CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE - TRIPADVISOR
Watauga Kayak
Our Shop may be Closed From October - April
We Offer Guided Raft Trips, Tube Trips, and Kayak Trips Year Round; Call 423 542 6777
Why Use Watauga Kayak
Whether you want a short trip or long trip we have a rafting and kayaking adventure for you; try our lower river explorer or expedition trip, or plan a different adventure each day for the week we have a special adventure including your unique travel experiences; best prices guaranteed on Watauga River don't be taken by a lot of hype this is the outfitter for your family. We are close to camping near Boone NC, and Roan Mountain TN. We pride ourselves on our southern customer service and a growing community of return and new users, Watauga Kayak's customers are like family.
REVIEWS
Rafting, Kayaking is our Business
we paddle in Elizabethton, East Tennessee, Bristol, Gate City, Virginia, and Boone, Banner Elk North Carolina. We are located near the Bristol Raceway just minutes to the river and back to the race. Our customers are very important to us and we want to provide the best experience possible. Our trip options give our customers the ability to choose what is best for them and their families. We love to show our beautiful little town of Elizabethton to visitors. So many historical things to see starting with the Elizabethton Covered Bridge one of the oldest in the State of Tennessee, Sycamore Shoals State Park during the summer months experience the outdoor drama Liberty, or view fort Watauga where you can see where the over mountain men made their river crossing. Also, we are fortunate to have the Tweetsie Bike Trail.
Guided Whitewater Rafting Trips GUARANTEED LOWEST RAFTING PRICES ON THE WATAUGA RIVER
WHAT TO WEAR: Shorts and shirt, shoes a must, sunglasses and hat are nice.
TVA has changed how they operate Wilbur Dam Water Release Schedule after a heavy rainfall
If Doe river water flow is above 1200 CFS TVA will not release water from Wilbur Dam due to possible flooding of the lower part of Watauga River. We are not notified of this until we get to the dam and see there is no release. Our customers have the option of paddling down the river on low water or receiving a full refund and returning to our shop. Our guides train on Watauga River on low water all the time, the difference is lower water some places may have more rocks exposed and yes we could get stuck, but that's part of the adventure. Lower water is fun and full of laughs and splashes ( it's all up to what you make of it) If your boat has less than 6 people in it this makes it much easier to paddle in lower water. Once we paddle a couple of miles the water will be a little higher whereas smaller tributaries release water into the Watauga river making the water a little higher. This trip may be a little longer and if you would like to get out at our break area that's an option we offer.
WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR TRIP: Unless you need something special; we provide a snack and water, plus we give you free email pictures.
ARE THESE TRIPS SAFE: There are inherent risk when participating in any water activity, but this is as safe as you can get.
ALL OUR TRIPS ARE GUIDED
YOU MUST WEAR A PFD ON ALL OUR TRIPS
NO DRUGS,
NO ALCOHOL
WHAT TO AVOID: ANY OUTFITTER THAT WILL NOT WEAR PFD'S, AND FOLLOW STRICT SAFETY REGULATIONS.
TO BOOK A TRIP
To book a trip at the last minute you will need to call our shop 423 542 6777. DO NOT TRY TO BOOK ONLINE FOR A LAST-MINUTE TRIP PLEASE. No problem, just call if we have availability you are rafting in minutes.
If you know the date you want to raft in advance you can book online. Just click any of the book now icons. Each Trip is listed for you to pick what date and time you wish to raft. It's easy, and as long as you contact us 24 hours in advance if you have to cancel-no problem you get a full refund.
Rafting Watauga River
Tennessee & North Carolina
Watauga Kayak Not Your Average Outfitter
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Policy & Cancellation Policy
We have the best policy of all the Outfitters, as long as you cancel 24 hours before your trip you will receive a full refund. Yes, FULL REFUND!! For Large Group refunds, you must cancel seven days before your trip date to receive a full refund.
Rain Policy
We don't like to paddle in the rain or storm, so if it is raining here we will make the call to cancel or not. Watauga Kayak will always put your safety first. Watauga Kayak will determine if the trip is canceled or not if you don't show up you will be charged for the trip if the trip is not canceled.
Rivers We Paddle
We paddle mostly the Watauga River, others on occasion we paddle Holston River, Doe River TN, New River in North Carolina, Boone, Banner Elk, and Clinch River in Virginia. The Watauga River is the closest river to Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock NC, Johnson City, Mountain City, Kingsport TN, and Bristol Raceway, Bristol VA.
Several Different Rafting Options Available
Classic Raft Trip is the most popular trip on Watauga River it starts at the same place all the other out-of-state outfitters start, and it goes past all the take-outs of the other outfitters ending at our shop. Great for all ages. If you wish to be on the water longer then the Explorer Rafting Trip or the ALL Day Rafting is great for you. Just in case you have experienced the Classic Rafting and want more excitement try our Explorer, or Expedition Rafting trips with faster water, and more rapids. If you are wanting a lot of excitement try our Extreme River Tubing Trips a small wave looks a lot bigger when you are on a tube. If you only have a short time to raft let us know we can arrange a special trip for you.
Many Amazing Things
Great guided whitewater rafting for the adventure seeker, a little splash for kids rafting, and for those wanting to admire the beautiful scenery on the river. Guided river kayak trips for first-timers to experienced paddlers, and Guided lake Kayaking trips on a beautiful peaceful hidden lake with a waterfall, beaver lodge, and wildflowers around every corner. Yes, We also give you FREE PICTURES - yes free
Kayaking
We offer several different Guided Kayak Trips. River or Lake we have a trip for you and your family. Most people paddling start on the lake and gradually think about paddling the river at some time. The River Challenge I is the best instruction for river paddling you will find; we hold your hand if needed, it's easy paddling some small rapids, some flat water, and lots of beautiful scenery chance of flipping is slim. Lake paddling, slim chance of flipping, we have two lakes we paddle. One is very lite paddling and has many wonderful things to see, the other is more advanced paddling if you wish to paddle longer distances.
More Information about Watauga Kayak's FAQs & Policies
Reservations & Cancellation Policy
Because many of our trips are booked well in advance we recommend that you call early to reserve your space. However, if it's possible, we will be happy to fit you in on the short notice.
- When making reservations, please have your credit card ready when you call us.
- We accept MasterCard and Visa.
- LAST-MINUTE RESERVATIONS WITHIN THE 24-HOUR WINDOW OF YOUR TRIP WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND IF YOU CANCEL OR ARE NO SHOW.
- TELEPHONE RESERVATIONS REQUIRE Prepayment 50% deposit to guarantee your reservation, the balance will be paid at check-in the day of your trip.
- For a full refund of the deposit, you must cancel 24 hours prior to the trip date.
- Groups of 12 or more must cancel 7 days prior to the trip date to receive a full refund.
- Trips booked less than 48 hours in advance require full payment with a credit card.
- Arrive 30 minutes in advance; late arrivals will be deferred to the next trip time.
- NO REFUND GIVEN FOR CANCELLATIONS THE DAY OF YOUR TRIP, OR NO SHOWS.
Our Rain Policy
Rain or shine is not our policy. We are very cautious when it comes to weather, we may hold back the trip for 30+/- minutes to insure the weather is adequate for rafting.
- We raft when we think it's not going to storm.
- A light sprinkle is not a problem, but we prefer no rain.
- Watauga Kayak DETERMINES IF A TRIP IS TO BE canceled due to weather.
- If we cancel you will receive a full refund.
LOSS OF EQUIPMENT AND DAMAGE BY CUSTOMER
The customer that books the trip and/or pays for the trip is liable for any damage or loss of equipment that their group has. This means if someone in your group loses a paddle you must pay for it when you return. The price of replacement is determined by the age of equipment, type of damage, and current replacement cost. Watauga Kayak's Owner will determine the cost for the customer to pay. This cost will be taken out of the credit card that was used to book the trip unless the customer wants to pay with another option.
About Prices
Prices are per person and include the guide, and all equipment you'll need to raft, or kayak. Tax, No hidden fees.
About Risk
Safety is our main concern. THIS IS A VERY SAFE RAFTING TRIP; WATAUGA RIVER IS A CLASS I & II WHITEWATER RIVER - FAMILY STYLE. We train our guides extensively on the Watauga River. However, it is important that you and your group know that whitewater rafting, like all adventure activities, involves inherent risks. Watauga Kayak does not assume liability for personal injuries or death. You will be asked to participate in our safety instructions and to read and sign an Assumption of Risk and Waiver Agreement prior to your trip.
WHO WILL BE IN OUR RAFT
We pride ourselves on keeping all families together in the same raft. We do not crowd our rafts, we only place your family in the raft -NO ONE ELSE BUT THE GUIDE!