Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you offer by-the-hour or by-the-day kayak rentals?
A: We currently do not offer rentals.

Q: What is a guided tour?
A: A guided tour means that our guides will be with you on the water and offer instruction, assistance and engaging information.

Q: What is included in a guided tour?
A: Guide, Kayak, Paddle, PFD, fact sharing and storytelling, adventure

Q: Do you have tandem kayaks available?
A: A tandem kayak is a kayak for two paddlers. We recommend single kayaks, especially for beginners. Advice for youth paddlers is below. If you have experience and would prefer a tandem kayak please send us an email with your name, booking date and time so that we can set aside one for you. Please note that tandems are not available on our Peche Isle Tour.

Q: I’d like to bring my kids with me, what should I do?
A: Bring them! If they are at least 12 years old and at least 90lbs they can be in a kayak by themselves. If they’re ages 6-10 and between 55 - 90lbs you will need to book a tandem kayak and an adult in your party must paddle with them. For kids ages 2-5, or youth lighter than 55lbs they can sit in a bucket seat inside of a single kayak or in a tandem kayak with two adult members of your party (in this case there would be no charge for the child). Please note that all participants must be at least 15 years old for our Peche Isle Tour.

Q: What time do we arrive and where do we meet?
A: Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your tour to allow time for check-in. We are looking to have everyone gathered, fitted in life jackets and ready to paddle by the tour start time. We are unable to delay tours or accommodate late arrivals. Late arrivals will not be refunded. All tours begin and end at our marina: 14601 Riverside Blvd in Jefferson Chalmers.

Q: What is your cancellation policy when there is inclement weather?
A: We paddle rain or shine! We will take on wind, waves and rain however we may have to cancel a tour if there is severe weather (extremely high winds, lightening, heavy rain) in our area during your tour time. Looking at the latest radar, we will make a decision 90 minutes before the tour start time. You will receive a notice via email in the event of a cancellation. If we see that the email has not been opened we may follow up with a text.

Air quality update, July 2026:

If at 4 hours before a tour the air quality is predicted to be in the Unhealthy (red) range per the EPA during a tour, we will cancel the tour by sending out an email notice. If at 4 -12 hours before a tour the air quality is predicted to be in the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (orange) range or above we will accept a reschedule request as long as the requested is sent via email no earlier than 12 hours before the tour and no later than 4 hours before the tour start time. Refunds are not offered for tours during which the air quality levels are “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” as it is not uncommon, unfortunately, for conditions to reach this level within the city during summertime, regardless of wildfire smoke. We recommend booking outside of July and August if you are worried about the potential for wildfire smoke as that is peek wildfire season in Michigan and Canada.

Please note DRS may send notices via paddle@detroitriversports.com or through our booking platform, Peek. Please be sure to check your spam folder.

Q: What happens if i need to cancel my public or private tour reservation or reschedule for another date?
A: We need 5 days notice in order to process a full refund for you. We are able to reschedule your reservation with 48 hours notice. Cancellations and reschedule requests are accepted via email only: paddle@detroitriversports.com.

Q: Can I bring my own kayak?
A: You are welcome to bring your own kayak as long as it is at least 12 feet in length with front and rear bulkheads. You will receive a $15 discount in the form of a refund if you choose to BYOK. Please let us know via email: paddle@detroitriversports.com if this is what you prefer.

Q: Can I bring alcohol or smoke on my tour?
A: No, we do not allow guests to consume alcohol or smoke while on tours. Our staff is allowed to use their discretion and may ask you not to participate in a tour if they believe it could be a risk to your safety or others safety. We do not offer refunds or reschedules if a guest cannot participate in a tour due to drug or alcohol use. Our neighboring restaurant Coriander is a great place to grab a drink.

Q: Can I bring my dog or a speaker?
A: We love dogs, but we do not allow them on tours. Service dogs are an exception. Please bring a lifejacket for them. Due to our location in a neighborhood, we do not allow speakers.

Q: I think I made a reservation but never received a confirmation email, now what?
A: Immediately after paying, you should receive a confirmation number via email (reservation is only complete after you have paid online with a credit card) from our booking platform Peek. If you did not receive an email, please first check your junk and spam folders. If you still cannot find the email, please contact us at paddle@detroitriversports.com.

Q: What should I wear kayaking?
A: We suggest wearing weather appropriate clothing that you don't mind getting wet (plan on getting a little wet!). You are welcome to leave your shoes on the dock (please keep them on until then for your own safety). We recommend bringing a change of clothes in case you get wet while you are paddling. Most of our guides wear athletic shorts or board shorts, a t-shirt or bathing suit top and paddle barefoot. In colder, wetter, windier weather we recommend waterproof pants, a wind breaker or rain jacket and waterproof gloves. We also have some items in our shop available for purchase.

Q: Will we go out onto the Detroit River?
A: Yes! All of our tours involve some river time, unless high winds prevent it.

Q: It is my first time kayaking, are your tours beginner friendly?
A: As mentioned above, all of our tours spend time on the open river. If this is outside of your comfort zone, we suggest either booking a private tour where we can alter the route to remain mainly in the canals or starting with a lesson. We strongly suggest that beginners reserve a single kayak. It can be challenging for a beginner to navigate a tandem kayak (even if paired with an experienced paddler). Some tours require experience. This is noted in the tour description.

Q: Is there a place to change clothes?
A: Yes! We have two bathrooms located alongside our building, adjacent to the launch.

Q: Do you sell bottled water at Detroit River Sports?
A: We do not sell bottled water. We recommend bringing a reusable bottle with you from home. Our partners at Coriander Kitchen & Farm are a great spot for a meal before or after your tour. Check their website for updated hours and offerings, including grab and go items.

Q: Is it safe to bring my cell phone and/or car keys on the water?
A: We don't recommend bringing anything on the water that you are not comfortable getting wet. We are happy to store keys and other items in our locked office while we are out on the tour. We rent dry bags for $5 and we sell water proof cell phone cases and dry bags.