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Canoeing
Canoeing trips utilize canoes for two people to paddle, generally down a river. We mostly offer day trips on Class I rivers. These are easy-flowing rivers. Occasionally, we offer a whitewater canoe trip, to a Class II – III river. Our trips are designed for a group of 10-14 people, and require no previous experience. Each trip is led by Outdoor Rec. Trip Coordinators who are experienced in canoeing. Canoeing equipment, complete with canoes, paddles, and lifejackets, is included in the trip price.
Upcoming Trips
April 7 (Sunday)
LAKE CLEAN-UP / CANOEING
Cordell Hull Lake, TN
Cost: FREE!
Sign-up by: Friday, March 29
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, 4/3 at 6:00 pm
At points during our hike along the north side of the lake we have noticed trash washed up on the former shorelines from the summer before. By canoeing around the lake, we can stop and pick up trash, using the canoes to do the hauling. This is a pretty area worthy of our time. Beginners are welcome. All paddling equipment is provided. Estimated trip duration: 8 am – 5 pm.
Canoe-Camping
May 18 – 26 (Saturday to Sunday)
Location: Buffalo National River, Arkansas
Cost: $390
Sign-up by: 4:30 pm on Friday, May 3
> Bring $100 cash, check or Vanderbilt Card to register.
Pre-Trip Meeting: Friday, May 3 at 4:30 pm at the Outdoor Rec. Center
The Buffalo National River of northwest Arkansas is one of America’s finest free flowing rivers. This entire trip will be in the national park; the Buffalo was the first river named as a national river in the United States. We plan on paddling 63 miles in 7 days on this beautiful river. The first day will have some whitewater rapids, but the rest of the trip will be a moderate to easy Class 1 float. Massive limestone bluffs, waterfalls, and side hikes will add to the fun of this trip. We will camp every night on the river in either a developed campsite or along a more remote gravel bar. We will have one day of rest, where we will not pack up and paddle. We will be primarily paddling canoes, 2 people plus gear per boat. We will also have 2-3 long kayaks on the trip to give everyone the chance to paddle a kayak. Previous paddling experience is helpful, but not required. Participants must know how to swim. We will stay in a cheap hotel on the last night of the trip, in Conway, Arkansas. Participants are expected to attend two Pre-Trip Meetings. Estimated trip duration: 7:00 AM Sat. to 4 PM Sun.
Cost includes: van transportation, on-the-river food, hotel at the end of the trip, group camping equipment, river bags, paddling jackets, canoes, kayaks, and paddling gear. Space is limited to the first 12 people that sign up, so don’t delay.
Trip Information
Most trips are designed for a small group of people (10-12), and many of the trips require no previous experience. The fee for each trip covers the activity, transportation, in-camp food, camping fees, and group equipment. For more information, look for flyers around campus or stop by the Outdoor Recreation Center (along Children’s Way and the Intramural Fields behind the Student Recreation Center) during rental hours. This is also where trip sign-up takes place. Trips are open to all VU students, faculty, staff, and Rec. Center members. Alcohol is not permitted on any trip.