Review of L. L. Bean's Kayaking Walk-On Adventure in Mansfield, Massachusetts

Interested in an inexpensive, half-day kayak adventure in Mansfield, Massachusetts? L. L. Bean's Kayaking Walk-On Adventure may have what you're looking for:

The Price is Right
At L. L. Bean's new store in Mansfield, Massachusetts you can learn basic kayaking skills and enjoy an hour of kayaking at the Norton Reservoir in Massachusetts for only $15 a person. The fee includes use of a kayak (you can even request a two-person kayak or a particular brand ahead of time), the use of special shoes for the water, kayaking instructions, transportation to the Massachusetts location, and an hour of guided kayaking. Compared to other kayaking lessons and opportunities in Massachusetts, L. L. Bean's course is a steal.

Preparation & Booking the Trip
The moniker "Walk on Adventures" for L. L. Bean's adventure program is completely accurate. When my husband and I decided we wanted to learn about kayaking, we just checked the Mansfield, Massachusetts L. L. Bean's online calendar and showed up when we were ready for their next group kayak lesson and tour. The sign-up was at a kiosk in the front of the L. L. Bean and it couldn't have been easier. We paid for the kayaking at the kiosk and the woman took our names, made sure we were prepared, and gave us an idea of what to expect.

When preparing for your trip, it is a good idea to bring a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses. You will get wet when entering and leaving the water, so shorts or short pants is also a good idea. Water is available to fill your bottle at the Massachusetts reservoir grounds where you will learn to kayak. Sun block is also available before the kayak tour begins. When my husband and I showed up for kayaking, we didn't think about the heat and ended up purchasing a few choice supplies at L. L. Bean's Mansfield, Massachusetts store, thanks to the woman who registered us for our L. L. Bean Walk on Adventure.

Transportation
When it was time to leave, the transportation bus arrived at the store front and picked up the kayakers. L. L. Bean's Outdoor Adventure crew made sure we were all on board before leaving. As we rode on the bus, some of the kayaks travelled in front of us, strapped to a van.

The bus was very nice, with comfortable seating and a television which informed future kayakers about the variety of outdoor adventures available throughout New England. Currently, L. L. Bean's Mansfield, Massachusetts store only offers Basic Kayaking and Fly Fishing, but I hope that their opportunities expand over time. The video showed advanced kayaking courses, clay pigeon shooting, and even archery; available at their flagship store in Maine. We arrived at our destination; part of the Norton Reservoir on the border of Norton and Mansfield, Massachusetts in around 15 - 20 minutes.

Pre-Kayaking Instruction
For our kayaking lesson we had two instructors. The instruction was led mainly by one older gentleman who emphasized safety on our trip. Both instructors were very nice and worked easily with people of varying physical abilities. The lesson began on dry land and took around 20 minutes.

First, the instructors made sure we were wearing proper water shoes. Some people brought their own water shoes with them. For those of us that didn't, we were asked our shoe size and given a pair of very comfortable water shoes to wear while kayaking. The instructors explained that water shoes protect the feet, keep them cool, and add stability while you entering the water. I liked these shoes so much, that I was ready to go back to L. L. Bean and buy a pair of my own.

Next, the instructors taught us how to pick the proper size paddle. After a few stretches, the L. L. Bean instructor taught us how to move the paddle to move forward, turn, stop, and move backwards in the kayak. The group practiced this in a standing position, before we got into the kayaks. Our instructor was very attentive. He gently corrected people who were using the paddle wrong or encouraged those who were doing it right.

After our lesson on paddling and safety, the instructors made sure we were prepared to hit the water. L. L. Bean's staff offered a safe for storing valuables like wallets and purses. They also made sure we had enough water and sun block for the trip.

When we were fully prepared, we walked over to a group of kayaks on the ground near the docks. The instructor explained how to choose the right size kayak and selected kayaks for each of us to try. There were a few people in the group who were trying specific kayaks because they wanted to purchase one from L. L. Bean. This included a mother and daughter who tried a double kayak. We got into our selected kayaks while still on land. He showed us how to adjust the foot rests and how to sit comfortably within the kayak. We practice paddling a little longer and then we were ready to hit the cool Massachusetts water.

The Kayaking Tour
The instructors helped us get the kayaks into the water one-by-one. This did involve standing in the water and I rolled up my pant-legs to keep them from getting wet. The instructors held the kayaks for each person and guided him or her into proper seating positions. L. L. Bean's instructors paid special attention to older individuals who needed more assistance getting into the water. As each person got comfortable in the kayaks, we waited for the group before we began paddling.

Once we were all in the water, the instructor had us practice paddling forward. The head L. L. Bean instructor kept his kayak in the middle of the group, while the other instructor stayed at the back of the group to make sure we were doing okay. After about five minutes of paddling forward, the instructor asked us to gather around him. My husband and I were in separate kayaks and got to try turning the kayak for the first time. It was fun to see everyone learning and turning together and I felt a real sense of community as he taught us more about paddling techniques.

From there, we continued to kayak around the Massachusetts reservoir as a group. It was a beautiful Massachusetts day; not too hot and not too cool. The pond was only a few feet deep and, in many parts, you could touch the bottom of the water. Kayaking did build up heat, though, and I found myself splashing my face with water after about thirty minutes of our tour.

In the beginning, one of the women in the group had a difficult time paddling. She seemed frustrated ready to give up. The instructor was concerned that she was getting tired, but did not want her to give up. Confident she could get the hang of it, he strapped a tow rope from his kayak to hers and encouraged her to continue trying. His faith in her abilities went a long way and the woman went from exasperated to confident. Eventually, he was even able to remove the tow from her kayak as she joined the group, on her own, with ease.

My husband and I had a less difficult time with kayaking, picking it up fairly easily. The instructor noticed this as well and challenged us to try new techniques like turning in place and turning the kayak around completely. Overall, he was encouraging to everyone on the trip, noticing their various struggles and their abilities and catering to them.

Eventually, it was time to turn around and my husband and I raced a bit back towards the docks. When we were finished, the instructors helped us get out of the Massachusetts reservior and removed our kayaks. There was a brief wrap-up and then we were back on the bus and ready to go back to the Mansfield, Massachusetts L. L. Bean.

The Trip Back
On the trip back, we were all very talkative about our recent adventure. The bus driver handed out coupons for $15 off our next kayaking adventure as well as a catalog of available trips. After a while, we quieted down and relaxed, feeling exhilarated by the exercise, our new skill, and the beautiful scenery.

Overall
Overall, L. L. Bean's Kayaking Walk on Adventure in Mansfield, Massachusetts was a day well spent! It is appropriate for people of all ages and varying abilities. Participants will learn a great deal about how to pick out equipment and how to kayak. My husband and I felt ready to rent kayaks on the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts and have another adventure all our own!