I just did a Skyline Kayak Tour this past weekend with my friend and we had a great experience! I had a LivingSocial deal that I had purchased months ago but realized a few weeks ago that it was expiring at the end of September so I hurriedly tried to book a class originally with my boyfriend (who ended up not being able to make it due to work) for our 2 year anniversary. I stupidly assumed you just show up with the voucher and get to go out on a kayak but after browsing their website online, came to the realization that reservations were needed beacuse they have classes and everything was booked for September.
Long story short, I called up the company and one of the girls informed me that there were openings for end of September (all the booked classes had one spot on the waitlist and I needed a 2 spot waitlist for my bf and I) but that I should book it ASAP because they fill up fast. I could not find that particular class online and called her back all panicky lol. She stayed on the phone patiently with me (I felt really bad and told her I could call her back but she insisted on staying on the phone to help me) as we searched for the class and came to realize for some odd reason, that ONE class wouldn't display on my computer. She then asked me if I wanted to book 2 spots in that class and would charge me $2/pp for fee (forgot what exactly it was for). I gave her my info over the phone and our spots were reserved. Whew! THANK YOU, SANDY! The week of, my bf was called in for work so I asked my friend if she wanted to come with me since she lived in the area. I also called the company to make sure there wouldn't be issues with a last minute friend replacing my bf. The girl over the phone was very pleasant and assured me there would be no issues. We both showed up, signed the waivers, gave her the LivingSocial codes and that's it!
Now onto the actual kayaking experience! I would recommend you wear flip flops or bring flip flops unless you're okay with going barefoot into the kayak. I had sneakers and brought flip flops because they tell you there that you get wet from the waist down (which was very true). You get wet from water dripping off the paddles, not from water splashing into your kayak (for me at least). They have changing rooms and lockers there so just bring your own lock. Oh, and bring a towel if you want to dry off! I didn't bring one and just stood in the changing room air-drying afterwards with my hand as a fan lmao.
What did I wear while kayaking? Tank top, velour zip up hoodie, and thin leggings (I probably should've worn shorts since my leggings were soaked) and I was fine (probably because I spent so much energy paddling). I am one of those people that cannot stand the cold and we did the 9:30AM class. It was pretty windy and waters semi-choppy but nothing the class couldn't handle. The instructor first gave us brief instructions on how to hold the paddle and how to maneuver your kayak which I found very helpful. I've kayaked before (around 5x?) but didn't know there were certain ways to hold the paddle, etc. It seemed like a majority of my class were beginners (never kayaked before) and everyone did great so no worries if you've never kayaked before! My friend also never kayaked before and she had fun! They also teach you how to get in and out of the paddle.
Paddling in the kayaks became very tiring for me because we were going against the wind and the current (plus I'm a weaksauce) but it was really relaxing in a way. I loved the view and just being on the water. The current/wind was so strong that once we reached our "destination", it seemed like it took 5 minutes for us to drift back to our starting point haha. All that work for nothing! But it was a great workout and I NEVER workout. I did feel pretty chilly after the whole kayaking because my leggings were soaked and it was super windy out so maybe bring some dry warm clothing for after.
In conclusion, if you're a beginner, don't be afraid and just do it (Skyline Kayak Tour)! Remember to book your spots online IN ADVANCE. Spots fill up quick! The staff is very friendly and informative and you get a great workout! I would definitely go back to do it again with my boyfriend next time :D Thank you guys for the experience!
Things to Bring:
1. Towel
2. Flip flops or barefoot in the kayak
3. Change of clothing for after kayaking
4. Lock
5. Waterproof camera
6. Light hoodie for during kayaking (if you don't like the cold and/or it's windy that morning)
7. Preferably shorts for during kayaking (my leggings were soaked and sticking to me = cold)
8. Bathing suit under clothing during kayaking (you get wet waist down) read more