Kayak and Canoe Rentals
Higher Pursuits Kayak and Canoe Rental is located just minutes from downtown Columbia, TN and features kayak and canoe rentals on the beautiful and scenic Duck River. The Duck River winds its way through Maury County, the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area and the Duck River State Natural Area. The Duck River was designated as a state scenic river and blue way because of its diverse wildlife and historic mill sites. This makes our routes feel remote and unobstructed by houses and roads.
Our 5.5-mile paddling route is an easygoing Class I with very few swift spots (this is the route we recommend for first time paddlers, large groups or groups with young kids).
How to make a reservation
We recommend making your kayak or canoe rental reservation online to ensure boat availability. This includes making a reservation to shuttle your personally owned kayak. There is limited space available for personally owned boats, especially on the weekends.
For same day reservations, you can use our online reservation system up until two before the launch time. Customers are also welcome to call the office to see if there is space available that day.
You are required to prepay for your reservation but can make any changes or cancellations up to 24 hours in advance of your trip for a full refund. We accept cash or all major credits cards. On busy weekends, booking online is your fastest check-in method and ensures boat availability.
There are two easy steps in making a reservation: Pick a boat and Pick a Date
Step 1 – Pick your Boat Type
- Basic Kayak – two styles available
- Kids Kayak – 100 lb weight limit
- Premium Kayak – three styles available
- Basic Two Person Kayak (Tandem Kayak)
- Premium Two Person Kayak (Tandem Kayak)
- Canoe
- Shuttle for Personally Owned Boats
- You do not need a shuttle for rental reservations
Step 2 – Pick your Date and Time
- If the boat type you have selected is not available, the date will be grayed out. Try choosing a different boat type.
- Typically, in the summertime we are sold out on the weekends, 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
- If you are paddling with a group, at the end of your reservation you can type a group name.
- Same day reservations are available online
We offer several different models of kayaks and two person kayaks to rent. Visit our Types of Boats page for additional information, detail descriptions, and pictures of our different boat types.
Same Day Reservations: Customers can book online until 10 am the same day. The booking system will only allow you to book what is available. Customers are welcome to call for a same day reservation as well.
The Customer Portal: Once you make a reservation you will receive a text and email confirmation. There is a link to the customer portal. The customer allows you to sign your online release form, share the release form link with other members of your group, reschedule your reservation and other helpful information.
Groups: At the end of your reservation there is an option to let us know if you are paddling with a group or a comments box to let us know any special needs your group has or other information we might need to know.
There is a detailed list of our seasonal hours at our Hours of Operation Page.
Rental Prices
- Basic Kayak: $35 per kayak
- Kids Kayak: $35 per kayak (100 lb limit)
- Premium Kayak: $45 per kayak
- Canoe Rental: $50 per canoe
- Basic Tandem Kayak (two person): $50 per tandem
- Premium Tandem Kayak: $60 per tandem
- Shuttle for your own canoe and kayak: $20 per boat
All kayak and canoe rental prices include paddles, lifejacket, shuttle to the put-in and shuttle from the take-out.
Inclement Weather: If we are unable to open for rentals or need to close early, we always post on our facebook page to keep as many customers informed as possible. If you have a reservation and we decide to close due to weather or water conditions, we will text or call the phone number used in your online booking and give you the option to reschedule or provide a full refund.
Minimum Age: Our minimum age is 3 years old, however some children older than three years old may not be ready to join you for a day on the river. Please visit our frequently asked questions page for additional information. All minors under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by a person at least 18 years old.
Release Forms
Download a copy of our release form.
We now have online release forms. There is a link in your customer portal to sign the online release form and share the form with other members of your group. All participants must complete a release form each time you visit Higher Pursuits. You will need one form for each person including one per child. For participants under the age of 18 a parent or guardian must complete the form ahead of time.
