Safety Information

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The Nauset Marsh at Hemenway Landing is a breathtaking scenic marine environment to explore.  However, because the marsh eventually leads into the Atlantic Ocean the channels are subject to tidal currents which can make it more difficult to paddle.  We strongly encourage you to plan your paddle using the link below.

Every day we watch the winds for both speed and direction.  Generally, any wind under 10 knots (about 12 mph) offers safe kayaking regardless of wind direction increasing in difficulty with wind speed.  We do not rent over 13 knots (about 15 mph).  

Wind can be deceiving – an offshore breeze makes it difficult to paddle back – especially on a paddle board.  While kayakers fare better in higher winds, paddle boarding is more enjoyable at lower wind speeds with flatter waters.  Even when wind is in the safe range gusts can increase the water's choppiness.  

We recommend starting your adventure against the winds so you have the wind at your back when you are more fatigued at the end of your paddle. When the wind hits closer to the 13-knot mark (about 15 mph), less experienced kayakers should play it safe and stay close to shore or paddle another day. 

We do not recommend going out on the water in a kayak when winds are 15 knots or more (about 18 mph).  We typically do not rent over 13 knots (about 15 mph).  

https://www.weather.gov/marine/boxmz 

The time at which the tides are perfect for an adventure is different each day-- we have a tide chart that you can check that is relative to Wellfleet, MA.  Furthermore, different locations on Cape will have different tides that could be delayed-- such as the Nauset Marsh at Hemenway Landing. 

Please review routes and appropriate timing specifically for your adventure. 

Please feel free to contact us to check when the best time to go out would be.  

https://www.tideschart.com/United-States/Massachusetts/Barnstable-County/Cape-Cod-Bay/

https://www.boatma.com/tides/Cape-Cod.html

*Enclosed bodies of water such as lakes or ponds typically do not have tides, so timing your paddle is less important than other factors such as wind.

For your entire exploration, you will be exposed to the elements.  Come prepared!  

Hydration is important when participating in watersports because you'll be paddling some distance throughout our beautiful waterways.  Please bring at a minimum water and some snacks; Gatorade to replenish your electrolytes and a full lunch are also popular!   

Water is unique in the sense that it can act as a magnifying glass and a mirror at the same time being very intense on sunny days while you are on the water; make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses! 

You will want to be comfortable getting wet!  

Whether you jump in the water, fall off your kayak because your having so much fun, or it begins to rain lightly, It's important to bring not only quick-drying materials for your comfort (bathing suit, light-weighted shirt) but also kayaking footwear to protect your feet (water shoes, flip-flops, etc.).  

You may choose to kayak barefoot, however, you will want to be careful of what rests under the water.

We also highly recommend you bring a dry change of clothes and a towel for after. 

Generally, dressing for paddling is similar to any other outdoor activity: you want to wear layers that can be added and removed throughout the day to adjust your clothing to the changing outdoor temperature. 

Spring and Fall are great times to paddle, but the cold water temperatures encountered during those seasons make paddling significantly more dangerous. Paddlers who are immersed in cold water lose body heat four to five times faster than when in air of the same temperature. Such rapid heat loss can lead to cold shock, cold incapacitation, hypothermia, and death. 

The primary mechanism of heat loss in cold water is convection, where water constantly flowing over your skin carries heat away. Therefore, reducing the flow of cold water across the skin, by wearing appropriate clothing, reduces your risk. 

Average water temperature on Cape Cod in July is 67.6°F 

Water Temperature/Hypothermia Risk/Appropriate Clothing

60°F and up/low/Clothing for the weather

55-59°F/moderate/Wetsuit or drysuit

45-54°F/high/Drysuit recommended

below 45°F/extreme/Drysuit strongly recommended 

Please be respectful of all animals you may encounter on your adventure, especially marine widelife such as seals, horseshoe crabs, and fish.

We highly encourage you to bring or purchase from us our Bug Spray if paddling in a marsh.

Keep your belongings safe and dry in our large 10L dry bags

Protect your phone and take great photos on the water in our waterproof phone pouch compatible with most smartphones!

• Filled Water Bottle(s) and Snacks
• Water Shoes/Footwear
• Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc.) and Bug Repellent
• Towel
• Dry Change of Clothes
• Camera, frisbee, ball, cards, portable game, etc.