Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When you say "large group" paddling, how large can our group be?
A. We can put over 100 people on the water within 10-20 minutes, depending on the type of equipment desired. Our 25 person paddling boats are super stable, quick and easy to enter, and allow each person to paddle or watch teammates paddle. Also, It is possible to put up to 80 single and double kayakers on the water at the same time, allowing approximately 20 minutes to fit and launch all of the participants.

Q. How is Moss Bay equipped to handle a large group?
A. Parking is free, but sparse around lunchtime and 6pm. We have ample restrooms, a variety of waterfront restaurants overlooking our boathouse, and a large launch dock. We also have a covered area to accommodate a picnic setting for a group of 50 or less.

Q. How much deposit, if any, do we need to make up front for our group to paddle at Moss Bay?
A. In order to guarantee equipment use, a 20% reusable deposit is required to guarantee the reservation and within one week of the event the refundable remaining balance is due. This commitment is important for large group events since there are numerous groups who want to reserve the equipment during our peak use season.

Q. Are we required to use Moss Bay guides for our large group events, or can we just rent the equipment at our own risk and can we just have part of our group use guides and the rest go it on their own?
A. . We allow equipment to be rented without required guide service, except for youth under the age of 18. Youth groups must use Moss Bay guides, or provide signed waivers from their parents or guardians specifying other named individuals who are qualified to provide the guide service at the same 6:1 ratio required by Moss Bay. In fact, large group boat renters can receive up to a 20% discount on the individual rental rates. We do not allow adult or youth groups to have guides for part of the group and not for others its simply too difficult to share this kind of responsibility with our trained guides.

Q. Are there certain benefits of having guides rather than trying to paddle on our own?
A. Yes, numerous benefits. Our trained guides will provide at least 5 important benefits for your large group paddling adventure:

  • Much greater peace of mind about water safety

  • On the water equipment adjustments, if necessary

  • A sound and reasonable trip plan so your group has fun and gets back on time

  • Assistance with paddling in a tandem boat if someone becomes tired

  • Eagle eyes for spotting any potential course collisions with sail boats on the lake



Q. Do we absolutely have to make a 20% deposit if our group is uncertain about how many of us will actually attend?
A. Yes if you plan on using our guide service or simply want to guarantee that equipment will be reserved for your group. No, if you have a small group of adults and simply want to take your chances that ample equipment
will be available at the time you want it.

Q. If the weather is unacceptable and we are unable to go on the water, what happens to our payment?
A. We provide 80% refunds for group paddles; the remaining 20% is reusable anytime during the next year at the group?s discretion.