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FAQs & Policies

Your Adventure, Secured

Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change. To ensure we can staff our guides and prepare equipment, we adhere to the following schedule:

  • 48+ Hours Notice: Reservations cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled launch will receive a full refund, less a $15 administrative handling fee per reservation.
  • 24 to 48 Hours Notice: Cancellations made between 24 and 48 hours prior to the tour will receive a 50% refund.
  • Less than 24 Hours / No-Show: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour, or failure to arrive by the check-in time (within 30-minute arrival period prior to tour start time), are non-refundable.
  • Rescheduling: Requests to reschedule made outside of the 48-hour window are free of charge, subject to availability. If unable to reschedule, a rain check can be issued, valid through the next paddling season.
Safety First

Weather & Safety Policy

At Big Water Paddle Co., your safety is our absolute priority. While we paddle in most conditions, Lake Superior is a powerful force that “always has the last word.

  • Our Call: In the event of dangerous conditions—including strong winds, large waves, or active thunderstorms—we reserve the right to cancel or shorten a tour at our discretion. In the event that the National Weather Service issues a Small Craft Advisory, all tours will be cancelled due to NPS regulation.
  • Your Options: If we cancel your tour due to weather, you will have the choice of:
    • A full refund of your booking.
    • A priority reschedule to another available time slot during your visit.
  • Communication: We aim to notify guests of weather-related changes as early as possible via the contact information provided at booking. We want to ensure you spend your time enjoying the best of Pictured Rocks, whether on the water or on the trail.
Preparing for Pictured Rocks

Adventure FAQ

To ensure you have the best experience with Big Water Paddle Co., please review this guide before your scheduled tour.
  • Dress for Adventure: Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet; quick-dry fabrics are highly preferred over cotton. It can also often be much colder on Lake Superior, so we recommend bringing layers to ensure you stay comfortable during your adventure.
  • Footwear: Your feet will get wet entering and exiting the kayak. Plan your footwear accordingly—water shoes or sandals with a heel strap are best.
  • Personal Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Hydration: Please bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. We encourage you to bring at least 32 oz. of water each for your trip.
  • For the 6-Hour Tour: Make sure to pack a lunch/heavy snack. We also recommend bringing bug spray, as it may be necessary during our break on Mosquito Beach.
  • What We Provide: We provide all essential kayaking gear and safety equipment; kayaks, paddles, life jackets (PFD), spray skirts and dry bags are included.
  • Available Rentals: If you need extra comfort, we offer splash jackets (think rain jackets for kayakers) and neoprene pogies (specialized paddling mitts that are much better than gloves) for an additional charge.
    • Splash Jackets – $20
    • Pogies – $10

At BWP Co., we provide everything you need for a great day on the water. That said, we’re outdoor enthusiasts too, and we know there’s nothing like the comfort of your own kit!

You are welcome to bring your own paddle, dry bags, splash jacket and life jacket (standard PFDs only—no self-inflating models). To ensure everyone’s safety, our guides will perform a quick inspection of your equipment upon arrival. Please note that if there is any uncertainty regarding the condition or suitability of your gear, we will require the use of BWP Co. equipment for the duration of the trip.

Whistle Requirement: If bringing your own PFD, a whistle is required. We sell these on-site if you need one!

We paddle in the rain, as the rocks are often their most beautiful then and a little Northwoods drizzle won’t stop the adventure. We recommend bringing a rain jacket or renting one of our splash jackets.

  • No Experience? No Problem! We welcome all skill levels and will walk you through everything before we hit the water. You’ll be paddling like a pro in no time.
  • Standard Groups: We limit tours to 12 paddlers to keep things personal.
  • Large Groups (13–24): If you have a group larger than 12, contact us! We can accommodate up to 24 people with a private tour and a 15% discount.
  • Odd Number Groups: No worries! While we use tandem kayaks for stability and speed, we will work to make sure everyone has a partner. This may be a fellow traveler or you may get front row seats to your guides corny jokes.

At The Big Water Paddle Shop, we sell the essentials for a day on the water and a little more.

For Sale:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Water and sports drinks
  • Snacks
  • Branded wears
  • Water shoes
  • Waterproof phone cases

Not in the kayak, you goof! We have facilities at our storefront for before and after the tour. There are also rustic pit toilets (outhouses) at the Miners Beach launch and Mosquito Beach.

Man, I wish! Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed to accompany you on the tour.

The minimum age for our kayak tours is eight (8) years old and paddlers under fourteen (14) must ride with an adult.

Our paddlers tour in the Boreal Esperanto Tandem, a performance-driven touring kayak designed for comfort, efficiency, and stability on the water.

The Boreal Esperanto Tandem has a maximum weight capacity of 481 pounds for two paddlers and their gear. In most cases, total weight is not the limiting factor; cockpit fit and overall body size are more important considerations, as this is a sit-inside touring design. The Esperanto seat/cockpit measures 34.6” long x 19.7” wide. These cockpits are designed to accommodate a wide range of paddlers.

We provide life jackets in several sizes to keep you safe. Our smallest vests suit weights between 33 and 55 pounds (please note that all guests must be 8 or older). For adults, our largest vests fit chest sizes up to 56”.

Not at all, in fact, it’s part of outdoor adventure culture.

In the guiding world, tipping isn’t awkward or unexpected. It’s customary — and genuinely appreciated. If your guide helped make your time on the water memorable, safe, and fun, a tip is a wonderful way to say thank you.

No pressure, your guide will never think it’s weird.

No, kayak rentals are not allowed under NPS regulations. However if you forgot paddling gear, we rent PFD’s, lifejackets, and paddles to keep your adventure alive.

Absolutely! Buy a gift voucher (like a gift card) and redeem it within the next three years. Gift vouchers are transferable but non-refundable.

Click Gift Vochuers in the upper right of the booking page to select the gift voucher that you want to purchase. Get a Gift Voucher

For the safety of all paddlers, alcohol is strictly prohibited before and during the tour.