Kayak Rentals at Housatonic River

SAFETY FORM

Updated Mar 2025

If you haven't already, you MUST complete or update your Safety Information Form below. Please fill out BEFORE your trip.

Your trip's rating is on its reservation page. If you haven't already, learn more about how we rate trips here.

As always no matter what pace you're able to go at, no one gets left behind.

Your trip host will also take breaks as needed. Your trip host is an experienced group leader and if conditions change or are different than what we expect, they are empowered to make adjustments as needed and will have final say on continuing or aborting any activity at any time should conditions become unsafe.

In the event the weather forecast makes our trip unsafe BEFORE your trip, you will be notified approximately 12 hours prior to your trip via email, text and/or a phone call with further instructions. Please make sure you have an updated phone number below. If you do not receive any notifications, your trip will occur like normal.

In the event the weather makes your trip unsafe DURING your trip, please follow all safety guidance from your trip hosts and/or park staff.

About Trip Safety Form

Why are you being asked all this information? Because you're getting a professionally hosted experience and we want you to have an awesome time. And that means Safety First, which may require medical assistance during your experience.

As a result, and as you can imagine, there's a lot of things that need to be anticipated for your safety. This form helps keep it all together for your trip host.

Although your information is kept confidential, it may be shared with your trip host in order for them to provide the best experience for you.

Please complete this form for yourself only.

First Name *

Last Name *

Pronouns

Email *

Phone number *

Birthdate *

Height

Weight

Any food allergies?

Any environmental allergies?

Any injuries or limited mobility?

Any accommodation requested?

Preferred pickup

First name of emergency contact *

Last name of emergency contact *

Phone number of emergency contact *

CLICK TO VIEW WAIVER

You have read and understand the Standard Waiver?

Yes *

CLICK TO VIEW RENTAL EQUIPMENT WAIVER

You have read and understand The Rental Equipment Waiver?

Yes

CLICK TO VIEW PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FACE COVERING POLICY

You have read and understand the Physical Distancing Policy?

Yes *

CLICK TO VIEW RELEASE FORM

You have read and understand the Release Form?

Yes *

CLICK TO VIEW NO QUESTIONS ASKED REFUNDS AND CANCELLATION POLICY

You have read and understand The Refunds & Cancellation Policy?

Yes *

Are you a robot? *

AFTER YOU BOOK

Updated Mar 2025

All the details about your trip - including pickups, weather, itinerary and more - is already featured on the reservation page you booked from.

You will also receive a confirmation for your reservation and a separate Thank You email with the subject, "You've reserved a trip on Outerthere!" from us.

The sender will be "Al at Outerthere" and the subject of the Welcome email will be "Welcome to [name of trip]" and is only sent from info@ outerthere.com.

Here's what it'll look like in your inbox:

Please make sure you let your Gmail/iPhone know that this sender and email address are important.

If your trip is within 72 hours and you still haven't seen any emails from us, please check your spam folder or "newsletters" folder in Gmail.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, ask us in the chatbox here or reply to any email you've received from us.

ABOUT YOUR KAYAK

This trip utilizes a fleet of super-stable, super-agile Tucktec roll-up kayaks.

At 9 feet 8 inches (295 cm) they're shorter than touring kayaks, so way more maneuverable.

At 31 inches wide (78 cm) they're just as stable as a hard plastic sit-on-top.

They have a weight capacity of 300 lbs, so you and your gear will be just fine as long as the weight is distributed evenly in front of you and behind you. It's actually very difficult to flip one over and the construction prevents water from coming inside.

At 28 lbs, they're also about half the weight of a regular kayak meaning that you'll go faster and farther with each stroke of your paddle and you're less likely to get stuck in low tide conditions.

Finally, the materials used for the hull of the boat are durable enough to withstand direct impact with metal objects but soft enough to allow you to feel the water beneath you.

You will be given a review on how to use your kayak and safety equipment. You will also be given a basic demonstration/refresher on how to paddle in a kayak.

Reserve a kayak with your reservation and go where others can't.

PICKUPS

Updated Mar 2025

Traffic can sometimes affect pickup and travel times and meeting times are subject to change. You will be notified of any changes via text, so please make sure your contact information is up to date here.

There may be pitstops at your driver's discretion.

And finally, If you think you will be late to the destination or not able to make it for any reason, kindly notify us via text, chat or replying to this email.

Astoria Queens

Washington Heights, Manhattan

No Pickup?

If you're driving in your own vehicle, please arrive at your destination by the time indicated on your trip's reservation page under What To Expect. Please check in with your trip host near trailheads, information boards, boat launches or parking lot entries.

If you think you will be late, kindly notify us via text, chat box on the site or replying to your trip confirmation email. Remember, other fam will be waiting, too.

ABOUT YOUR SHUTTLE

Updated Mar 2025

The vehicle for your trip will be a rented, privately-insured 15-seat passenger van with up to 460 cubic feet of interior space.

On occasion, your vehicle may be a rented, privately-insured 7-seat minivans with up to 144 cubic feet of interior space.

Your vehicle suitable for your trip and all associated rental and insurance fees are included as part of your reservation.

The interiors of your vehicle are cleaned and sanitized before every trip by your driver.

If you have any questions or concerns about your riding experience, don't hesitate to ask using the chat box below.

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I cancel my shuttle ride after I've reserved it? As you may already know, we have an awesome refund & cancellation policy and your shuttle fee can be refunded with advanced notice.

However, if you change your mind on the day of your pickup; or you appear physically unable to ride in our vehicle (i.e. you're sick or intoxicated); or if your behavior is threatening or harmful to other passengers and you are not permitted to enter the vehicle by your driver, we unfortunately will not be able to refund you.

And hey, it's OK if you do not feel comfortable for any reason, and we won't take offense.

Is eating permitted in my shuttle? Yes. Please remember to take all your belongings and trash with you when you exit your vehicle.

Can I leave my stuff in my shuttle? Yes, however your driver may be making additional dropoffs, so please ask your driver.

Are pets allowed? Pets are allowed on most trips at the discretion of your trip host. Please make sure your pet is on a leash and not disturbing other passengers. Service stops will be included on most long trips.

WHAT TO EAT/DRINK

Although there may be pitstops or convenience stores at your destination where you'll be able to purchase snacks, meals and drinks, you are encouraged to bring your own. Don't forget to store everything in a dry bag.

Snacks and beverages are not included with your reservation.

Updated Mar 2025

Up to 1 to 2 liters of water, but you're welcome to bring more.
Light snacks (pre-cut, pre-packed fresh fruit, dried fruit, trailmix, protein bars, veggie tray)*.
Bring a lunch you can eat on the go (i.e. sandwiches, wraps)

*As a reminder, kindly take your trash with you, including fruit peels or cores. If it didn't grow there, it doesn't belong there.

Also, please submit the location of any trash bins you see to Trashmap.org. Help us keep parks trash free 🙏

WHAT TO WEAR

Updated Mar 2025

TOP: Any short/long sleeve teeshirt is fine. Keep in mind that any exposed skin will get tanned/burned without sunscreen. You will get very wet (and in salty water, your clothes will stain). Don't forget to a spare top to change into after.
BOTTOM: Whatever you use for swimming, with trunks over it. You will get very wet but also, you will be very active and moving a lot. And don't forget spare bottoms to change into after.
FOOTWEAR: Water shoes (no flipflops or sandals). And don't forget spare footwear to change into after.
ALSO:

Face covering.
Bug spray.
Sun screen.
Sun hat.
Favorite sunnies.
Towel.
Water shoes.
Speaker.
Dry bags, waterproof sacks or ziplocks for your valuables.
Tote bag or day pack for your belongings and trash - please no littering.

ABOUT TRIP RATINGS

Although this activity is rated ALL LEVELS, please be advised that conditions are not always predictable in advance and what starts as a "BEGINNER" experience can quickly change to "ADVANCED" in moments and without warning. See trip ratings below.

Guidance by Outerthere, Updated August 2023

PACE

Everyone goes at their own pace and regardless of the pace you're on, you will never get left behind or be made to feel as though you’re slowing down your group. Whether you’re coming out for fitness or to just enjoy nature, the pace of the group can accommodate you.

BEGINNER

Beginner trips and activities are for anyone physically active at least one to three times per week, including kids ages 5+.

Beginner hiking trips, for example, may cover 0 to 3 miles in distance where you will be walking across unpaved, natural terrain anywhere between 2 to 4 hours with plenty of breaks or an experience will include basic training.

Elevation is within 1,000 feet. And some features may require you to use your hands for leverage, balance, and even getting up or down.

Beginner trips are generally labeled "Easy" or "Beginner-friendly" and in the case of water-based trips (i.e. kayaking), will be on calmer lakes and slow moving rivers. For beginner camping trips, we may go from trailhead to campground without backpacking.

Regardless of the pace you're able to keep, you will not be left behind and will be supported with demonstrations or other instruction until you're comfortable performing the basic activity.

Beginner trips are recommended for anyone who little-to-no experience, but wants to get more acquainted with that activity.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Like Beginner trips, but with more consideration to kids and pets. (For example, other parents/nannies will be present and are happy to support your kid, expect activities your kids will enjoy, baby changing stops and areas are considered, area is walkable with carrier or stroller).

INTERMEDIATE

Intermediate trips are a bit more challenging than Beginner trips, but completely doable for anyone active 3 to 5 times per week, including pre-teenagers.

An Intermediate trip may cover 3 to 7 miles, during which you'll be moving anywhere between 4 to 8 hours with breaks.

If you're participating in an Intermediate trip, you will be expected to have had some basic experience with this activity. You may already own some gear and/or equipment specifically designed for the activity and will be OK with unexpected weather.

And you may even be asked to support Beginners transitioning up to Intermediate.

Elevation is within 3,000 feet. And some features may require you to use your hands for leverage, balance, and even getting up or down. You'll feel it in your calves, quads, hams, shoulders, back, and arms next day.

Intermediate water-based trips (i.e. kayaking, rafting) generally assume you're comfortable in open water and/or with fast-moving water. Although you don't have to know how to swim, if you're participating in an Intermediate trip, it's recommended.

You will need to focus and stay alert at all times for your safety.

When you’re done, you may say to yourself you’ll never do a trip like that again, but afterwards, you’ll look forward to the next one.

These trips are recommended for anyone interested in stepping up their outdoor game or anyone about to start a training program.

ADVANCED

Advanced is intended for anyone (including teenagers) who is active almost every day and could probably put together their own trip, but prefers going in a group with other Advanced fam.

They may cover 7 or more miles during which you'll be moving 8+ hours. Destinations, elevation and weather will be challenging.

If you're participating in an Advanced trip, you will be expected to have had some basic experience with this activity. You may already own all gear and/or equipment specifically designed for the activity and are knowledgeable with how to use it.

Advanced water-based trips (i.e. kayaking, rafting) will require you to comfortable in all types of water. You should know how to swim.

These trips are recommended for anyone thinking about DIY trips and need some additional guidance, anyone training to do epic, multi-day treks, and/or anyone interested in mixing up their normal weekly workout.

IMPORTANT HEAD UP ABOUT ADVANCED PACE: Please be aware that some fam will attend a trip convinced that they are prepared for an Advanced trip, including maybe you. However, they may have discovered on that trip that they are not as Advanced as they expected. That is perfectly normal and in no way reflects a miscommunication or misunderstanding by anyone. Like it says in Welcome emails, sh_t happens and your trip host can manage.

If that's the case, and you or someone else on your trip is having a challenging time, other fam may be asked to support anyone who is having a challenging time maintaining an Advanced pace. This can mean that someone is going at a slower pace due to injury, dehydration, affected mental state, anything. In any case, trips are safe spaces and no one will be made to feel as though they are being a burden or left behind.

SCOUTING

Scouting trips are meant for us to "test the adventure" (like breaking gadgets on purpose to see if they'll hold up to regular use) and figure out all the risks before planning a safe adventure for everyone else.

That said, since we won't always know what to expect, sometimes these scouting trips are very easy and even boring.

Or they are very challenging and extremely dangerous. We won't know until we try it.

Either way, they're fun for anyone who has already participated in Intermediate or Advanced trips, are open to anything and don't mind the unexpected inconveniences (weather, car issues, whatever) that come up on the way to a new experience.

These trips are recommended for anyone with advanced outdoor skills, lots of experience in the outdoors and a variety of outdoor gear.

SAFE SPACE REMINDER

Updated Mar 2025

We know we don't have to say this because you're all extremely mature and responsible, but this trip is a safe space. Please keep pets on leashes, don't smoke near crowds and don't drink to excess. Also, aggressive, unwelcome or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, period.

NEED TO CANCEL?

Updated Dec 2024

To cancel or reschedule your trip, please reply to the confirmation email or Welcome email you received. That's it.

Don't forget to check your spam folder if you don't see it within a few minutes of making your reservation.

Learn what you're eligible for below:

UNDERSTANDING OUR NO QUESTIONS ASKED CANCELLATIONS POLICY

From the moment you make a reservation on Outerthere.com, there are a lot of people and processes involved to provide you with a safe, awesome experience and everything depends on reliable logistics and scheduling.

Occasionally, reservations sell out or need to be canceled. In such cases, we immediately notify you and offer you options, including rescheduling, credit towards other trips, donating your credit, gift cards or an immediate and full refund. That’s our policy.

In other cases, you may be running late, need to cancel, reschedule or switch your reservation. Here's how that breaks down for different types of trips:

ALL TRIPS

You have 24 hours (Members, 48 hours) after you've made your reservation to cancel a trip in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked. (See How Credits & Refunds Work below.)

In the event an unexpected circumstance causes you to cancel with less than 72 hours before your trip, any eligible refund or credit minus a 10% service fee will be processed within 21 business days upon request (Members will be processed next business day). Additionally, any add-on reservations for accommodations, camp sites, rentals and/or demonstrations are not eligible for refund or credit.

Any reservations made with any Pass are not eligible for refunds/credits if canceled less than 72 hours before your trip.

See How Credits & Refunds Work below. Reply to your confirmation email for faster service.

LATENESS

Your trip host and/or driver will notify you if they are running late to your meeting location and/or pickup. And if you are running late to a trip or pickup, please notify us and/or your trip host that you're running late, too. Your trip host may be able to wait at their discretion. Thank you.

If you are not able to make it to the meeting destination at the meeting time and miss your trip host and the group, we're sincerely sorry. That sucks. Especially after everything you went through to get there. And we know you don't need any more bad news, but you are unfortunately not eligible to reschedule or receive a credit* or refund for that trip, regardless of the circumstances. This includes Members.

DIRECT SHUTTLES AND MULTI-DAY TRIPS

You have 14 DAYS (Members, 10 days) before your trip to cancel a direct shuttle ride or multi-day trip in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked.

You have 10 DAYS (Members, 5 days) before your trip to cancel a direct shuttle ride or multi-day trip in order to receive credit for that trip.

You are not able to book the same or different trip to replace any trip booked with a Sampler Pass.

Reply to your trip confirmation email for faster service.

HOSTED/GUIDED DAY TRIPS

You have 10 DAYS (Members, 5 days) before your trip to cancel a day trip by any trip host in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked.

You have 3 DAYS (Members, 1 day) before your trip to cancel a trip by any trip host in order to receive credit for that trip.

You are not able to book the same or different trip to replace any trip booked with a Sampler Pass.

See How Credits & Refunds Work below. Reply to your trip confirmation email for faster service.

HOW CREDITS & REFUNDS WORK

Your credit is usable to reschedule the same trip, book a different trip, add on an amenity for a current or future trip and/or to purchase a Membership, Pass or Gift Card. But please note that your credit will expire after 90 days if not used. So, use it! Most credits are issued within 1 business day. Most refunds are processed within 5 business days (1 business days for Members).

DISCLAIMERS

The owner and operator of this website and its affiliates, partners and listed hosts reserve the right to change or cancel any itinerary or service at any time due to insufficient enrollment, bad weather conditions or other reasons without penalty.

a. If your reservation is cancelled due to inclement weather, dangerous conditions, a catastrophic disruption to a tour operator’s business, and/or public health emergencies, your reservation can be rescheduled, or your deposit will be credited or refunded, no questions asked. Weather-related cancellations are at the sole discretion of your trip host, not you or your weather app. And unless otherwise communicated, all trips occur rain or shine. That said, inclement weather, dangerous conditions, and/or public health emergencies are always a possibility on any outdoor activity, so there is no rescheduling or refunds during your trip or after you've been checked in.

b. In the unlikely event of a life-threatening emergency, participants may be liable for any rescue or evacuation costs incurred either on their behalf or as a result of their actions - depending upon trip location.

c. The participation of any person on any trip/program is continually subject to the discretion of your tour operator, Guides and/or Hosts.

d. No guarantees are made that you will enjoy your experience, including transportation, equipment rentals, destinations, schedules, accommodations, meals and/or trip host. The role of the hosts, guides and other operators is to use their judgement and experience to share with you a rewarding experience. If inclement weather, dangerous conditions and/or public health emergencies creates an unsafe experience - including any unexpected delays - a trip host/guide is empowered to change your schedule, itinerary and/or over planned experience. If time allows and your experience is deemed safe again, your host/guide is empowered to continue with the original experience schedule/itinerary. There will be no refunds, credits or rescheduling if any part of your experience is changed to accommodate safety.

e. If you believe your host/guide to be unprepared, exercising poor judgement or behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner, please contact us by replying to your Welcome email at any time to discuss available options.

DISCLAIMER

Updated Mar 2025

TIME, DATE & DESCRIPTIONS POSTED HERE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY REASON. Any changes regarding your trip will be emailed and texted to you.

Be aware that your trip may contain "side missions". Learn more about Side Missions here.

And remember, that sh_t does sometimes happen, so please don't panic if your trip host doesn't stick to a schedule exactly. Think of it as everything happening for a reason, even if you don't know what the reason is right away 🙂

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Kayak Rentals at Housatonic River