So you've decided to rent a kayak and explore the slough on your own!

If you decide to kayak on your own, or with a group by yourselves, you can be sure to have a wonderful and personal experience. You will be the captain of your own respectful squadron, and with a few tips and rules, you can be sure to have a great time out on the water. The first step to renting a kayak is to sign a liability release form and pay the appropriate fee. Prices, times, types of kayak, and length of rental can be found on the Equipment Rentals page. The next step is to watch a safety/renters video, which explains the rental procedure in the shop, and kayak safety tips on the water. After that, it's off to the yard to gear up, learn basic paddle strokes, and await final instructions. The last phase entails entering the kayak, adjusting the foot pegs, moving the rudder properly and pushing off from the dock. You're on your way to fun and excitement now!

We recommend double kayaks for first timers, the more apprehensive, or those who like to be close. In doubles, or tandem kayaks, one can go further in a shorter time and therefore see more. Once you've gone out in a double, you can expand your paddling experience by paddling a single kayak and acting as the captain of your own vessel.

As you enter the Elkhorn Slough, however, remember that one has to respect all marine wildlife, especially mammals, by not approaching too close. The Marine Mammal Protection Act says that if one changes the behavior of a marine mammal then one is too close. Even the slightest movement of a seals' head (which is a tell-tale sign of mammal behavior change), can disturb the colony enough to abandon the necessary comforts of their haul-out site. They are especially vulnerable to harassment when hauled-out on land, resting, preening or feeding and must be given ample distance (at least 50 yards). Harbor seals, especially, need an extraordinary amount of time on land to rest and rejuvenate and watch over their young. If they become disturbed while on land, they will trample even their own pups in an effort to reach the safety of deep water. If the site becomes disturbed too often, the seals will leave and never return. Haul-out sites, needless to say, are extremely important. Seals and otters can also pop up in front of a kayak and seals sometimes follow kayaks, but a kayaker has a responsibility to maintain their distance. From a seal or otter's point of view, a kayaker is a human brandishing two sticks! Apart from respecting the marine mammals and other wildlife, one should also protect the slough by not making any type of impact on its shores and plant life. The slough is a very delicate environment, and in a kayak one can visit and enjoy the slough in a very intimate manner and, at the same time, without leaving a trace. We'll ask our renters not to land anywhere besides our dock space, not to touch the mudflats and take nothing save memories.

With the popularity of kayaking increasing rapidly, it is more imperative every day to have complete respect and follow these guidelines, no matter where you are paddling.

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