Kayaking Trips with Outdoor Rec
Kayaking trips utilize whitewater kayaks for one person to paddle, generally down a river. We offer day trips on Class I rivers. These are easy-flowing rivers, and great trips for those who have never paddled a kayak before. We also offer a whitewater kayak trip, to a Class II - III river. For whitewater, participants should know how to roll their kayak, at least in the pool. Kayak roll workshops are offered weekly at the Rec. Center pool. Our trips are designed for a group of 10-12 people. Each trip is led by Outdoor Rec. Trip Coordinators who are experienced in kayaking. Included in the trip price is the kayaking equipment, complete with kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, and other accessories.
Upcoming Trips
JUNE 21 (Saturday)
KAYAKING (Flatwater)
Harpeth River, TN
Cost: $23
Sign-up by: Friday, June 13
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 6/17 at 6:30 PM
This 5-mile trip is designed specifically for the beginner kayaker. The nearby Harpeth River is a gentle, State Scenic River, and kayaking is a great opportunity to paddle your own boat. We will use our touring kayaks. All equipment is included in the trip fee. Estimated trip duration: 8 AM – 5 PM.
JULY 13 (Sunday)
KAYAKING (Whitewater)
Hiwassee River, TN
Cost: $47
Sign-up by: Friday, July 3
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, 7/9 at 5:00 PM
This trip is designed for kayakers who have mastered the roll in the pool and are ready to try moving water and rapids. The 5.5 mile stretch of river is fun for both the beginner and experienced paddlers. If you have never rolled a kayak before, be sure to take a workshop before this trip. Estimated trip duration: 7 AM – 11 PM.
JULY 27 (Sunday)
KAYAKING (Flatwater)
Piney River of Middle TN
Cost: $29
Sign-up by: Friday, July 18
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 7/22 at 5:30 PM
The Piney River is only a little over an hour away, west of Nashville. We will paddle a scenic 6.6 mile section of this Class I river. Highlights include rock walls and spectacular bluffs. This is a great trip for beginner paddlers. Estimated trip duration: 8 AM – 6 PM.
AUG. 2-3 (Sat. – Sun.)
WHITEWATER KAYAKING AND CAMPING
Nantahala River, NC ** This trip is for Intermediate Kayakers **
Cost: $91
Sign-up by: Friday, July 25
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, 7/30 at 5:00 PM
Now that you have mastered the kayak roll and feel comfortable on moving water, it’s time to take the next step. Nestled in a steep gorge, the Nantahala shimmers through its mild, but exciting rapids. The Nantahala offers eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls. This river is one of America’s most popular whitewater runs, so expect to see other rafters, kayakers and canoeists playing in the waves. Space is limited to the first six who sign up. Estimated trip duration: 7 AM Sat. – 7 PM Sun.
Outdoor Recreation Program | Vanderbilt University
Box 6033, Station B | 2600 Childrens' Way | Nashville, TN 37235
615-343-8182 | outdoorrec@vanderbilt.edu