First-Time Paddler’s Guide
If you are a first-time paddler that is new to kayaking or canoeing, we know that you do not know what to expect or what to bring with you on your first trip. So, in order to navigate this new experience, we have assembled some helpful advice, suggested list of what to bring and information on what to expect.
Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to relax on the river and spend quality time with friends and family. The Duck River is an easy-going river that is great for first time paddlers, kids or people new to our area. If you want to learn more about how to kayak or canoe, we offer basic and advanced classes throughout the summer.
Checking in at Higher Pursuits
All of our trips begin at Higher Pursuits. We have detailed directions available, but most people just use their GPS to get to our office. Once you arrive at Higher Pursuits you will park in our gravel parking lot.
Our parking lot is gravel with limited space, so it is always helpful for groups to carpool if possible. Once you park you will proceed to the office and check-in with the office staff where they will validate what boats you have reserved and confirm if you are paddling with any other people or with a group.
Getting to start your trip after you check-in
- Select your lifejacket. Normally, there is a staff member available to assist you choosing a lifejacket that is appropriate for you and your family or friends.
- After your entire group has checked in, then our staff will go over the map of the route. Additionally, they will highlight key areas of interest, discuss how to recognize the take-out (where to stop), and also review important information for your trip.
- After we brief your group on the map and your boats are loaded, the staff will drive you to the river. It is about a 1/4 mile from Higher Pursuits and takes just a few minutes to reach the river.
The time from check-in to actual launch time varies based on how busy we are (weekends take longer) and how busy the launch area is with other paddlers and boaters.
Most people average 3 to 5 hours to paddle the 5.5-mile route. This is at a leisurely pace with time to stop, explore and have a lunch or snack.
There is a spot on the river you can text or call our office to let us know your group is passing under interstate 65 and is 1-mile from take-out. This lets us know you are almost done so we can send a vehicle to pick you up at the take-out. It is about a 15-minute drive back to Higher Pursuits from the take-out. Once you return to Higher Pursuits, we have two changing rooms if you need to change clothes, and we also have two outhouses if you need to use the restroom. In our store, we also sell sodas, Gatorade, water, snacks, ice cream and popsicles.
Paddler’s guide for what to bring on the river
- Comfortable clothing that can get wet and will dry quickly. In the summer that can be shorts and a T-shirt, in cooler months you may want some lightweight pants, a jacket and a warm layer.
- Shoes or sandals that can get wet. We recommend tennis shoes or water shoes. Flip-flops generally do not stay on your feet and end up floating down the river. We sell inexpensive water shoes in our shop.
- Water, Gatorade or other beverages to keep you hydrated.
- Snack and/or lunch
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- If you plan to bring your phone on the river we recommend a waterproof case. We also sell a variety of waterproof cased in our shop.
- Dry clothes and towel. We recommend that you leave these in your car, so you have something dry to change into after your trip is over.
- For your convenience, we have a small store that sells water, sodas, snacks, ice cream and other items you may have forgotten for your trip
Tips for Paddling
- Always wear your life jacket! We offer vest style jackets that are more comfortable to wear and offer a wide variety of sizes and have lifejackets for adults, youth, and young children.
- Leave your valuables at home so you don’t lose them in the river. (such as rings, wallets, necklaces, expensive eyeglasses)
- Use a strap to secure eyeglasses or sunglasses.
- Wear shoes or sandals that can get wet and stay on your feet.
- Don’t tie canoes together or grab other canoes.
- Do not throw trash in the river or on the river bank.
- We have mesh reusable trash bags available for use.
- We also recycle plastic bottles, aluminum cans and have trash receptacles available for your trash at the end of the day.
- Do not bring GLASS BOTTLES. Glass bottles sink to the bottom of the river, create a hazard if broken and will never decompose.
- We strongly recommend that you do not consume alcohol on the river (see our frequently asked questions for more details).
- Respect private property
