Lodge-to-Lodge Kayak Tour

Experience a multi-day kayak adventure along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail with Tahoe Adventure Company from Sept. 23 to 26.

The multi-day kayak and stay package along the West, North and East shores of Lake Tahoe features early morning guided paddles spotting local wildlife and learning the unique natural and human history of this special region. By afternoon, arrive at the lakefront hotel for a hot shower, warm meal and relaxation. The best hotels have been chosen for your comfort and include Sunnyside Lodge, Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, and the Hyatt Regency.

Call (530) 913-9212 or visit http://www.tahoeadventurecompany.com/.

Fall Paddle Day

The Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee has set its Fall Paddle Day for Oct. 9 at Zephyr Cove Lodge. The spring paddle in May was snowed out, but you can enjoy the fall paddle. The day includes a guided paddle with researchers at the forefront of protecting Lake Tahoe from aquatic invasive species, followed by a barbecue lunch on the beach.

The cost is $30 per person and $50 per couple and includes lunch; water trail members save $5. Kayak rentals will be available on site and advance registration is required. Registration opens online on Sept. 9 at www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Kayak classes

Truckee Donner Parks & Rec will be offering beginner kayak classes, along with guided paddles on Donner Lake this summer.

Beginner kayak classes will be offered on select Fridays from May through August, with the first class on May 28 at West End Beach. The class covers all of the basics including rescue procedures. There will be Learn to Kayak classes for adults 50 and older on select Wednesdays from May to August, with the first class on May 27.

All ages are welcome on the Kayak Family Fun Paddles days on select Saturdays from May to August, and Moonlight Paddles open to ages 5 and older from May to August. See Events for upcoming dates for these paddles or call (530) 582-7720.

Spring Paddlefest

The Lake Tahoe Water Trail Association hosts its Third Annual Spring Paddle on May 22 for a day of discovery, science and stewardship at Sand Harbor State Park. Includes guided paddle at 9:30 a.m. and lunch at Sand Harbor at noon.

Reservations are required and space is limited. The cost is $30 per person and $25 for association members. Life vests are required and all boats will have an invasive species inspection free of charge. Registration closes May 20. For more information, call (530) 579-2525 or visit www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Boating, kayak safety classes

North Tahoe Coast Auxiliary, www.northtahoecaux.com, will offering boating and kayak safety classes this summer.

A Kayak Safety classes will be offered in Tahoe City on May 22, covering an introduction to kayaking, selecting a life jacket and protective clothing, recommended safety equipment, cold water hazards and more. It also will be offered Oct. 16. To register, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3323.

The About Boating Safely class will be offered on June 5 at the Truckee Community Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This one-day class covers an introduction to boating, boating laws, safety equipment, navigation, boat handling, knots, handling emergencies and more. The cost is $40 and includes materials. To register, call the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Parks District at (530) 582-7720.

Kayak classes offered

Truckee Donner Parks & Rec will be offering beginner kayak classes, along with guided paddles on Donner Lake this summer.

Beginner Kayak classes will be offered on select Fridays from May through August, with the first class on May 28, at West End Beach. The class covers all of the basics including rescue procedures. There will be Learn to Kayak classes for adults 50 and older on select Wednesdays from May to August, with the first class on May 27.

All ages are welcome on the Kayak Family Fun Paddles days on Donner Lake on select Saturdays from May to August, and Moonlight Paddles open to ages 5 and older during full moons from May to August. For more information or to register, call (530) 582-7720.

Lodge to Lodge Kayak Tour

Tahoe Adventure Company offers a multi-day kayak adventure includes guided paddles, spotting local wildlife and learning about natural and human history on Sept. 24 to 27 and Oct. 1 to 4.

Arrive at your lakefront hotel for a hot shower, warm meal by afternoon. Relax, socialize or get a massage.

$990 per person for groups of five to eight, $1,190 pp for groups of three to four, $1,390 per person for two. Includes kayak, gear, professional guide, meals, lakefront lodging, snacks and refreshments. Reservations (530) 913-9212.

Kayak Safety class

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary wraps its series of safety classes with a Kayak Safety class on Oct. 3 (the class was originally scheduled for Oct. 10). The class will include an introduction to kayaking, selecting a life jacket and protective clothing, recommended safety equipment, cold water hazards and more. This class is $30 per person and will be held at the Coast Guard Station in Lake Forest. To register or for more information, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334.

Watch out for Kayakers

“The kayak population on the lake is growing exponentially,” says Jay Schmidt of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“Boaters are going to have to start share the lake with kayakers,” adds division commander Dee Dee Kincade.

Scuba divers, paddle boaters, swimmers, rafters and many others use the lake alongside boaters, who need to be aware of those in non-motorized craft.

Schmidt recommends that kayakers try to make themselves as visible as possible by using brightly colored kayaks and paddles so boaters can easily spot them. And, he says avoid blue kayaks or paddles that can blend into the water.

Kayakers should also carry a radio, know how to make a mayday call and wear a personal beacon to help rescuers locate them in an emergency.