Author: Nidiffer

Extreme Tubing on Watauga River NEW for 2021 Season at Watauga Kayak a great mix between fun whitewater rapids class I & II, and slower calm pools perfect for the 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. All Guided Extreme River Tubing trips are on Watauga River it’s about 4 – 6 miles and approximately 2.5 hours long depending upon the day you paddle. We have one or more trained guide along to show you the best way down the river. IT’s follow the leader on this trip. We recommend 10 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. THIS IS NOT A FLOAT AND COAST TUBE TRIP,WE HAVE WHITEWATER RAPIDS – IT’S GREAT.

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. wataugakayak.com or 423 542 6777

Looks like we will not be dealing with covid-19 in 2023.

The best way to start your paddling experience is to make sure after checking in you wash your hands after handling doors, etc. If you are still worried I would suggest 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. We think you should always use common sense and do what you feel is the best for your family. Paddle safe, have fun.

It’s about that time of year when we all want to raft, kayak, canoe, tube, 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 dishwashing liquid, 1 part oxy-clean, and 4 parts white vinegar, in a tub of clean water, and Then rinse several times in clean water and then dip in a tub of 303 mixed with water or spray with 303.

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 it in a shady place to dry. KEEP YOUR GEAR OUT OF THE SUN!
If you need repairs on your gear, make them immediately because once the warm days hit you will want to be on the water.

Get 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.   Paddle with a partner is always the best and safest way on any waterway.  Always tell someone where you are going so if something happens they will call someone to look for you.

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. 

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 wataugakayak.com Leave the unnecessary stuff at home or in your car.

  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  use the  camera Watauga Kayak provides.  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.  Take lots of photos, they are FREE

 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  Watauga Kayak 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 fun 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 that meets your family’s needs, here’s a general guide on whitewater rapid classification. Class 1, 2 great for small children and families this is the least risk in whitewater rafting, Class 3, large rapids that normally have an age restriction of 7 and up, risk a little higher, Class 4 larger rapids, more intense, Normally age is 12 and up, high risk rafting, Class 5 very larger unpredictable rapids, Dangerous, should be experts only, High risk of death.  Rapids are fun, but these rivers are not Disney Land, these are wild rivers and the higher the class the more danger is involved if you fall out of the raft.  (Yes in most cases your raft can flip and do flip in these higher classes of whitewater)
Watauga River is a Class I & II whitewater river, low risk, great for all the family.

Contact Watauga Kayak today to plan an adventure!

Thanks to Seattle River Rafting for tips on rafting trips

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.

RAFTING – KAYAKING – TUBING – SWIMMING

Wearing a PFD always makes a PERSON 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.

Don’t put someone’s life at risk to rescue you by not wearing a PFD.  Be Smart, Be SAFE

Check what rafting is available in your area

Check to see what the river classification is rated    Easy 1 to 6 Death Defying

Make sure the river classification is right for your family

Decide if you are willing to except the risk of paddling that river 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, Yelp etc.

Check to see if they have had any problems BBB or Reviews

Check to see what the price per Adult & Child 12 and under are

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

Check to see if they have anything special about them vs other outfitters

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

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

Decide for yourself what is best for your family