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Kayaking
Kayaking trips utilize touring kayaks for one person to paddle, generally down a river or around a lake. 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 Class II – III rivers. 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 9 (Sunday)
KAYAKING (Flatwater)
Harpeth River, TN
Cost: $33
> Bring $8 cash, check or Vanderbilt Card to the ORC to register.
Sign-up by: 5 pm on Wednesday, June 5
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, 6/5 at 5:00 PM
This is a great trip on the nearby Harpeth River. We will paddle a beautiful 6.4-mile stretch from Kingston Springs to the Gossett Track. This trip is designed specifically for the
beginner kayaker. The 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: 9 am – 4 pm.
JULY 20 (Saturday)
WHITEWATER KAYAKING
Hiwassee River, TN
Cost: $73
> Bring $45 cash, check or Vanderbilt Card to the ORC to register.
Sign-up by: Tuesday, July 12
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 7/16 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. Note: this trip is limited to the first 6 people who sign up. Estimated trip duration: 7 am – 11 pm.
JULY 21 (Sunday)
KAYAKING (Flatwater)
Duck River, TN
Cost: $41
> Bring $12 cash, check or Vanderbilt Card to the ORC to register.
Sign-up by: Friday, July 12
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, 7/17 at 5:00 pm
The Duck River is a nice river with wooded banks and large, beautiful rock bluffs. We will paddle a 7.6- mile stretch of the river, from Cortner Mill to the Hwy 41 Bridge, just east of Shelbyville. The mill provides a great place for swimming and playing in the water before we even start kayaking. Beginners are welcome on this Class I river. We may see . . . ducks! Estimated trip duration: 7 am – 6 pm.
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.