Glow Worm Kayaking Adventure

Posted by Trish Dixon from New Zealand on 9 Feb 2022

Trish Dixon said... Called to reserve and woman answered phone with kid crying in background and a regular hello. I thought I misdialed. The van driver was confused as to how many passengers were booked and went back to our hotel and waited for an unknown group. No phone number for these participants. I would not have minded the wait if the van wasn't so filthy, no air conditioning and inoperable rear windows. The van was a total beater. Finally arrive at the dimly lit shed to pick up life jackets and kayaks. The guide from France gave us PFD, paddles and we boarded out kayaks. The water was very choppy with whitecaps. (My husband and I are both experienced outrigger canoe paddlers in Kona, HI and have rented kayaks on many occasions.) The instructor took the single passenger on her boat and began paddling towards the center of the lake but close to shore. It was very windy and she had us paddling parallel to the waves. My husband and I felt it would be better to paddle further out to a point then pivot towards the cave to avoid capsizing. The water was so rough we capsized.It was very difficult for me to get back up as I had a torn rotator cuff and my PFD was to large and going over my head. The guide was useless and did not come to assist us uprighting our kayak. She was panicking more than I was. She was more concerned that my husband retrieve the paddles floating away than him making sure I was OK. At that point I went ashore and and was not interested in continuing the trip. I told my husband to continue the trip. I thought he had, but the guide ask him to find the oar. So he missed the trip as he did not know where the cave entrance was and it was getting dark. When the guide returned she drove us back to our hotel. There were no apologies or admission that she should have 1. ensured everyone's PFD was properly fitted 2. explained the directions to the cave 3. assisted my husband and I when she was informed I was unable to use my right shoulder to right the kayak I should have at least received a call from the outfitter to apologize and offer some refund or a rain check. The tour should not have continued under the weather conditions of that night. If you want a well organized professional tour of the glow worm cave book with Waitomo Caves Adventures. BTW this incident traumatized me so much it has taken me over a year to be able to do this review.