Author: Teresa

Extreme Tubing on Watauga River NEW for 2021 Season at Watauga Kayak a great mix between whitewater rapids class I & II, and a little calmer moving water for active thrill seeking families. You must be in good physical shape for this tubing on Watauga River you are paddling to avoid hazards on the river. Guided Extreme River Tubing Watauga River is about 4 – 6 miles and approximately 2.5 hours long depending upon the day you paddle, and has at least one trained guide along to show you the best way down the river. We recommend 7 yrs. and up paddling, but you may also want to tow a younger child. No alcohol on this trip its a family day. Best for people that know how to swim this is not your grandmas river tubing.

See if a Guided Extreme River Tubing Trip is for you! A great way to cool off during those hot days. Book online to save your place.

Looks like we will be dealing with covid-19 in 2021. The best way to start your paddling experience is to make sure you wear your mask when checking in, and wash your hands afterward. The next thing i would suggest is to make sure you are paddling with your group only – Meaning your family will be the only ones in the raft, or if you are paddling a single craft you are not too close to others. Keeping safe and distanced are the best ways to help not spread this virus. Paddle safe, have fun.

It’s about that time of year when we all want to raft, kayak, canoe, paddle board, etc., Make sure you are ready by getting you and your gear ready. You always want your gear to be in top shape. Gather all your gear and check to make sure it is in good shape, clean and ready for your activity. I like to wash my gear in a mixture of 1 part dawn dish washing liquid, 1 part oxy-clean, 4 parts white vinegar, in a tub of clean water and Then rinse several times and then dip in a tub of 303 mixed with water. I never leave river or lake water on my gear when i finish a trip- always rinse with clean water or a mixture and hang in a shady place to dry.
If you need repairs on your gear, make them immediately because once the warm days hit you will want to be on the water.

Getting yourself ready, make sure you are in shape to paddle start with short non challenging trips to get your groove on, stretch your body and limber up. Just remember you don’t have to be a skinny mini to play. Once you get your groove on then you are ready for the time of your life. Play safe, Have fun, hope to see you on the river or lake.

Paddling after a storm: Whether you are Rafting, Kayaking, or Tubing It is very important to be careful when paddling a river after a storm, or heavy wind event. A paddler must expect the unexpected never paddle blind watch around every corner to avoid strainers – fallen debris – trees and other items that could be fatal to a boater if not watching. Always paddle with caution after an event. These things can trap a boat and a person while letting the water go thru like a spaghetti strainer, we call them drowning machines BEST TO AVOID AT ALL COST!

  1. Leave the Electronics Behind

 

The fresh air and excitement of a river adventure will reboot your mind and give you a new lease on life. To take full advantage of that opportunity, you really should unplug yourself from the digital world. At least temporarily. A Seattle river rafting trip can be an intimate and profound experience, but you have to actively participate in it.

 

The sounds of nature are better than anything you’ve got in your iTunes library anyway.

 

  1. Pack Wisely

 

Most people over pack on their first whitewater rafting trip. Even the most seasoned rafters bring more than they really need — unopened sodas, unworn clothes, unused flashlights — but first timers are in a league of their own when it comes to packing.

 

The average beginner probably only needs about a quarter of what they bring along. Check out some helpful packing tips from experts on whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole. Leave the unnecessary stuff at home.

 

  1. Stay Casual

 

Many first-time rafters bring a $100 shirt filled with sweat-repelling technology and a bunch of other features that don’t really mean anything. You know what most guides wear? Thrift store cotton shirts with ratty old collars and long sleeves that are just enough to block the summer sun. You don’t need fancy duds to enjoy a river trip. Stay casual and you’ll save some money and probably end up more comfortable.

 

  1. One Electronic Exception

 

This may sound contradictory after suggesting you leave the electronics behind, but you should bring and use a camera. All the better if your camera is just a camera and not just a feature on your phone. That will limit the potential for distraction.

 

Bring a camera and fill it up with incredible images from your trip. There’s so much to see and experience, and we don’t want you to lose those memories to be with you for a lifetime.

 

  1. Trust Your Guide

 

Your Seattle river rafting guide is going to be giving you great advice throughout the entire trip. Before you even get started, they’ll tell you to wear sunscreen and to plenty of water. Make sure you do both.

 

On the water, your guide needs your attention and trust. They know every twist and turn of the river, so following their advice is the best way to ensure your trip is thrilling, memorable, and safe.

 

  1. Relax

 

You’re going to take in some unforgettable sights and run some exciting rapids. It should be thrilling and relaxing at the same time. Watauga Kayak has the best equipment and the best guides to ensure that you can focus on having a good time. If you choose the trip that’s best for you and follow our guide’s advice throughout your journey, you’ll have an incredible experience. There’s no need for nerves or anxiety.

 

To ensure you pick a trip with a river difficulty that meets your needs, here’s a general guide on whitewater rapid classification from an outfitter that offers whitewater rafting in California.
Once you know what level of rapid difficulty you feel comfortable with, visit our adventure rafting page and find your ideal trip on the Watauga River.

Contact Watauga Kayak today to plan an adventure!

Yes, on Watauga River if you don’t have a PFD on your boat, kayak, raft, etc., TWRA will fine you if they see you.  Best to have it ON.   The water is very cold and if you were to fall in it could be your life.   I think the fine is somewhere in the neighborhood of $265.00 +-  And if a child does not have the PFD on you may be taken to jail.     SAFE THAN SORRY Wear the PFD.

Boat Rentals | Kayak Rentals | Watauga Kayak Elizabethton, TNWearing a PFD always makes a paddler look like they know what they are doing. It’s crazy to go without a PFD (Life Jacket) no matter if you are a good swimmer or not IT PAYS TO WEAR IT AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE WATER. So many people take it for granted that something want happen, but that’s the same people you are reading about in the Sunday Newspaper drowning – with no PFD.

Did you know that if you don’t have a PFD in the Raft, Kayak, Tube, etc., that TWRA will give you a fine it’s over $200.00 and if you have a child in the boat without a PFD you may be going to jail.  Yes that has happened on Watauga River.   Look the Part – Wear your PFD at all times, that’s what real paddlers do.

Check what rafting is available in your area

Check to see what river classification is rated

Make sure the river classification is right for your family

Decide if you are willing to except the risk of paddling that classification

Ask what River you would be paddling

Check that River Name for Local Outfitters

Check to see how long is the drive to the river

Check how long the transport time is, who wants to be spending hours in a bus.

Check to see how long you would be in the water rafting

Check to see if your rafting outfitter has CPR/First Aid certifications

Check to see if each raft has a trained guide or will you be guiding yourself

Check to see if they have good reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, etc.

Check to see if they have had any problems BBB

Check to see what the price per person

Check to see if any additional fee’s and taxes apply to the cost

Check to see if the Outfitter provides water, snacks on the trip

Check to see if the Outfitter provides pictures (Free or Paid) to customers

Decide for yourself what is best for your family