information and tips
The Kayak Shack is open everyday mid-June through Labor Day. Open weekends in September & October depending on the tides.
At other times of the year by reservation ONLY.
Reservations are highly recommended
Waldport High School Kayak Shack is a school-based enterprise – created and operated by students. For more information about the Young Entrepreneurs Program see ‘About the Class’.
WHS Kayak Shack offers Cobra sit-on-top kayaks for rent and guide tours of the Lint Slough, Alsea Bay and surrounding areas. Rentals by the hour, off-site rentals, and groups discounts are available.
Kayaking to some areas of the slough and estuary are dependent upon the tides. Please keep this in mind when planning your trip. For more assistance in planning your kayaking adventure please call a Kayak Shack representative.
We also accommodate off-site rentals to sites along the Alsea River watershed.
Important Information:
Age requirements?
- Children under 6 years must provide their own life jacket
- Children under 14 must ride in a kayak with an adult
How long does the average trip take?
- Give yourself plenty of time. Keeping in mind general preparation, safety instruction, launching procedure, and docking of the kayaks, you should plan to spend about 2 hours with us.
- It takes 15-20 minutes to watch a safety video and get fitted for a life jacket
- You are not charged the hourly rate until you get on the water.
What should you bring?
Weather on the coast often changes without warning, and being prepared is the best way to get the most enjoyment out of your kayaking experience. We recommend you consider the following
- Wear clothing that will dry quickly and not make you cold when wet - avoid cotton.
- Rain gear or a change of clothing
- Waterproof shoes / change of shoes – NO Flip-Flops
- Water to drink
- Snacks (especially if you plan to be out a couple of hours)
- Sunscreen or a hat
What not to bring?
- No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed
Rental Limits
- PLEASE NOTE: We know that the coast holds excitement for all types of outdoor adventures, but our sit-on-top kayaks are not meant for ocean going. Kayaks are not allowed west of the AlseaBayBridge.
PLEASE DO NOT LITTER!
Reservations
- We highly recommend that you call ahead and make reservations. We have 24 different kayaks but they are in high demand during the summer tourist season.
- Liability Forms are located on this site for your convience.
Tips & Suggestions
- Leave all valuables (cameras, jewelry, money, etc.) at home or locked in the trunk of your car.
- Attach car keys to belt loop or Kayak. Avoid holding them in your pocket.
- Use a glasses holder to prevent losing eyeglasses.
- Use a waterproof bag for food or extra clothing and tie to kayak.
Helpful Hints
- Avoid low tide, our hours of operation are calculated to correspond with the tides. When a staff member shares this information with you please heed it – they speak from experience.
- Go with the flow – schedule your trip so that the current is going the same direction that you are, unless you are looking for a workout or in the river channel.
- The rising and outgoing tides can produce swift currents and strong winds blowing in from the Alsea Bay. Great care must be taken to avoid getting stuck in the mud at or near low tide. The best time to be on the river or slough is 3 hours before high tide until 3 hours after. This is a generalized statement – look at table below. All kayak trips should be planned with these times in mind, especially when visiting areas affected by tides. Eckman Lake and Beavecreek are great paddles during any tide level. This schedule is set with your safety in mind and to provide the best possible experience for you to enjoy the watertrails of Alsea Bay.
