Category: Paddling

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!

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.