Some Frequently Asked Questions

How should I dress for for a tour?

The key words here are comfort and layers.

Conditions on the estuary are very changeable. A cool misty morning can quickly develop into a hot, sunny day. Here again, the stability and utility of the Orchid Outrigger come into play. It is very easy to add or remove layers as the day's conditions dictate. Directly in front of and behind the paddlers are large, hatched, dry storage compartments. This allows the paddlers to bring along an extra layer (windbreaker, sweatpants, sweatshirt) should the day get cooler, or remove and stow same as the day warms up.

On most days, pants and a sweat shirt give way to shorts and a t-shirt. Again, comfort is the overriding consideration. If you want to show off your latest Gortex windbreaker and expedition pants with the zip on/off pant legs, this is the perfect venue. On the other hand, that favorite well worn pair of shorts and sweatpants with that cozy, old flannel and a t-shirt will work just fine. These outriggers have been paddled by ladies in dresses and men in slacks. It really all boils down to comfort. The canoe has a very dry ride and, under most conditions, paddlers can expect to leave the boat as dry as when they boarded.

Launching and landing the canoe from a beach sometimes requires stepping into the water ankle or calf deep, which brings up to footwear. Best bet here is a pair of water tennis shoes, reef walkers, or good sandals with velcro straps. Flip-flops work in a marginal kind of way, but one must be ever mindful of stepping on pop-tops and blowing out ones' flip-flops.

Last, but not least, is a good hat and sunscreen. On a sunny day you'll need to protect your face, ears, and neck from not only the sun above but the reflected rays from the water's surface. A wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap or French Foreign Legion-styled cap with drape are suggested.

How safe are the Orchid Outrigger canoes?

The Orchid Outrigger canoe is far and away the safest paddled craft on the estuary or anywhere else in the world. The craft is designed for ocean paddling and even in extreme conditions on the bay the canoe remains composed and dry.

The biggest challenge for a paddled craft is the wind, and it can get windy on the bay. The gusting 20 to 25 knot winds which can develop in the afternoon will send all but the most seasoned kayak and traditional canoe paddlers back to the beach and, in some cases, blow them helplessly to leeward. The Orchid Outriggers' design heritage gives it far superior handling, performance, and speed in rough, windy conditions. (If there is anyone reading this who cares to dispute the above statements and has a paddled craft of similar size: anywhere, any weather, anytime.)

The canoe's ability to be paddled against an out-going tide is also worth mentioning here. With a non-paddling observer in the front seat, the outrigger has been paddled by guide alone from the Morro Bay harbor entrance to Baywood Park against a 1.8 knot ebbing tide in an hour and fifteen minutes. This is not a particularly strenuous exercise. Add the canoe's rough weather performance to the fact that it cannot be upset or sunk and you have a remarkably safe and dry craft.

Will my camera equipment be safe and dry?

The first necessities here are a stout camera strap, UV filter, and lens cover. Most photographers spend more than half the duration of the outing engaged in shooting and have their camera suspended from their necks a good portion of the time.

The boat is equipped with lidded, plastic boxes with feet contoured to fit the bottom of the canoe. These boxes are large enough for most practical camera and lens combinations and keep the equipment safe and dry and at the photographers feet if he or she desires. This allows the photographer to paddle or simply relax with the camera conveniently stowed. These boxes are also handy when beached on the sandspit, providing a handy, sand-proof container for camera equipment while ashore.

Most photographers remark as to the dryness of the experience and how concern for their equipment faded away soon after leaving the shoreline behind.

I'm sold! How do I sign up?

Just go to the Contact Us page to get complete information about arranging your tour of the bay.