Frequently Asked Questions:
- Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes, one will be provided to sign and is mandatory.
- What if I've never kayaked before?
No experience is necessary. That's what Rainboats is here for- to help and encourage you to try kayaking!
- How many people can be in a party?
Since Rainboats is a small business and not a large outfitter, up to 4 in a party is all we can take (for now).
- How do I pay for our kayak tour?
We are finishing up the details to be able to accept credit card payments on our website... so for now, you can mail a check or send money via Venmo or Paypal.
- Why would I book with Rainboats when another outfitter in Newport is half the cost?
We are a small, niche business: Rainboats is the only kayaking company on the central Oregon coast that caters to queer folks and allies. We provide intimate, personal tours, and we pay attention to detail. We want you to have the best experience for you, so please choose the company that fits you best!
- What kind of kayak would we use?
We have 4 Pelican Trailblazer kayaks, 10 feet, sit-inside style. We are adding 2 more kayaks to the fleet asap- will update soon.
- What is the weather like?
Depending on the season, the day, and the time of the day.. it can change in a moment's time. It gets windier in the afternoon, which is why tours are mainly morning and evening. Be up for anything!
- What if the weather is bad?
That is a common occurrence on the Oregon coast. We will leave it up to your party if it's just foggy, misting, or raining, but anything more severe, we would try to reschedule, or you can cancel and get a full refund.
- Where can I change my clothes?
At the house of Rainboats or at the outdoor restroom area near the boat launch.
- Where can I leave my stuff?
You can leave your stuff in the car or store it in the provided dry bag.
- What if I'm not in good shape?
Kayaking can be for different levels of health. We will talk beforehand and make sure the trip is centered around what you and your party feel comfortable doing. The most difficult part is getting in and out of the kayak.
- Is there a weight limit?
Yes, for now, unfortunately. The kayak's weight limit is 275 lbs. and life jacket's limit is 300 lbs. or less to be safe. We are working on getting kayaks for a higher weight limit so we can accommodate all our friends, so hang tight!
- Are kids allowed?
Rainboats is specifically designed for the adult LGBTQ+ community, but we can take children with parents/guardians (or permission from them) on special occasions and for grant partnerships.
- Can I bring my dog/pet?
Yes, but that pet will be your responsibility and I would not suggest it to fully enjoy yourself.
- Will I get wet?
Hopefully not too wet, but depending on the weather, or how smooth of an entrance or exit you make into the water, you might be a little wet or a whole lotta wet! Keep in mind it is a water activity.
- What should I bring?
That is up to you. The most important items will be provided (see Packages page), but you can bring your phone, camera, jacket, rain gear, sunscreen, hat, shoes/sandals, etc.
- What wildlife will I see on the tour?
Depending on the season or time of day, we will see many types of birds (eagles, ducks, geese, great blue herons, great white egrets, plus about 10 more smaller species), nutria, salamanders, fish jumping, and maybe a beaver if we're lucky.
- Should I tip my tour guide?
Tips are always welcomed and appreciated, but not mandatory. :)
- Where can I stay while visiting the Newport/South Beach area?
Rainboats has a partnership with a hotel in South Beach that will give you a discount. Please inquire for more details.
- Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes, one will be provided to sign and is mandatory.
- What if I've never kayaked before?
No experience is necessary. That's what Rainboats is here for- to help and encourage you to try kayaking!
- How many people can be in a party?
Since Rainboats is a small business and not a large outfitter, up to 4 in a party is all we can take (for now).
- How do I pay for our kayak tour?
We are finishing up the details to be able to accept credit card payments on our website... so for now, you can mail a check or send money via Venmo or Paypal.
- Why would I book with Rainboats when another outfitter in Newport is half the cost?
We are a small, niche business: Rainboats is the only kayaking company on the central Oregon coast that caters to queer folks and allies. We provide intimate, personal tours, and we pay attention to detail. We want you to have the best experience for you, so please choose the company that fits you best!
- What kind of kayak would we use?
We have 4 Pelican Trailblazer kayaks, 10 feet, sit-inside style. We are adding 2 more kayaks to the fleet asap- will update soon.
- What is the weather like?
Depending on the season, the day, and the time of the day.. it can change in a moment's time. It gets windier in the afternoon, which is why tours are mainly morning and evening. Be up for anything!
- What if the weather is bad?
That is a common occurrence on the Oregon coast. We will leave it up to your party if it's just foggy, misting, or raining, but anything more severe, we would try to reschedule, or you can cancel and get a full refund.
- Where can I change my clothes?
At the house of Rainboats or at the outdoor restroom area near the boat launch.
- Where can I leave my stuff?
You can leave your stuff in the car or store it in the provided dry bag.
- What if I'm not in good shape?
Kayaking can be for different levels of health. We will talk beforehand and make sure the trip is centered around what you and your party feel comfortable doing. The most difficult part is getting in and out of the kayak.
- Is there a weight limit?
Yes, for now, unfortunately. The kayak's weight limit is 275 lbs. and life jacket's limit is 300 lbs. or less to be safe. We are working on getting kayaks for a higher weight limit so we can accommodate all our friends, so hang tight!
- Are kids allowed?
Rainboats is specifically designed for the adult LGBTQ+ community, but we can take children with parents/guardians (or permission from them) on special occasions and for grant partnerships.
- Can I bring my dog/pet?
Yes, but that pet will be your responsibility and I would not suggest it to fully enjoy yourself.
- Will I get wet?
Hopefully not too wet, but depending on the weather, or how smooth of an entrance or exit you make into the water, you might be a little wet or a whole lotta wet! Keep in mind it is a water activity.
- What should I bring?
That is up to you. The most important items will be provided (see Packages page), but you can bring your phone, camera, jacket, rain gear, sunscreen, hat, shoes/sandals, etc.
- What wildlife will I see on the tour?
Depending on the season or time of day, we will see many types of birds (eagles, ducks, geese, great blue herons, great white egrets, plus about 10 more smaller species), nutria, salamanders, fish jumping, and maybe a beaver if we're lucky.
- Should I tip my tour guide?
Tips are always welcomed and appreciated, but not mandatory. :)
- Where can I stay while visiting the Newport/South Beach area?
Rainboats has a partnership with a hotel in South Beach that will give you a discount. Please inquire for more details.