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re: Whitewater kayaking in the southeast
Posted on 5/18/14 at 6:17 pm to TheIndulger
Posted on 5/18/14 at 6:17 pm to TheIndulger
Charlotte also has USNWWC..LINK /. Took my son up there several times for roll lessons after my patience ran out. I somewhat agree about the Nantahala, it has several tricky spots but I think in a ducky you would be fine, a true ww kayak and it could get sketchy if you can't roll. If you can't roll and read a set of rapids take it slow. Personally saw them copter an "expert" out of the Green River Gorge this spring. Heard he was invited at the put in with some locals and declined the offer. The Narrows is one place you NEVER paddle alone especially if you have never been down. Natural selection I guess.
2
Posted on 5/18/14 at 6:24 pm to GtownDawg
So it seems like lessons wouldn't be a terrible idea....
Posted on 5/18/14 at 6:44 pm to TheIndulger
They usually let the kayakers tag along with the rafting groups.
That would be your best bet if you're a beginner. That way you're not going down river by yourself.
Check out Southeastern Expeditions. They do Ocoee and Chattooga. I've done Chattooga before and it was badass.
That would be your best bet if you're a beginner. That way you're not going down river by yourself.
Check out Southeastern Expeditions. They do Ocoee and Chattooga. I've done Chattooga before and it was badass.
Posted on 5/18/14 at 6:53 pm to TXGunslinger10
You've kayaked the chatooga? I did the rafting trip there and there were some pretty rough falls
Posted on 5/18/14 at 6:54 pm to TheIndulger
No I rafted it.
But we had a group of kayakers with us.
Seven foot falls is no joke!
But we had a group of kayakers with us.
Seven foot falls is no joke!
Posted on 5/18/14 at 6:59 pm to TheIndulger
The pigeon in tn will do fine for you opens this sat till Labor Day.
Posted on 5/18/14 at 7:07 pm to TheIndulger
If you have never had lessons, don't do it you need to understand the diff boats design how they handle, ( what would you rent) you need to be able to read the river understand what your doing. This isn't key west & mopeds people die often here from very benign shite. Plus you don't need to do this alone.
Posted on 5/18/14 at 7:11 pm to GtownDawg
quote:
The Narrows is one place you NEVER paddle alone especially if you have never been down.
The narrows is solid class V for 2 miles, takes a long time and a lot of guts to get there.
I recommend checking out boatertalk.com and post looking for people to hook up with. There are plenty of folks in ATL.
Posted on 5/18/14 at 7:12 pm to TXGunslinger10
quote:
No I rafted it. But we had a group of kayakers with us. Seven foot falls is no joke!
Chattooga is one of my favorite spots in the world. Seven foot is a fun rapid, for sure.
Posted on 5/18/14 at 7:21 pm to TheIndulger
When are you going up? My brother is up kayaking and flyfishing the Hiwassee and rivers around there all the time this summer.
This post was edited on 5/18/14 at 7:22 pm
Posted on 5/18/14 at 7:56 pm to TheIndulger
You gonna die, man. There's some hardcore rivers in that area.
Posted on 5/18/14 at 8:09 pm to TheIndulger
quote:
So it seems like lessons wouldn't be a terrible idea.
Lessons would be a great idea. My sister got my son lessons at the Nantahala Outdoor Center for his high school graduation present. I had bought him a ww kayak the year before and he learned to roll in our pool by watching youtube videos thats been 4 years ago.
He joined the kayaking club at UA when he was there. The club sponsor was pretty serious about it and my son learned a lot from him. He is at UAH now and looking to start a club there.
He got finished with finals last Wednesday, him and 3 of his buddies loaded up left for the Occoee that afternoon, he just got back to Huntsville today and said they had a blast.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 7:35 am to Interweb Cowboy
Do you remember what kind of lessons he got?
Posted on 5/19/14 at 8:16 am to TheIndulger
You can rent sit on top kayaks all up and down the Nantahala. That river fits perfectly for what you're looking for. We usually rent from the place next to the pizza/bbq joint on the river, get out and have lunch before finishing the trip.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 8:26 am to TheIndulger
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
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
Posted on 5/19/14 at 8:43 am to TheIndulger
No respectable outfitter will rent you a kayak. And if you get one, please don't take it out on the Ocoee, or anything bigger, until you get really competent. I guided on the Ocoee, French Broad, Nolichucky and Chattooga for two years in college. Pulling some slapdick, who had no business soloing, out of the river was an all too frequent task. Recovering bodies was uncommon, but not unheard of. Take a few guided trips to learn about whitewater with someone who understands it. Then, if you like it, get a boat and take classes. Get your roll to where it is bullet proof in a pool or pond before you hit the river. Then start with something like the Hiwassee, then the Nanny. From there, get hooked up with a group that has experienced paddlers who can help you learn. Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is a great place to start.
Tell Em Cades Sent You
Tell Em Cades Sent You
Posted on 5/19/14 at 8:51 am to rpg005
quote:
rpg005
Where'd you work & when? I might know you.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 8:57 am to CadesCove
I started kayaking after grad school - 2007, and was literally in the mountains every weekend. Been a bit more difficult the last few years with a wife. At the Ocoee / Cheoah (when running) every other weekend or so in the summer. Some of the best times of my life.
Planning on hitting the Ocoee in July. Cades, do you have a TD.com shuttle bunny?
Planning on hitting the Ocoee in July. Cades, do you have a TD.com shuttle bunny?
Posted on 5/19/14 at 8:59 am to CadesCove
Ocoee = ADVANCED/ EXPERT kayaking but nice guided, kick your arse rafting
Nantahala = Pretty challenging for kayak BUT you can easily get out on the bank and scioe out rapids or even walk thrm. Good all around non-guided rafting trip. Can be as difficult as you want it to be but most bad spots can be avoided.
Hiwassee = Tiki tubing with good fishing
Your best bet is Nantahalah. If you want fun for everyone, rent a raft. If you want a pretty good challenge, rent a kayak. If you thinkyou are an OTer, take a canoe down it. All skill levels can have fun and the river is tame enough with rapids spaced out enough for the whole group to stick together.
Nantahala = Pretty challenging for kayak BUT you can easily get out on the bank and scioe out rapids or even walk thrm. Good all around non-guided rafting trip. Can be as difficult as you want it to be but most bad spots can be avoided.
Hiwassee = Tiki tubing with good fishing
Your best bet is Nantahalah. If you want fun for everyone, rent a raft. If you want a pretty good challenge, rent a kayak. If you thinkyou are an OTer, take a canoe down it. All skill levels can have fun and the river is tame enough with rapids spaced out enough for the whole group to stick together.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 9:01 am to AutoYes_Clown
quote:
Your best bet is Nantahalah. If you want fun for everyone, rent a raft. If you want a pretty good challenge, rent a kayak. If you thinkyou are an OTer, take a canoe down it. All skill levels can have fun and the river is tame enough with rapids spaced out enough for the whole group to stick together.
Don't rent a kayak and go down the Nanty if you have never paddled in swift water before, it won't be fun. You will flip in the first rapid (Patton's Run) and swim...and you will do that all day. It's also very cold, even in the summer.
If you want a fun self guided trip, just get a duckie. If you want to really get into the sport, get up with a group or take a beginner lesson to learn to roll. They offer that on the Nanty. You can take a whole weekend worth of lessons.
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