About UsReserving a Trip
To sign up, just call 1-800-SOUTHWIND to make your reservation. We'll hold your reservation for seven days, by which time we must receive your 50% deposit. Full payment is due 60 days before your trip. Payments by cash, check or debit card help us keep our trip prices low, but we also welcome your credit card.
Both double and single kayaks are used on most trips. Maneuverable sit-on-top kayaks are generally used for the Two- and Three-day Santa Cruz Island Cave Trips.
"Own Boat" prices require that you provide an appropriate kayak or canoe, PFD, paddle, spray skirt, bailer and adequate flotation fore and aft, and that you provide transportation for your boat and gear (except for river shuttles and some island trips).
Is food included with these trips? - Food and camping gear is not included with our trips. All guests bring their own food, kitchen and sleeping gear. On one evening, we often host a potluck dinner, with everyone contributing to the feast!
Do I need camping experience? - Not really. Before your trip we will send you a checklist of equipment for you to bring. If you don't own a tent, sleeping bag or other camping gear, we can suggest places where you can rent or buy it. Our friendly guides are eager to help you learn the ins and outs of kayak camping so your trip will be easy and fun.
Medical Advisory - Kayaking can be physically demanding and our trips are often distant from emergency medical care. Please check with your doctor if you have conditions which might restrict your activity level or require special precautions in the wilderness.
There are inherent risks involved in the use of kayaks, canoes and other paddle craft that may result in property damage, serious injury or even death. Be sure you understand these risks before you start paddling. Kayaking and canoeing can be physically demanding. Please check with your doctor to be sure you are physically fit to participate in these activities. All paddlers who participate in our activities, or rent or use our, will with a copy of this document before you come paddling. Please give us a call or click for a copy of the liability waivers.
Trip Cancellation and Refund Policy
"The Fine Print":
Please read this carefully. Please understand that we sell a limited number of
positions for each class or trip. When you reserve a spot, we hold it just for you: we do not
overbook our activities. Since we cannot insure you or be responsible for any personal problems,
illnesses or circumstances which may change your kayaking plans, or for your non-refundable hotel
or airline reservations, we must adhere to these cancellation policies. This is an important way we
maintain our fine level of service and our low prices.
Full Refund: If we cancel any trip because unsafe or unsuitable weather or sea conditions
develop before our departure from Orange County, you will have the option of receiving credit or
transferring to another trip. If conditions deteriorate after we depart, we will do our best to make
opportunities to have a good time. Therefore, we reserve the right to change itinerary and plans to
match existing conditions. If we cancel for reasons other than weather, you will have the option of
a full credit, transfer to another trip, or a full, prompt refund.
Partial Refund: If you cancel more than 30 days in advance, we will refund your fee
paid less a $25 per person service charge, or we will transfer your reservation to another
currently scheduled trip for a $10 per person fee.
No Refund: No refund or credit will be given if you cancel less than 30 days in advance
or fail to attend any part or all of the trip. You may substitute another paddler who meets the
skill requirements. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance for trips.
Weather Alert! We know it doesn't rain often in Southern California, but just in case it does...
Southwind classes are conducted whenever the conditions appear safe. A little rain and grey skies don't affect us. It is
often very sunny at the beach while it is raining or threatening inland from November through April. We pay very close
attention to the weather radio and call everyone who has a paid spot the evening before (or sooner, if bad weather is
certain) if we believe our venue will have heavy rain or heavy wind. This usually only happens once or twice each season.
Also, very infrequently, the forecast looks favorable but when we arrive at the class, or during the day, winds are high
enough that it would neither be comfortable nor safe to continue. If we have to call it quits right there on the beach,
then follow the cancellation policy above.
So, if you don't get a call the afternoon or evening before a class (you are responsible to check your answering machine at home and at work, please), that means everything looks pretty good and we will be there as scheduled. Of course, if we do hold a class and you choose not to come because you think it might rain (or it was raining at your house), your spot in the class is lost and there will be no refund or rain check for you! If you have any questions, please call us. Our web site is always a good source of informantion but we do not maintain weather conditions or class status information there.