River Guide Kayaks

:(I bought and scheduled a kayaking trip, but it was canceled because the river levels were too high. The trip voucher I paid for expired, because the water levels never went down and I couldn’t get a refund, so I just wasted the money. If you’re going to do this make sure you don’t pay until you’re about to go out on the water. If you pre-​plan this you risk just losing the money you paid, because they’ll cancel it and not give a refund.

I kayaked both the Lower and Upper Kinnickinnic River this summer with River Guide Kayaks. Before I get into my specific experiences, I want to just say that I have kayaked many times in my life and have used another outfitter in town… one that I would never recommend because the owner is very cranky and not cut out to work with the public (at least on that day two years ago that still stands out in my mind).
Anyway, with River Guide Kayaks what impressed me immediately was the owner, Mike’s, demeanor over the phone. He was very professional and upbeat. Another thing that stands out is the quality of the kayaks themselves. They have adjustable foot pegs, back rests, and have a bungied spot on the back for securing your small lunch cooler or towels. River Guide Kayaks also offers the use of waterproof cell phone pouches.
About my trips–
LOWER KINNI*: On this trip owner Mike and daughter Morgan carried the kayaks down to the starting point below. Mike said that they are the only kayak company in town that does that. That’s kind of amazing because that steep climb down the hill is no fun lugging a kayak! Morgan was testing her new shoulder straps on one end and Mike was on the other carrying the two kayaks down. Mike shared that both of his children chose to be part owners of the business vs. employees and play a large part of decision making. As they pushed my group off, Morgan waved enthusiastically from the shore exclaiming «Have a great trip!» (it was super cute). At the end of the trip, Mike was there and offered us towels and bottles of water. When I gave him a tip he said «Tips go to the kids». He also gave us coupons for our next trip and to share with friends. Because we were the only kayakers in that time slot and Mike knew we walked to the starting point, he offered to drive us right to our house!
UPPER KINNI*: On this trip, I met Mike’s son, Raul. He was very professional in his River Guide Kayaks T-​shirt and gave great instructions to first time kayakers. On this trip, you do need to drag your kayak up a small hill yourself at the end (I feel fairly fit and needed to take a break or two).
I really feel like there is not a detail missing with River Guide Kayaks business practices. The whole customer service experience feels as red carpet as a kayaking excursion could get.
*Depending on water levels the Lower Kinni trip can definitely be considered a higher skill level (intermediate) trip. For the Upper Kinni, I took an 11 year old and he had no problem.