• We really enjoy kayaking! And we want to share that joy with you. Casual Kayakers offers safe and family-friendly guided kayak and standup paddleboard (SUP) adventures on the waters of Hampton Roads, southeast Virginia, & northeast North Carolina. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced paddler, we’ll meet you at the launch spot with rental gear for a half or full-day trip.
• We create a custom paddle plan for you and your group and guide you through the trip.
• We provide orientation and instruction on the kayaks & SUPs, and provide the Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs, aka life vests), paddles & tour gear to meet your group’s needs and ensure you have a great time on the water.
• There are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant locations and we have assistive equipment to aid those with limited endurance or mobility.
• Yes, whitewater kayaking/rafting can be exhilarating and kayaking for distance or speed can be great exercise. Our target demographic is in between those extremes. Casual Kayakers are:
  • Those who want to see the sights; to take in the natural beauty and share the camaraderie a lake or stream/river with friends or family that can only found when not running a motor constantly.
  • Those who want to get their family and/or friends on the water without the stress or risks associated with whitewater or endurance paddling or the costs of motor-boat rental,
  • Those who want to get a low-stress taste of kayaking/SUP human-powered water activities without committing to an expensive outing or high-energy experience.
  • Those who want to try out multiple kayaks or SUPs and associated gear before purchasing their own or renting elsewhere.

• Safety is our #1 priority
• Kayaking is a physical activity on the water.
  • Let your Guide know when you’re down to about 2/3s endurance – we need to be able to paddle back to the launch location.
  • Plan on anything you wear, carry, or put in or on the boat getting wet, and possibly immersed or submerged (including wearable medical devices).
  • Personal property including but not limited to: mobile phones, cameras, eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lens, watches, towels, clothes, may be subject to water damage or loss while participating in a Casual Kayakers trip. Casual Kayakers assumes no liability for any personal property taken on the trip or left onshore.
• While we’re doing this to have fun; each paddler is expected to stay safe, command their watercraft, follow directions, help the group, and assist moving gear to and from the water.
  • Participants should always wear a fastened personal floatation device (PFD, life jacket) when in or on their watercraft and wear footwear which will provide protection from sharp objects, won’t come off if step in the mud/silt, and minimize the risk of foot entrapment.
  • Failure to adhere to these and other safety precautions and guide instructions may result in serious injury or death.
• Unruly, disruptive, or uncooperative guests/paddlers will not be allowed to participate or wlll be taken back to launch location and told to put ashore with NO REFUND! This includes guests/paddlers under the influence of alcohol, illegal/non-prescription drugs, or prescription medications that significantly impair their cognitive or physical abilities. This for everyone’s’ safety.

• Kayak essentials
  • Single or tandem kayak or a Standup Paddleboard (SUP) for youth and adults
  • Plus several child and youth solos kayaks/SUPs
  • Paddle(s) and paddle keeper(s)
  • PFD (Personal Floatation Device, also known as life vest/jacket) with whistle. We have PFDs for:
    • infants (less than 30lbs),
    • children (30-55lbs),
    • youths/small adults (50-125Lbs), and
    • adults (over 125Lbs).
  • Safety Kit (throw rope, bilge pump, paddle float, deck sponge (specifics depend on your watercraft))
  • 1 or 2 Basic First Aid Kits per group (carried in/on watercraft of an adult paddler)
• Included Accessories (on loan for your trip)
  • 22oz Insulated Water Bottle (filled with double-filtered municipal water (1 per person))
  • Glasses keeper straps
  • Clip tethers for hat or small/light items
  • A small (~6 can) soft-sided Cooler (with ice packs) that will fit inside the hull or cockpit of a sit-inside kayak or on a sit-on-top kayak or SUP.
  • A number of dry storage options
    • Drybags (5 & 10 Liter)
    • Dryboxes (ID, Keys, smaller Phone) (Small Pelican Case (1040/1060) or similar)
  • A selection of sun/bucket hats
• Additional Items Available for Rent
  • Additional 22oz Insulated Water Bottles
  • Additional small soft-sided Coolers
  • 2x medium soft-side cooler that can be carried on top of a kayak or SUP.
  • Towable, floating coolers for those extras on the water
    • 2x CreekKooler (15 quart)
    • 2x CreekKooler (30 quart)
    • 2x Cuddy Cooler (40 quart)

• Scan through this section of the FAQs, Before Paddle Preparation
• We will e-mail you links to forms for you to fill out.
  • Read through the Read-Me-First and Paddle Planner Directions PDF file
  • Fill out the Paddle Planner Excel file for your group.
  • Fill out a Paddler Profile for each participant.
  • Submit your Paddle Planner and Paddler Profiles to paddle@casual-kayakers.com
  • Read through the next section of the FAQs, DAY OF PADDLE CONSIDERATIONS

• What each person should wear and bring (Musts haves for each person in BOLD)
  • Water Shirt/Top (quick drying, sleeved surf/kayak/swim top or shirt) – not cotton
  • Water Shorts/swim trunks/bathing suit  
    • Comfortable, quick-drying, good for extended sitting – not cotton
    • Note leg position in diagram – avoid tight/too revealing shorts/swim trunks/bottoms
  • Water Shoes or sandals with heal strap
    • Shoes that won’t come off if you flip the boat or step in mud or sand (ankle-plus deep)

• Recommended Extras
  • Sunglasses w/ glasses strap
  • Snacks & drinks (sport drink, etc. in plastic screw top bottles), trail mix, crackers, fruit
  • Lunch or more substantial snacks, if we expect to be out over lunch or on an extended paddle
  • Extra water shirt or coverup (long sleeved, in case you get chilled or get too much sun)
  • Cooling neck wrap or head band
  • Camera/Phone – in waterproof case
  • Sunhat (don’t forget your ears and face sunburn too)
  • Other personal water gear (drybags, cooler, etc) that you already have
• Remember:
  • Anything you wear/bring on or put in the boat could, and potentially will, get wet, immersed, sink, or lost.
  • Anything not strapped in or in a properly closed storage compartment could be lost overboard (Known as a Yard sale as they float away)

• Kayak Tour
  • One kayak per adult (up to two adults for tandem ‘yaks & SUPs) and/or solo boats for children or youths, plus riders.
  • Casual Kayaker Staff will pick a PFD and paddle based for each paddler based on their provided information.

• Kayak Demo (Equipment Tryout & Demonstration)
  • We will bring more kayaks than paddlers and or several different kayaks (depending on group size) to tryout and paddle around so the paddlers can figure out which kayak features and boat types they like.
  • Multiple paddles and PFDs can also be brought to tryout different styles and specifications of those as well.

• Kayak Combo Demo and Tour
  • The beginning of the trip will be trying out different equipment, then once settled on a set (Kayak, Paddle, PFD), then tour for the duration.

• Standup Paddleboard (SUP) Tour
  • One SUP per paddler (except for tandem ‘yaks) plus children as riders (not to exceed maximum SUP weight capacity)

• SUP Demo (Equipment Tryout & Demonstration)
  • Will bring a variety of SUPs for paddlers to tryout and paddle so the paddlers can figure out which features and SUP types they like.
  • Multiple paddles and PFDs can also be brought to tryout different styles and specifications of those as well.

• SUP Combo Demo and Tour
  • The beginning of the trip will be trying out different equipment, then once settled on a set (SUP, Paddle, PFD), then tour for the duration.

• Kayak & SUP Demo (Equipment Tryout & Demonstration)
  • Will bring multiple kayaks and SUPs to tryout and paddle around near the launch location so the paddlers can figure out which features and boat types they like.
  • Multiple paddles and PFDs can also be brought to tryout different styles and specifications of those as well.
  • We do not typically offer a long tour option with a mix of SUPs and Kayaks due to the speed differences between the two – a slow paddle is a good option assuming the group is willing to stay together.

• Casual Kayakers will work with you to schedule the best date and time for your group.
  • The 120 Rule guides our paddling season – This rule of thumb states that the air temperature plus water temperature (in Fahrenheit) should be greater than or equal to 120. With the caveat that water temperatures should be 60 F or greater.
    • Our season opens once the water temperatures exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit
      (Typically in March or April, depending on Spring weather)
    • Our Season closes once the air or water temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit
      (Typically in October, depending on Fall weather)
  • Tours can be scheduled outside the 120 rule if the participants have and wear their own cool or cold water gear (splash top/pants, wetsuit or drysuit)
• Dates – For now Casual Kayakers only offers day trips
  • Currently, paddling tours is a side gig, so weekdays must be scheduled well in advance
  • Saturdays are usually best
  • Sunday beginning around noon through early evening are also usually open
• Tour-Times
  • Most launch areas are open sunrise to sunset – so we work within that window.
  • For full-day (4+ hours), recommend gathering no later than 10am
  • For half day paddles:
    • Morning trips will begin before 10am
    • Afternoon trips will begin between Noon and 2pm
  • Earlier in the day often has its benefits –
    • cooler temps,
    • less direct sunshine,
    • less insect activity compared to early evenings, and
    • typically calmer winds (thus calmer, smoother water),
    • you have time to recover or continue to other adventures later in the day.

Our website and Paddle Planner lists several and we’re adding to the list every season; if you know of another one or have a favorite, let us know. Currently, all locations are where we start & end. We hope to add trips with different start & end points (i.e. river/stream trips) in the future.

• Recommended sites are picked because of good to excellent facilities (kayak slides, easy to access launch points), bathrooms (verse porta-potties) or interesting/flexible sites – like Jamestown ships or the option for both open and sheltered water paddling (flexibility based on wind/weather) or a combination of all the above.
• Recommended Launch Sites with Toll or Distance Fee are either a significant distance from Suffolk or are sites on the Eastern Shore (Chesapeake Bay Bridge Toll) – sites include Lake Anna or Eastern Shore WWII concrete ships or nice semi-secluded beaches.
• ADA Sites are those equipped with access ramps with a kayak launch slide with a retractable bench or handholds that allows a mobility-limited paddler to maneuver over the kayak for entry and exit. They are often located near more protected waters for a calmer paddling experience. 
• Surveyed sites are those we visited in person to evaluate are those we visited but didn’t make our recommend list for one reason or another.
• Other sites are potential launch and/or recovery locations we simply haven’t been to yet.  If you have a favorite or recommendation, give us the street address or coordinates and let’s discuss.
• Virginia Beach? Casual Kayakers doesn’t often to go to locations in Virginia Beach mainly because of the near-constant level of activity and crowding at the kayak-friendly beaches/launch areas. Plus, there are other kayaking options there. If that’s where you want to paddle with us, we’ll work with you. We’re Casual Kayakers for a reason – to get away from all the hustle and bustle and enjoy some nature time on the water.

• We’ll be out on the water with no or limited shade. Typical SE Virginia/NE North Carolina spring, summer, and fall Wx (~70 to ~105 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered normal operating temperatures for Casual Kayakers.
• The 120 Rule for paddling season – This rule of thumb states that the air temperature plus water temperature (in Fahrenheit) should be greater than or equal to 120. With the caveat that water temperatures should be 60 F or greater. This is where springtime or fall weather can lull kayakers into a sense of safety when air temps are 70 F or above but water temps are lower. Any tours conducted with water temperatures below 60 F will require a participant provided wetsuit or drysuit.
• We’ll make the Wx call together either the day prior or the morning of the scheduled paddle.  Periodic light drizzle is not a showstopper.
  • We’ll consider mitigations first (moving the on-site start or end time; changing paddle location, etc.)
  • Wx cancellation reasons include:
    • constant or regular bands of moderate to heavy rain (what fun would that be?!);
    • thunderstorms (any Wx with lighting);
    • high winds (that can’t be mitigated by local terrain);
    • anything that prompts a boaters advisory for the water we’ll be on (rough seas/water, high flow-rate on river(s), storm surge/flooding, tropical event, hurricane, etc.) and
    • excessive heat/dangerous heat index or cold.
• Should a thunderstorm develop while we’re on the water (possible on most summer days, typically later in the afternoon)
  • We will attempt to get back to the launch location if time and conditions allow.
  • We will head to the nearest landable shore and seek what shelter is available until the storm passes.

All adults (18 yoa or older), Teens or larger pre-teens are considered adults for our trips (~90+ lbs )

• As you fill out the PaddlePlanner, pick the adult ‘yaks or SUPs first (the “Rider” kayak/SUP list only includes boats selected for the Adult paddlers)
• Please note maximum load weight for your watercraft – this is for your safety.
• Adult solo kayaks (1 adult per boat):
  • The Aspire & Pungo sit-in solo kayaks have larger cockpit openings – often open enough for a small child or pet under 50lbs.
  • The Tarpon & Targa SOT solo kayaks and the HiLife SOT/SUP seats are not enclosed and their layout often permits additional, smaller passengers
  • For small/petite adult (<125 lbs) a Pakayak, Aspire 105, or Heron 9XT (Youth Kayak) are good options.
  • Katana, Bluefin, Tsunami, & Zephyr cockpits are very snug. Your legs have to be able to slide in as well as your hips.
• Tandem Kayaks (Up to 2 Adults) and the larger SUPs.
  • The Pamlico 145T is a 1-2-3 sit-in kayak.
    • The front seat can move back to operate as a solo kayak.
    • As a tandem kayak it carries 1 or 2 adults/teens plus a child or two; or 1 adult and up to 2 or 3 youths/children (front seat and center spot, depending on their sizes).
    • The seats are not removable and only the front seat position can be adjusted
  • The Tarpon 135T is a standard tandem Sit on Top (SOT) kayak.
    • As a tandem it carries 2 adults/teens plus a child or two (in leg area of each adult seat); or 1 adult and up to 3 youths/children (front seat & front and back leg areas).
    • The seats are fixed
  • The Targa 130T is a SOT 1-2-3 Kayak with a twist.
    • One seat can be moved to the center to operate as a solo kayak.
    • As a tandem kayak it carries 1 or 2 adults/teens plus a child or two; or 1 adult and up to 2 or 3 youths/children (front seat and center spot, depending on their sizes).
    • The front seat can be reversed to face the rear.
      • For a rider who wishes to face the rear paddler.
    • The front seat can be removed to permit more options for children, small riders.
  • Tandem SUP must be one of the larger ones and be within the weight capacity for the pair or more (for smaller children).
    • If seats are desired, only select SUPs can fit 2 seats
• For Youth/Child solo boats – Herons, Hi Five & Solo, you must identify in advance the adult that will tow them if/when needed.
• For Youth/Child Rider/Helper picking their kayak will determine who they ride with (at least initially)
• Standup Paddle boards (SUP) Seating is not typically an issue unless you wish the option of a a seat (for kayak-style paddling, endurance, or comfort/balance issues), some SUPs can accommodate a second seat.

The trip prices are set to cover equipment costs and upkeep (watercraft, paddles, PFDs, extras), transportation (racks, trailer, fuel, tolls), and other business expenses (online presence, fees, taxes, etc.). Like waitstaff at a restaurant, the guide(s) are paid a minimum rate supplemented by your tips.

• The first kayaks or SUPs are a bit more and the per-paddler price drops as additional paddlers and watercraft are added as the fixed costs of conducting the tour are spread across more paddlers.

Casual Kayakers nor its staff has made and will make no effort to determine – beyond that which is obvious, and accepts no responsibility for, medical, physical assessments or other qualifications on the suitability of participant or other participants, for the activities. Participant, and the parent or guardian of a minor participant, accepts full responsibility for determining Participant’s medical, physical, or other qualifications or suitability for participating in the activities. Casual Kayakers is not responsible for the water conditions, routes, or other activities of users or renters of its equipment.

Casual Kayakers has no definitive or stated age limit, young or old. Some 5 year-olds can often handle their own sit-on-top beginners kayak. We will trust your judgement on your child’s competence and endurance with the caveats below. The older age limit is tied to the paddler’s physical capabilities.

• Adults (an Adult or anyone over 125lbs regardless of age) can paddle a solo or tandem (2 seat) kayak or paddleboard.
  • Those too young to paddle themselves (infants, smaller child) must ride with an adult.
  • A majority of our kayaks and all paddle boards can carry an infant/child under 50lbs (as long as the overall watercraft maximum weight is not exceeded).
  • Our tandem (2 adult paddlers/paddler-rider), our sit-on-top kayaks, and our larger paddleboards can handle one, potentially two or three non-adult riders.
• An older child or youth can (depending on size/weight) ride in an adult kayak or on a paddleboard or paddle a child, youth, or adult solo kayak or paddleboard.
  • For solo child/youth (5 years old and up) watercraft – An adult must be designated to tow the child or youth should they tire or need assistance.
  • Our tandem (2 adult-sized paddlers/rider), our sit-on-top kayaks, and our paddleboards typically can handle one additional child/youth (though comfort becomes an issue as their size increases)
• If an adult, who lacks the endurance or desire to paddle solo and wishes to ride in one of our tandem kayak or on one of our larger paddleboards, may do so as long as they can handle a wet exit, being held up by their PFD until assistance arrives, and the other adult is willing and able to assist them.
  • Those who cannot handle being in the water, supported by a PFD, or could be injured entering or exiting the watercraft (on shore on in the water) should not participate.
• We have PFDs for infants (less than 30lbs), children (30-55lbs), youths/small adults (50-125Lbs), and adults (over 125Lbs).

Alcohol will, and other substances may, impair judgement and reduce a participant’s ability to effectively manage the risks of water travel, portage, camping and land activities. Use of any such substances are prohibited.

Generally we don’t recommend mixing kayaks and SUPs on the same tour as the SUPs are slower on average – even when the SUP is paddled in kayak mode (Seat and double-ended paddle). Obviously a super-fit SUP paddler could easily keep up with or out run a less-fit kayaker; given the same general fitness level the kayaker with usually out pace a SUP paddler.
Exceptions would be:
– A trip where paddling speed is not a consideration and the group is willing to stay together
– A demo trip where you don’t plan to paddle far from the launch point while trying out the watercraft.

Yes! For those with mobility issues that can paddle themselves, ADA Launch Sites are equipped with access ramps and a kayak launch slide with a retractable bench or handholds. These ADA kayak launches allow a mobility-limited paddler to maneuver over the kayak for entry and exit. They are often located near more protected waters for a calmer paddling experience. 

Casual Kayakers has multiple kayaks and SUPs that can carry a disabled adult (tandem Kayak or SUP). We also have several options for disabled youth & child(ren) including open cockpit kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, and most SUPs that can paddled or ridden in/on with an adult paddler.

Please describe your group member’s specific needs and your suggestions on how we can include them. We’ll work with you to balance safety and an enjoyable experience where practicable.

As always your Safety is our #1 priority

Yes. We have tandem kayaks & SUPs, tow ropes, kayak outriggers to enhance stability, and a PacMotor to assist with propulsion.

Casual Kayakers has multiple kayaks and SUPs that can carry a disabled adult (tandem Kayak or SUP). Disabled youth & children can ride in/on open cockpit kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, most SUPs that can be used with an adult paddler. Another option is to tow a watercraft by a non-disabled group member.

Selected kayaks are equipped attachment points for outriggers which enhance stability while allowing standard paddling or the use of other assistive gear.

Casual Kayakers has a PacMotor attachable dual-thruster system to augment or replace the normal paddling for those who cannot paddle themselves or with limited endurance yet are able to manipulate a handheld remote.

Please describe your group member’s specific needs and your suggestions on how we can include them.  We’ll work with you to balance safety and an enjoyable experience where practicable.

As always, your Safety is our #1 priority