Tybee Island Ocean Skills (Manhattan Kayak)
Location
Tybee Island, Georgia
Group Size
4 people per guide
Duration
7 days
Location
Tybee Island, Georgia
Group Size
4 people per guide
Duration
7 days
2024 Dates: November 10-16
This is a private kayak adventure for Manhattan Kayak. Whether your aim to is to get more experience in conditions with people who really have your back, or just want to get out and enjoy some fall paddling in bumpy water, this trip is for you! Taught from a comfortable house base with great family meals right near the beach, we will be able to take maximum advantage of whatever the elements throw our way.
This program will strengthen your bracing and rescue skills in conditions and help you work on navigating tides and currents. We will build the week around your own development goals.
Because this program is focused on a maximum of 8 paddlers with 2-3 well-qualified instructors, you’ll get extremely personalized coaching.
Price includes rental of sport-oriented kayak (Stratos, Virgo, Delphin, or Romany) with outfitting, ACA/PaddleUK (BC) certified coaching, comfortable rental house lodging and most meals (breakfasts, build-your-own lunches and all dinners except two). Price does not include travel to and from the venue (Uber is available from Savannah airport), restaurant meals (we'll have a couple of meals out at local restaurants for fun and to support local businesses), alcohol, guide gratuity, or travel insurance.
NOTE: This trip requires a minimum of 4 kayakers and has a maximum capacity of 8. If we do not meet the 4 person minimum by August 15, deposits will be refunded minus the Origin handling fees. Everyone will be notified as soon as we reach the minimum so travel arrangements can be arranged.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrival day: Check in after 2pm and get settled and oriented.
Days 2 – 6:
Bracing, surfing, rescues in conditions, tide and current practice, high speed heron identification, oyster avoidance, and the finer points of low country cuisine can and will be part of the menu in any measure that best suits your needs.
Day 7:
Check out
Check-out
Uncommon Adventures
We specialize in guided paddling adventures - both expedition style kayaking and lodge-based paddling retreats - in the Great Lakes, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska and more. We also offer kayak skills training, outdoor cooking programs and ACA Coastal Kayaking Instructor Training. Our focus is small groups for trips (3-6) and friendly student/instructor ratios for classes (4:1 max)
Since 1984 we have been known for professional, ACA certified instructors, outstanding cuisine, and top quality equipment that helps create an enjoyable learning environment for everyone at all experience levels. No matter what shape or size you may be, we will work hard to help you blaze a pathway to your own paddling adventure.
The Guides
Where you'll meet
The details
What to bring
What's Not Included:
- Transportation to the site
- General kayak gear - Tow belt, VHF radio, compass, etc. (if you have them. We'll have extras.)
- Two dinners out
- Personal clothing and toiletries
- Farmer John/Jane style wetsuit or Drysuit if you have one.
- Synthetic or wool long underwear: polypropylene, polyester, coolmax, etc….anything but cotton
- Fleece jacket
- Paddling jacket or rain parka
- Helmet (if you have one)
- Neoprene boots: I try to discourage sandals because they can get tangled in footrests….and that’s bad if you're upside down.
- One liter water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Alcohol or preferred adult beverages
- Snacks (on the water and off) - bring your favorite energy bars, trail mix, etc.
- Travel Insurance
- Guide Gratuity (Suggested 5-10% of trip cost)
Cancellation Policy
Uncommon Adventures payment terms and conditions are based on the investment we make in planning, equipment allocation, staffing, and delivering our programs. These expenses are not recoverable in the case of short-notice cancellation or transfer. However, we do understand that things often happen beyond your control and will work with you the best we can. That may take the form of a gift card for a credit for a future program.
For expeditions of a week or more, we RECOMMEND that you research travel insurance options and purchase one that will protect your investment. Options include Allianz Travel Insurance and World Nomads.
Refund / Cancellation Policy:
- Overnight Adventure Trips (Backcountry and Lodging):
- If cancelled more than 60 days prior to the start of the program, we provide a full refund less any fees incurred by us. If you prefer, we will offer a 100% credit towards future programs used within 24 months.
- If cancelled less than 60 days, but more than 30 days, your fees are forfeit, unless we can rebook your spot. A credit will be issued, less our booking costs, in the form of gift card good towards programs for 24 months.
- If cancelled less than 30 days prior to the start of the program, no refunds will be given. If we can rebook your spot, then a gift card will be issued less our booking costs.
- Instructional Day courses and programs
- If you cancel within 72 hours, we offer a 100% credit towards future programs in the same year.
What if Uncommon Adventures Cancels Your Program?
If Uncommon Adventures determines that a scheduled program needs to be canceled due to risk management concerns, weather, a natural disaster, or any other reason, we will offer the client a full refund minus any unrecoverable expenses already incurred.
Our precautions for COVID-19
What you can expect from us:
Covid-19 Policy
Going forward we will be monitoring CDC guidelines as they change. Most kayak skills training and paddling have built-in social distancing, but some things like rescues and kinesthetic coaching often are more effective with closer contact. If you are more comfortable wearing a mask during programs, you are welcome to.
Our business model has always been one of small groups of 2-6, minimizing group risks. Firstly, bringing all of your own kayaking gear that only you have handled helps mitigate risk.
Items like whistles and paddle floats will not be shared. We are happy to demo their use, but you should have your own to practice with.
While we recognize the need to mitigate contact risk in every way possible and practical way, your immediate safety will always be our priority. For camping programs, we will be following the same strict food hygiene standards we always have because it always applies and individual campers will be handling and rinsing their own eating ware in a bleach rinse.
— Michael Gray, Owner
More trips from Uncommon Adventures
Reviews
Trip: Tybee Island Ocean Skills (Manhattan Kayak)
Guide: Michael G., Lisa D., Tim Gallaway
I recently attended the Ocean Kayaking Skills course with Uncommon Adventures in Tybee Island, Georgia, and it was an incredible experience. Michael and Lisa are exceptional instructors—Michael’s infectious enthusiasm and Lisa’s thoughtful, no-judgment approach made learning both enjoyable and approachable. As a beginner, I felt comfortable sharing what I didn’t know, and they tailored a checklist of skills for me to work on. I felt their ability to meet everyone where they were and respond thoughtfully to their individual goals was impressive. They also fostered a fantastic group dynamic. Sharing meals, laughing, and supporting one another made the experience even more meaningful. Michael’s cooking (he’s a chef!) was another highlight, as my scale can attest to. I also learned a lot about caring for kayaks and equipment, as well as the fascinating history of the kayak (or qajaq), which Tim (another remarkable instructor) shared with the group. Michael and Lisa are well-respected in both the kayaking community and the regions where they run trips. This reputation enables them to craft unique, thoughtful experiences that go far beyond cookie-cutter itineraries. Their attention to detail was amazing—when I forgot my wetsuit, they even had a spare in my size ready to lend. This trip was unforgettable, and I look forward to more adventures with Uncommon Adventures. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
By Kimberly S. on December 30, 2024
