







GUIDED RIVER TUBING CHALLENGE
1.0 - 2.0 Hours (AVG. 1.5)
A little lazy with a little whitewater excitement
Depending upon the water flow and you paddling
Approximately 2 Miles
First Timers & Less Active Adults
TAX INCLUDED IN PRICE
$30.00/person
GUIDED RIVER TUBING EXTREME
2.0 - 3.0 Hours (AVG. 2.5)
Whitewater Excitement mixed with a little lazy floating
Depending upon the water flow and you paddling
Approximately 3 Miles
Thrill Seeker & Adventurer
TAX INCLUDED IN PRICE
$49.00/person
GUIDED RIVER TUBING ON WATAUGA RIVER
Near Boone NC, Banner Elk, Bristol VA, Kingsport TN, Johnson City TN, Elizabethton TN
HIGH OR LOW WATER DEPENDING UPON TVA WATER RELEASE SCHEDULE
GUIDED FAMILY TUBING ON WATAUGA RIVER
ALL GUIDED TUBING TRIPS REQUIRE A RESERVATION
THIS IS NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S TUBING
AGE 7 AND UP, ADULTS LOVE IT AS MUCH AS KIDS
A LITTLE Lazy River Tubing mixed with WHITEWATER Excitement
THESE TRIPS ARE ONLY BOOKED ONLINE
ALL GUIDED TUBING TRIPS YOU MUST HAVE A RESERVATION
AND VERY LIMITED TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE
River Tubing on Watauga River a great way to chill with friends and family. This trip combines slow moving water in some spots and faster moving whitewater section in others. Watauga River has crystal clear cold water making this a perfect way to cool off during the hot summer days. This is a great trip for more active families looking to have fun for a few hours on the river getting wet. This trip is recommend for physically active individuals in good health, and children that are old enough to paddle (normally 7 and up) by themselves, or be towed by a parent (must be at least 4). You are responsible for yourself and your child each will have a PFD (life Jacket) which must be worn at all times, a paddle that will help you steer so you may avoid rocks, trees, and bushes that may be in or along side the river bank. A perfect river tubing trip for families wanting more excitement, fun, and enjoy the scenery and each other. No room for coolers, and no alcohol please this is a family afternoon of river tubing adventures. A guide will be with the group, giving instructions and assisting you if needed. This is a mix of slower water & whitewater tube trip offered near Boone, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, North Carolina and Johnson City, Bristol Raceway, Kingsport, TN. Make sure you are not in a hurry to finish, this can be slow in some places, but fast in others this is dependent upon TVA release and you paddling.. This guided river tube trip requires you to paddle to keep you from hazards. A great way to just hang out and enjoy nature and friends. The pace is faster on high water, but lots of fun and excitement; Are you ready for an adventure you will be talking about for weeks.
(423) 542 6777
Guided EXTREME RIVER TUBING
High or Low Water Depending upon TVA Water Release
STARTS AT WILBUR DAM - ENDS BELOW SIAM BRIDGE
This is a trip for the thrill seekers, and fun loving group that loves water. Fast moving water with the excitement of class I & II rapids, and smooth slow pools a great day for any one that loves outdoors and getting wet. We recommend Adults, and Children 12 + for this trip.
Monday - Friday 1:00 - 6:00 TVA RELEASES WATER NORMALLY 1700 CFS
SATURDAYS 12:00 - 6:00 TVA RELEASES WATER CAN RANGE FROM 1600 CFS UP TO 2500 CFS
SUNDAYS NORMALLY NO WATER RELEASE FROM TVA
DURING WATER RELEASE THE WATER IS FASTER AND REQUIRES MORE PADDLING TO KEEP AWAY FROM HAZARDS.
SUNDAYS THE WATER IS A BIT SLOWER ABOUT 250 CFS AND MAY REQUIRE MORE PADDLING TO AVOID ROCKS.
THIS IS NOT A SIT AND FLOAT TUBE TRIP, YOU MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND PADDLE TO AVOID HAZARDS.
THIS TRIP IS ONLY BOOKED ONLINE
LIMITED TO SMALL GROUPS






If my family can do it, I bet your family can too
Guided CHALLENGE RIVER TUBING
High or Low Water Depending upon TVA Water Release
STARTS STONEY CREEK OR SIAM BRIDGE - ENDS AT WATAUGA KAYAK
This trip is shorter, and has smooth slow pools, and class I & II whitewater rapids in sections a great day for any one that loves outdoors and getting wet. This is more of a beginner trip for people looking for a littler slower pace, but when TVA releases water will be faster. We recommend Adults, and Children 6 + for this trip.
JUNE - SEPTEMBER
Monday - Friday 1:00 - 6:00 TVA RELEASES WATER NORMALLY 1700 CFS
SATURDAYS 12:00 - 6:00 TVA RELEASES WATER CAN RANGE FROM 1600 CFS UP TO 2500 CFS
SUNDAYS NORMALLY NO WATER RELEASE FROM TVA
DURING WATER RELEASE THE WATER IS FASTER AND REQUIRES MORE PADDLING TO KEEP AWAY FROM HAZARDS.
SUNDAYS THE WATER IS A BIT SLOWER ABOUT 250 CFS AND MAY REQUIRE MORE PADDLING TO AVOID ROCKS.
THIS IS NOT A SIT AND FLOAT TUBE TRIP, YOU MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND PADDLE TO AVOID HAZARDS.
ALL TUBING TRIPS ARE GUIDED, AND YOU ARE IN A GROUP OF TUBERS FOLLOWING THE GUIDE.
THIS TRIP IS ONLY BOOKED ONLINE
LIMITED TO SMALL GROUPS


INFORMATION ON GUIDED RIVER TUBING
THESE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TIPS WE CAN GIVE YOU TO HAVE A SAFE AND FUN DAY ON THE WATER
All river tubing, swimming, wading, rafting, kayaking, funyaking, and other river activities have both inherent and unknown risks and dangers. These include, but are not limited to, injury or loss of life. Each person must take responsible for themselves and their child, common sense, using caution, and think safety first!
This is not a Lazy River, There are class I & II rapids along with calm smooth pools. This is a natural river so there is fast moving water, rocks deep spots, trees, and other obstacles to deal with. We recommend that you be able to swim.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
AT LEAST ONE OR MORE RIVER GUIDES ON EACH TRIP, TRANSPORTATION, DELUXE RIVER TUBE WITH A BOTTOM, PADDLE, PFD, WATER, FREE PICTURES, BACK REST, AND A TUBING EXPERIENCE YOU WILL REMEMBER. THE GUIDE ALSO CARRIES AN EXTRA TUBE IF YOU WERE TO POP YOURS - WHICH IS UNLIKELY. WE WILL PROVIDE ONE PERSON FROM YOUR GROUP A WATERPROOF CAMERA AND SEND YOU FREE PICTURES BY EMAIL. TAX IS INCLUDED IN PRICE
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GUIDED TUBING CHALLENGE AND GUIDED TUBING EXTREME TRIPS.
THE CHALLENGE IS A SHORTER TRIP 2.0 MILES AN AVERAGE OF 1.5 HOURS DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES AND FIRST TIMERS WITH WHITEWATER RAPIDS, FLAT POOLS, AND SCENIC VIEWS. SUNDAYS ARE THE SLOWEST AND LOWEST WATER LEVELS, MONDAY - FRIDAY ARE HIGHER AND FASTER WATER LEVELS AFTER 1PM. SATURDAYS ARE THE FASTEST AND HIGHEST WATER LEVELS AFTER 1PM. IF YOU HAVE NEVER RIVER TUBED WE RECOMMEND STARTING ON THIS TRIP, THEN MOVE TO THE EXTREME TUBING IF YOU'RE CRAVING BIGGER RAPIDS. WE RECOMMEND AGE 7 AND UP THAT CAN PADDLE THEMSELF. IF YOU FEEL YOU COULD NOT PADDLE YOU WILL NEED TO SKIP THESE TUBING TRIPS.
THE EXTREME IS A LONGER TRIP 3.0 + MILES AND AVERAGE OF 2.5 HOURS WITH STEEPER, MORE NARROW, ADRENALINE-PUMPNG RAPIDS, BEAUTIFUL VIEWS, ROCK FORMATIONS, AND UNEXPECTED TREASURES. SUNDAYS ARE A BIT SLOWER AND LOWER WATER, BUT MONDAY - FRIDAY THE WATER WILL BE HIGHER AND FASTER AFTER 1PM. SATURDAYS ARE THE HIGHEST AND FASTEST WATER AFTER 12:00 NOON. THIS IS A FUN AND EXCITING TRIP, BUT YOU MUST PADDLE TO AVOID HAZARDS. WE RECOMMEND AGE 12 AND OLDER. IF YOU HAVE NEVER TUBED A RIVER BEFORE PLEASE TUBE THE CHALLENGE TRIP FIRST.
WATER LEVELS
GUIDED TUBING TRIPS ARE SCHEDULED BY RESERVATION MONDAY - SUNDAY APRIL TO LATE OCTOBER. THE WATER IS LOWER AND A BIT SLOWER ON SUNDAYS. MONDAY - SATURDAY NORMALLY THE WATER IS HIGHER AND FASTER DEPENDING UPON TVA RELEASE.
AFTER LABOR DAY AND BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY THE WATER LEVELS ARE LOWER AND SLOWER UNLESS TVA SCHEDULES A RELEASE. THE WATER IS CRYSTAL CLEAR AND COLD MAKING IT A PERFECT ADVENTURE FOR THOSE HOT SUMMER DAYS.
WHAT DO YOU OFFER IN YOUR SHOP TO PURCHASE
WE HAVE TEE SHIRTS, WATER SHOES, HATS, SUNGLASSES, EYE GLASS STRAPS, STICKERS, WATER BOTTLE STRAPS, THROW BAGS, DRY BAGS, AND MORE.
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT OR WEIGHT LIMIT
FOR THE CHALLENGE TUBING TRIP AGE 7 AND OLDER IS RECOMMENDED, FOR THE EXTREME TUBING TRIP AGE 12 AND OLDER IS RECOMMENDED. EACH PERSON MUST BE ABLE TO PADDLE. THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT IS 300LBS
DO I HAVE TO WEAR SHOES
YES, SHOES ARE REQUIRED, PLEASE WEAR SECURE SHOES PROTECT YOUR FEET FROM SHARP OBJECTS, KEEP YOUR SHOES ON AT ALL TIMES. AVOID FLIP-FLOPS THEY TEND TO COME OFF EASILY IN RAPIDS.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING ON MY TRIP
SUNBLOCK, SUNGLASSES AND HAT IS RECOMMENDED, ANY MEDICINE IF NEEDED WHILE OUTDOORS, DRY CLOTHES.
ALCOHOL POLICY / COOLER POLICY
WE DO NOT ALLOW ALCOHOL OR COOLERS ON THESE TRIPS
SHOULD I TAKE MY CELL PHONE
YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE LOST OR DAMAGED
CAR KEYS
LEAVE THEM WITH US IN THE SAFETY OF OUR KEY BOX
JEWELRY
LEAVE ALL JEWERLY IN YOUR CAR INCLUDING RINGS THEY SLIP OFF VERY EASY IN WATER.
RESTROOMS / CHANGING BOOTHS
WE HAVE CHANGING BOOTHS, AND RESTROOMS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
ARE LIFE JACKETS REQUIRED
YES, EACH PERSON MUST WEAR THEIR PFD WHILE ON THE WATER
WHAT IF I AM AFRAID AT FIRST
MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE GUIDE, AND KEEP IN THE FRONT OF THE GROUP. THE GUIDE WILL HELP YOU ALONG THE WAY.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DO NOT TIE YOUR TUBES TOGETHER, OR TO YOURSELF - THIS IS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS
EXCEPTION FOR TOWING A SMALL CHILD - THE CONNECTION MUST BE A QUICK RELEASE IN CASE YOU CAN QUICKLY UNTIE FROM THE OTHER TUBE. ONE COMMON OPTION PEOPLE STAY ATTACHED TO EACH OTHER WHILE TUBING, IS BY HOOKING THEIR FEET ON THE OTHER PERSON'S TUBE, WHICHWORKS QUITE WELL.
PEOPLE WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TUBING AT THEIR OWN RISK
PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD CONSULT THEIR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TUBING AT THEIR OWN RISK
PETS - ARE NOT RECOMMENDED
PLEASE DO NOT LITTER







"Sometimes, we are so attached to our way of life that we turn down wonderful opportunities simply
because we don't know what to do with it."
- Like the Flowing River
Paulo Coelho
Watauga Kayak offers Guided River Tubing Trips
Watauga Kayak offers GUIDED River Tube Trips near Boone and Banner Elk NC, in Elizabethton, Tennessee for adults and children wanting a little more excitement on a river tubing float trip. Enjoy GOD's Creations and Live Life at it's fullest. One guide is with each tubing group assisting as needed. These trips are fun, and easy for most people, but its no Disney Ride! this is nature at its best and anything could happen so you must take responsibility for your actions you're in the wild. You may see deer, beaver, water fowl, and even a bear. Each person must take responsibility for them self and follow all the instructions to make this a safe & fun experience.
Trips may start at different locations due to river level, and unforeseen hazards. These trips range from approximately 2 miles - 3.0 miles which may take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 3+ hours to float. This is a mix of slow moving water, and faster moving water which will take you thru some class I and class II whitewater rapids. The water is cold but refreshing on hot summer days making this the perfect adventure, the water level is low on specific days and higher on others since TVA has a generating schedule we know the day prior most of the time. A great tubing trip filled with splashes and family fun. These tubes have bottoms, and are 44" - 54" around making it a great way to float the river.
River Tubing Trips are perfect for a day of fun and excitement. This is a perfect guided tubing trip for families wanting to laugh, scream, and splash down a wild river. it's what you make of it to create the perfect day. As we tube down the Watauga River you will be enchanted with the rivers beauty many different varieties of wildflowers abound during, spring, summer, and fall seasons. See large rock formations, wet lands, and underwater aquatic foliage a treat for all. You will also be in rocky areas with lower water that you may have to walk to get near deeper pools to float your tube, or in higher water you will have to maneuver around rapids and other hazards. Tubing is all about fun and laughs for all a great adventure for adults and children 7 and up. Each participate should know how to swim.
Watauga River Elizabethton, Tennessee has many Indian arrow head along the rivers edge where the Cherokee Indiana's use to travel the area and fish if you're lucky you may find one.
Watauga Kayak uses the most up to date equipment, and all our equipment and gear is cleaned daily. We don't just say we keep our equipment in top shape for our customers comfort and use, you can see it for yourself. Who wants a dirty stinky pfd to wear - NOT ME, On these trips you will have a tube with bottom, back rest, paddle, PFD that must be worn at all times, and transportation with a guide to assist as needed. YOU NEED TO BRING SUNSCREEN, SHOES, DRY CLOTHES, A HAT OR SUNGLASSES WILL HELP MAKE YOUR ADVENTURE GREAT.
The Perfect River Tube Trips
Great Family Fun $30.00 & $49.00










