Is there a full moon? Then it's time to hit the kayaks! By Judy Green -- Bee Staff Writer Published 2:15 am PDT Thursday, August 18, 2005
Lapping water and dipping paddles may be the only sounds kayakers hear if they take a full-moon tour this weekend on a lake or along the coast. Away from city lights, they can expect to see the bright lights of Venus, Jupiter, Scorpio and Sagittarius - even by the light of the moon.
Paddlers of all abilities can enjoy nature's monthly bright light on Lake Tahoe through a tour planned by Kevin Hickey of Tahoe Adventure Co. in Tahoe City. The cost is $60 per person.
Company owner Hickey said first-timers often are amazed at how easy the sit-on-top boats are to maneuver after a short lesson. "Ninety-nine percent of people fear it's too hard, and most are surprised and wonder afterward what they were worried about."
Tahoe participants will meet on the beach for outfitting and a short paddling lesson before slipping a single or double kayak into the water and following the guide to make basic turns. Depending on the group, Hickey will guide participants out about a half-mile or farther, paddling a total of about two miles.
"We start out at just before sunset," Hickey said from Truckee. He expects the air will be cool and the sand warm from the day. The water will be calm and quiet as the wind dies down and other boats button up for the night. Kayakers can anticipate watching the sunset's colors glowing and changing as the sky fades to dark.
Although visibility will be fair in the moonlight, Hickey attaches green glow sticks to the bow and stern of guests' boats, and red ones on the guide boats and paddles, for safety.
After about two hours on the water, paddlers go back to shore and warm up with hot drinks and snacks.
Visitors Love To Adventure With Us
I just wanted to take a minute of your time to say thanks for a wonderful time. Micah was a terrific guide; he was really patient and thoughtful. My whole family had a ton of fun, and learned to love a new sport. We will definitely keep Tahoe Adventure Company on our short list of activities for our next Tahoe vacation, and have already referred your company to several others at our resort.
Thanks again for your thoughtfulness, informative emails, and great tour. -Jean B.
My wife and I stayed with you this past weekend and went on the Full Moon Snowshoe tour. I just wanted to take a minute and thank everyone involved for a wonderful stay! The property was fantastic and was only outdone by the courtesy and friendliness of the staff. Everything was perfect (with the exception of the weather for the star tour) but even that was made up for with the presentation by Tony. As parents of a teenager we don't get the chance for romantic getaways very often but thanks to you all this was a very memorable and fantastic experience. We absolutely are looking forward to the next time we can get away. -Ken Irwin.
"Highlight of our Tahoe trip! We had so much fun in the half day kayak tour of sand harbor, we went back the next day for a paddleboard tour. Th guides added a lot to the fun of the sport with tons of cool information about the lake ecology and the history of Tahoe. Definitely recommend!" Frankie S.
"I bring large groups to them for team building and they ALWAYS come back happy. They know the soft skills required to help businesses bond and learn." -Barb S.
-- Barb S.
"Being a local here in Tahoe for many years I am not one to sign up for a tour, but inspiration came when my friend invited me for the Full Moon Kayak tour on Lake Tahoe. What a treat to see the sun set behind our boat and then to watch the full moon rise and reflect upon the lake." -Jani O.
-- Jani O.
I went kayaking today with a youth group I volunteer with, ages 10 to 14. We had a great time! The instructors were helpful and knowledgeable, and made everyone feel safe. We paddled out into Tahoe Lake individually, including a boat race, and then the kids got to swim (with their life vests) in the lake, or play games between the kayaks. The bottom wasn't more than 30 feet deep. We spent about 2.5 hours on the water. On the way in, we linked all the kayaks and paddled as a chain. Nice teamwork! Overall a great experience. I hope to return again. -Chris C.