When do trips go out?
Every other Saturday morning from the end of May through the begining of July.  Fall dates may be scheduled as weather permits.

Where do your trips go?
When we launch out of Mason Neck State Park we paddle along Belmont Bay and up Kane’s Creek, and when we launch from Pohick Bay Regional Park, we have the choice of exploring Pohick Creek, Accotink Creek, and other parts of Gunston Cove.

Where are the full trip descriptions?
Please visit our meetup page for full trip descriptions.

Who leads your trips?
NVCT staff members lead the trip and provide instruction, and professional local naturalists accompany the trips to provide environmental interpretation and education.

How do I contact the trip leaders outside of business hours?
All participants will be given contact information for trip-related questions when they register.

What equipment do you provide?
NVCT owns a fleet of 10 tandem kayaks, PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) from XS to XL, and paddles for everyone.

Can I bring my own kayak/paddle/PFD?
You may bring your own kayak and/or equipment, but because NVCT’s costs do not change, we are unable to offer a reduced fee.

What do I need to bring?
Hat, sunblock, sunglasses, and water are essential! Many people also like to bring a small snack, camera, binoculars, field guides, and/or a small notebook.

What should I wear?
Dress for the weather, in clothes and shoes that can get wet.  Sandals or old sneakers, athletic shorts or any quick-drying pants, and any light shirt will be fine.  Clothing and hats with SPF protection is always a good idea, and non-cotton layers are a good idea for morning trips early in the season.

How long are your trips?
Allowing time for sign-in, instruction, and put-in, we are usually on the water for about 2 ½ hours.

Is there an age limit?
Yes: for insurance reasons, we welcome anyone 16 and older.

Are there restroom facilities?
There are restrooms at the launch sites, but not while we are on the water.

What if I’ve never kayaked before?
We have taken many people on our trips who have never kayaked, and many with very limited boating experience. ACA-trained leaders provide all instruction at the beginning of the trip, and are available through the trip if anyone needs assistance.

Do you provide training?
Yes.  NVCT staff provide instruction on equipment, maneuvering the kayaks, and safe entry and exit from the boats, and answers any questions before we launch.

Do you post pictures afterwards?
Yes!  Check out pictures from previous years' trips under NVCT News-->Photo Gallery!  Starting in 2010 we are also be posting pictures on meetup.com.

What are your certifications?
NVCT staff leaders are all experienced kayakers with American Canoe Association safety and instructor training.  Staff are also certified in CPR and First Aid.

Do you do trips for private groups?
Yes, we offer trips for private groups of 8 or more.  Envision your next staff retreat on the water! Contact Whitney Bailey for more information: 703-354-5093 x25 or wbailey at nvct dot org.

Do you carry insurance?
We are insured through the American Canoe Association, and each participant must sign a waiver at the beginning of each trip.

How much does it cost and how can I pay?
The fee is $30 per person and includes boat rental, equipment rental (paddle, PFD), kayak safety instruction, and naturalist instruction.  Fees go to cover NVCT's program costs such as trip supplies, equipment maintenence, and insurance.  Due to the economy our costs have gone up from previous years but we are subsidizing the difference so everyone has a chance to enjoy nearby nature. You can bring check made out to NVCT which we will collect at the beginning of the trip. If you wish to also support NVCT's mission of land preservation, you can include a tax-deductible donation in addition to the fee.

Sounds great!! How do I sign up?
To RSVP and reserve your seat, please visit us at our meetup page! Reservations are final only upon confirmation from NVCT; walk-ups are not guaranteed a seat!