kayaks with sale prices comparable to rentals. The beautiful natural setting and beginner-friendly classes make it an ideal spot for spontaneous outings or learning to paddle.
Key Highlights
- ✓Great and issue-free equipment provided, including 'perfect' life vests.
- ✓Exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff (Dave, Bug, Guy) who are flexible with schedules, even during unstaffed winter months (Dave) or for spontaneous late-afternoon rentals.
- ✓Option to rent kayaks (e.g., $35 for 2 hours) or purchase them, with sale prices being 'just the same' as reasonable rental prices, allowing for a 'try before you buy' experience.
- ✓Instructional classes are available for those who are new to paddling.
- ✓Lovely natural environment, described as a 'paddle park' and beautiful lake, suitable for nature and birdwatching.
- ✓Flexibility with rental return times; staff is 'not very strict on returning right on time'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Very reasonable rental prices ($35 for 2 hours) and attractive purchase options for kayaks.
- ⭐Highly accommodating staff who can assist even during typically unstaffed periods or with last-minute decisions.
- ⭐Beautiful natural setting perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the lake.
- ⭐Helpful and informative staff who also provide kayak instruction.
- ⭐Well-maintained, issue-free kayaks and high-quality life vests.
- ⭐Dog-friendly atmosphere (mention of 'Bugs the dog' as a positive).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Consider extending your rental for an additional $10 to stay until 5 pm (during fall hours) for a longer experience.
- →If you're new to kayaking, take advantage of the instruction classes offered.
- →Be prepared to carry the rented kayak approximately 50 yards from the building to the water and back upon return.
- →The 2-hour rental is described as a sufficient time for exploring the 'paddle park'.
- →Don't hesitate to inquire about rentals even during off-season (e.g., late February) or spontaneously (e.g., Monday 4 pm), as staff like Dave are accommodating.
Things to Consider
- ⚠No specific concerns reported by parents; all reviews are 5-star.
Price & Value
Excellent value. Rentals are $35 for two hours, with an option to extend for $10 more until 5 pm (during fall hours). Prices are consistently described as 'very reasonable'. A significant value proposition is the ability to buy kayaks at 'just the same' reasonable prices as rentals, allowing families to try before making a purchase.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations are mentioned in the reviews.
- •Guests should be prepared to carry kayaks approximately 50 yards from the rental building to the water and back, which may be a consideration for those with mobility issues or very young children unable to assist.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in the provided reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not mentioned in the provided reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Not mentioned in the provided reviews. The ability to accommodate spontaneous visits (e.g., a Monday 4 pm) and off-season requests suggests a manageable crowd level or exceptional staff flexibility.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Life vests are provided and described as 'perfect'.
- •Kayaks are reported to be in good, issue-free condition.
- •No other explicit safety features beyond equipment quality and provision of life vests are mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • No specific situations or times to avoid are mentioned, as all reviews are overwhelmingly positive.
Pricing/Package/Events
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Emphasizes safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition
- • Provides novice paddlers with valuable and safe education
- • Focuses on up to date, technically accurate, and safe instructional skills
- • Instructors participate, lead, train and certify students in national organizations (American Canoe Association, USACK, World Kayak, American Red Cross)
- • Primary goal is to help students develop an awareness of safety issues and necessary skills for safe paddling
- • Staff is trained to help beginners or occasional kayakers on proper and safe techniques
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
To Be Continued
5 months agoThis place lives up to the reviews. It was a pleasure meeting Dave and Bug. Prices were reasonable and you get great equipment. It was $35 for two hours and $10 more until 5pm during fall hours. Not only that, but you are able to buy or rent the kayaks. As reasonable as the prices are to rent the sale prices are just the same. I rented one kayak and will be back to buy two more. I cannot stress this enough, if you are in the area, please make this one of your stops. You will not be disappointed.
Evan Matthews
2 months agoWent during late February and had an amazing experience! Although they are typically not staffed during winter, Dave was happy to meet me at the location to help us out! Customer service representative Bug was also great. Very reasonable prices and lovely nature/birdwatching in the area!
Angie Dishman
a year agoThis is such a fun place to go if you want to kayak and don't own boats. It's $35 per 2 hours for the kayak I rented. You rent the boat from inside the building, then you carry the boat down to the water, about 50 years or so. When you're finished, you carry the boat back up to the building. Easy! The 2 hour time slot was just right for exploring the paddle park. The folks at the Kayak Instruction place were really helpful and informative. They also offer classes if you don't know how to paddle. Fun way to spend a morning on the water!
Jacob Viveros
a year agoSuch a great place. My friends and I had been wanting to go kayaking for the longest, and this was the spot spot. Guy, the person who helped us, was such a chill person. All the kayaks didn't have any issues, and the life vest were perfect. We got the 2 hour time frame and he wasn't very strict on returning right on time. The lake was absolutely beautiful.
Ashlee Brooks
11 months agoMy sister, her friend and I randomly decided to go kayaking on a Monday afternoon at 4 pm. Dave was super accommodating, but most importantly, there was Bugs. No not those kind, but Bugs the dog. What a cutie. Will definitely be back in the future.