By Andy Brophy

WESTPORT–Residents can see Wednesday’s Buck Moon in a special way – from sit-on-top kayaks set to launch from Riverside Avenue around sunset.

“I think what most people enjoy on tours is … they get a sunset in the western sky and then a moon rise in the eastern sky,” said David McPherson, founder and owner of Sea Kayak Tours in Westport. “It’s pretty awe inspiring just to see the moon come up.”

He said Sea Kayak Tours has offered tours since 2010, when McPherson founded the company, and that people on past tours most liked “the peacefulness, serenity and magic of it all.”

Showers are now forecast for Wednesday evening, though McPherson said that may change. He said Sea Kayak Tours uses special software employed by astronomers to determine the quantity and density of cloud cover; significant cloud cover or rain would cause the tour to be canceled.

“As you can guess, people don’t go out and want to look at clouds,” he said. “Monday or Tuesday, we’ll have higher confidence in the forecast for Wednesday.”

The tour will have one-person and two-person kayaks available, and guides will be in their own boats to offer help if needed, McPherson said. “We have a guide ratio of one to five on all of our tours,” he said.

After the kayaks launch about 8 p.m. Wednesday from Sea Kayak Tours at 575 Riverside Avenue., kayakers will paddle to Westport Harbor and then around the Saugatuck River basin before heading back, McPherson said.

He estimated the trip, open to both experienced and beginner kayakers, will last about two hours on the water. “It’s not a lengthy or strenuous trip,” he said. “It’s a very casual pace.”

Sea Kayak Tours typically has eight to 10 kayakers. Wednesday’s tour already has nine people signed up and McPherson expects another nine before the deadline to register at noon Wednesday. “We kind of limit the tours to about 20 to 25 people,” he said.

Sea Kayak Tours also offers tours to Cockenoe and Sprite islands and Westport Harbor, according to its website. Wednesday’s tour is unique in that it’s a once-a month offering, McPherson said.

The cost of Wednesday’s Buck Moon Tour is $90, and future “Full Moon Tours” are scheduled for Aug. 28 (Sturgeon Moon,) Sept. 26 (Corn/Harvest Moon) and Oct. 26 (Hunter’s Moon.)

The Buck Moon is named after male deer who regrow their antlers at this time of year.

If Wednesday’s tour is canceled, those who signed up can either receive a full refund or choose another tour to go on. Residents who cancel with at least 48 hours’ notice will receive a full refund, according to Sea Kayak Tours’ website.

All kayakers must be at least 12 years old and wear life jackets, which Sea Kayak Tours will provide. Its website includes a checklist of what kayakers on Wednesday’s tour should wear and bring. Paperwork should be completed before residents arrive for the tour.

To register and for information, check seakayakct.com or call 203-557-6033.