ECO TIPS - Choosing A Tour Company Types of Guided Ocean Kayaking Tours Outfitted Trips: Outfitted trips are where some equipment and/or food may or may not be supplied. You should make sure what is and is not supplied. These trips tend to be less expensive and usually feature larger groups. Guide and Assistant are usually provided. Catered trips: Catered Trips are the most deluxe trips during which everything is supplied and taken care of for you. You bring just clothes and a sleeping bag. The company provides Guides and Assistants who cater to your every whim, including cooking, cleaning, etc. Most clients are welcome to participate if they want to. Educational Trips: Educational trips are similar to catered trips but clients are encouraged to participate. Smaller distances are covered as some time is used for workshops on kayaking skills. The objective of these trips is that clients learn the skills necessary to undertake their own kayak trips. These trips are led by two Guides or a Guide and an Assistant. Questions to ask yourself: -Why am I going on a kayak trip? -How much time have I got (including transit days)? -What is my budget? -What experiences am I seeking? -Do I intend to improve/learn ocean paddling skills? Questions to ask the Tour Company: -How long have you been in business? -How long have you been operating in the destination area? -What is your client to guide ratio? -What is the maximum group size? -Is this an outfitted, catered or educational trip? -How many hours on average will we be paddling? -What does the price include? -Do you paddle in singles, doubles or both? -What must I bring? -What does the company provide? -Are your guides certified? -What is your safety record? -What is your Minimum Impact Policy (see free Ecomarine Minimum Impact for Ocean Kayakers brochure) -How many seasons have your guides been working for? -What proportion have been guiding for more than two seasons? -Do you seek permission from Tribal Councils for your trips? -What is your cancellation policy? Further Resources ACSKG (Association of Canadian Sea Kayak Guides) P.O. Box 1840 Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 2Y3 ph.(250) 384-6103 Sea Kayaking Alliance of BC 221 Ferntree Place, Nanaimo, BC, Canada V9T 5M1 ph. (250) 247-9895 ACA (American Canoe Association) 7432 Alban Station Blvd., Suite B226, Springfield, Virginia, USA 22150 BCU (British Canoe Union) Flexel House, 45 High Street, Addlestone, Webridge, Surrey, U.K. KT1S 1JV TAPS (Trade Association of Paddle Sports) PO Box 243 Milner, BC V0X 1T0, Canada ph. (800) 755 -5228 or (604) 514-5011 FAX (604) 530-5901