I have kayaked in the Vava'u group twice and visited the Ha'api group. Both are fabulous and worthwhile. I have never heard of kayaks for rent for unescorted (non-professionally guided) trips in either group. You might contact the one resident outfitter, Friendly Islands Kayak Company, and see what the current "regulations" are about paddling unescorted. http://www.fikco.com/kayaktonga The snorkeling there and on the Great Astrolabe reef in Fiji is truly wonderful. Tongan locals are cordial, but have seen "tourists" and kayakers enough that we are no longer special in Tonga. Lots of great culture, bird life and photography to enjoy. Late Summer and Fall are the best seasons. Now is the beginning of the "end" of hurricane season. Paddling among the islands is well within reach of paddlers who are skilled in handling open ocean in wind and waves. Surf and tidal currents are small but must be dealt with. Wind is real, as are rock gardens and coral reefs. Landing on outside, windward coastlines can be totally out of the realm of possibility for any kayakers, but most paddling is easily done in fairly protected waters, especially in the Vava'u. If one has not done a fair amount of rough water expedition-style paddling, neither of these places is suitable without a guide. Happy Paddling, Joanne --- Southwind Kayak Center http://www.southwindkayaks.com info_at_southwindkayaks.com 17855 Sky Park Cr. #A, Irvine CA 92614 949-261-0200 1-800-SOUTHWIND = 1-800-768-8494 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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