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
"We did the Sand Harbor Kayak tour with Tahoe Adventure Company. Emma Hoffman was our tour guide. This tour was worth the money. Emma guided the tour well, was informative about the history of the place, friendly and kept us engaged. But what I am happy about is something bigger than that...Myself and my husband are beginners in kayaking. We were struggling with balancing the Kayak and suddenly our kayak toppled down. Emma took charge of this unexpected situation and immediately helped us! She stayed calm and guided us step by step as to how to get back on the kayak and got us back on kayak. Without her, I don't know how we would have managed! Because we are very new to this. Thanks, Emma! A guide's or Company's worth is known especially based on how they handle unexpected situations! Also, Emma helped our group Cliff jump by jumping along with us. Without her lead none of us had the guts to jump by ourselves. I am glad I chose Tahoe Adventure Company for this tour and glad that Emma was our tour guide. I’d come back to Tahoe adventure company again for both summer and winter activities. They ensure safety along with providing adventure." -Viv N.
"Our tour guide Jill was amazing! We had the best time on this kayak adventure with lots of laughs, lots of cool information about Tahoe and a delicious lunch at Gar Woods. The views were amazing and the water was like glass. Highly recommend Tahoe Adventure Company and highly recommend Jill." -Colleen F.
I booked one of your guided Thunderbird Lodge Kayak Tours on July 20th. From Stephanie who took my reservation to Robin who was our guide- I was extremely impressed by your staff.
My daughter and I would not have had such a great experience without Robin. She truly made my first kayaking adventure a memorable one. My daughter, who has more experience than I in regards to kayaking, was impressed with Robin's know-how and great personality.
Thanks to you and your staff for a great day. I will definitely recommend your company. -Karen
Had a great time on the North Shore Kayak last Monday. This is the second time I've used your company. Our guide, I think his name was Kerry, (he grew up in Sacramento) did a fabulous job and was very patient with 2 novices, myself and a friend. It was just the three of us, so we had great one-on-one attention. He excels in customer service skills, which is a lost art these days. The day was perfect and the lake was beautiful so it was a win-win all around. -Patti L.
-- Patti L.
I booked one of your guided Thunderbird Lodge Kayak Tours on July 20th. From Stephanie who took my reservation to Robin who was our guide- I was extremely impressed by your staff. My daughter and I would not have had such a great experience without Robin. She truly made my first kayaking adventure a memorable one. My daughter, who has more experience than I in regards to kayaking, was impressed with Robin's know-how and great personality. Thanks to you and your staff for a great day. I will definitely recommend your company. -Karen
-- Karen
"I found Tahoe Adventure Co to be extremely organized, passionate, and flexible when I brought a bachelor party to them for a sunset kayak tour. The main guide on our tour -- Erica -- was friendly and outgoing; giving the effort to make conversation and ask questions with everyone in our and other groups. The sunset tour is an accessible option for folks who have rarely/never done paddling water sports." -Gordon C.
