Kayak and Canoe Rentals

Make a Reservation

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. Most of the Duck River in Maury County is 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.

Although you are required to prepay for your reservation you 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.

Kayaks on a gravel bar on the river
Kayaks on a gravel bar

There are two easy steps to make 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
  • More details about the types of boats we rent

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
  • Types of Boats: 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.
  • Hours of Operation: There is a detailed list of our seasonal hours at our Hours of Operation Page.
  • 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.
  • Inclement Weather: If we are unable to open for rentals or need to close early, we will 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.

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.

Group Enjoying a day on the River
Group enjoying a day on the river

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.