Whitewater kayaking in the southeast

The Ocoee river will probably be your best bet.

Ocoee is too much if it is your first go. Check out the nantahala.

Safety is a personal thing, so do as you wish, but If you don't have a lot of experience, horsing around in rapids solo isn't something you would probably want to do. I solo trip in my canoe a lot and have seen stuff no where near class 2 or 3 get some inexperienced kayakers in trouble. I actually had to pull a guy out of a strainer one time on a very benign river. Like I said though, your safety is yours so do what you will, just beware that those hydraulics can be very strong and get you into some real precarious situations.

You gonna die, man. There's some hardcore rivers in that area.

I am an experienced whitewater kayaker as well. I started on the Nantahala when I was 5 years old in a sit on top kayak. I swam the falls and that is what got me going. Since then, I have been a raft guide on the Ocoee, pigeon, and Nantahala.

I would suggest getting a kayak and learning how to roll in a swimming pool just to get technique down. If you are near any rivers you can usually pick up some decent used gear. Then transition to some swift water-- it's completely different and you will swim! Always paddle with someone and paddle with someone that knows how to read the river as there are always hidden dangers such as undercuts, sieves, and strainers. You are t living unless you have been worked over in a hydraulic!!

Since having kids and living in Shreveport I am limited on my trips these days. If I get to go it's usually to the Arkansas rivers like the Cossatot.

If you need any help I will be glad to answer any questions. Or if any of you experienced boaters need a paddling partner let me know. I usually go with the pops but he is getting old and can't handle the big stuff anymore! Tdmail1234@gmail.com

Nantahala River in North Carolina is great for kayaking. Nothing too dangerous, but will still test your skills at some points. Beautiful scenery as well.

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'm looking to rent a kayak for the day somewhere in Tennessee or north Carolina and do some mild class 2 or 3 rapids. You know, at an outfitter who will rent you the boat, then drop you off upstream. I've looked at a lot of websites and they all talk about rafting trips, or kayaking lessons, but I have yet to see anyone mention kayak rentals.

Anyone know a good place you can do this at, or have any good recs on where to go?

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Never do this alone, particularly as a beginner or even novice. Snags are a major hazard running rivers, make sure you have someone to free you if you get held under by trees, or even rocks.

Don't be a pussy! Do the gauley