Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you are new to paddling or new to the area, we have also put together a First-Time Paddler’s Guide to help you plan for your trip. Contact us if you have any questions.
What is your minimum age limit?
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. Before deciding to bring a child, canoeing or kayaking we ask that you consider the following:
- Is your child comfortable in the water?
- Do they know how to swim?
- Do they enjoy swimming, are they comfortable going underwater?
- Is it going to be too hot, too cold, too windy or just too sunny for a young child (are they heat tolerant)?
- Do you feel confident that you can manage yourself, your boat and your child if your boat flips over?
As of 2020, all minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age.
Do you allow dogs?
We recommend that you not bring your dog. The river can be overwhelming for your pet. Hot temperatures, moving water and the ability to chase wildlife can create challenges for both you and your dog. If you decide you must bring your dog, there are a few things we would like for you to consider.
- Please keep your dog on a leash at all times when at the canoe base.
- Even dogs need a lifejacket. Yes, most dogs can swim but only for short periods of time and they may not be able to overcome a stronger current. We have a limited number of dog lifejackets available.
- Is your dog indoors most of the time? The 100-degree day on the river in the middle of summer may not be the best day to bring your pet.
- Have they ever been in a canoe or kayak? If this is also your first time in a canoe or kayak, consider getting yourself comfortable in a kayak first then taking your dog another time when you feel more confident.
- Does your dog listen to basic commands? There may be other dogs at the canoe base, kids, and other people. Please ensure that you have control over your dog.
- Having a dog with you may delay your departure or pick up if other groups are not comfortable with riding in the vehicle with your dog.
Do you allow alcohol?
- TN State Law: Alcohol possession and consumption will be prohibited on Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Wildlife Management areas statewide, effective April 15 with the exception of designated areas. Alcohol is only permitted at designated TWRA campgrounds and on public waters bordering or within a WMA. Drunken-disorderly conduct is also prohibited.
- The section of river we run is within the Yanahli Wildlife Management Area and therefore is subject to the above law.
- State law does not allow consumption of alcohol at any of the boat ramps.
- You can possess alcohol but not consume it while on land.
- Higher Pursuits recommends that you do not consume alcohol while paddling, but if you or your group chooses to drink alcohol we ask that you drink in moderation, designate a non-drinking driver, and be respectful of other paddlers and the river.
- Higher Pursuits does not allow consumption of alcohol on our property or in our vehicles.
- If you drink, drink responsibility, but again we recommend that you not drink while on the river.
What do you sell in your store?
In our store, we sell chips, sodas, water, jerky, and other snacks. There are also have t-shirts, necklaces, stickers, sunglasses, dry boxes for your phone, gift items, and basic paddling accessories.
We do normally have a couple of bags of ice available at the store, but do not keep a large volume of ice in stock
Do you rent kayaks?
Yes, Higher Pursuits offers several types of kayaks.
Basic Kayak – We offer a sit-on-top kayak (Jackson Riviera) and a sit inside kayak (Perception Sound 10.5). Both kayaks are great for beginner and experienced paddlers. Visit our Type of Boats page for pictures and descriptions.
Premium Single Kayak – We offer three basic styles of premium kayaks – Sit-on-top (comes in a 10-foot or 12-foot length), sit inside (Jackson Tripper) and the Versa. All of the styles feature a comfortable seat, lots of storage and are great options for those needing a little more room or additional weight capacity. The Tripper is a great kayak for the person that has a pet or young child they want to have in the kayak with them. Visit our Type of Boats page for pictures and descriptions.
Do you rent 2 person kayaks?
Yes, Higher Pursuits now has two type of two person kayaks (tandem kayaks) – Basic and Premium.
Premium Tandem Kayak: The Premium Two-Person Kayak (Tandem). The Crescent Crew is a versatile kayak that has a high weight capacity (600 lbs) so it can handle two adults with a child. The frame seats are very comfortable and allow for different seating configurations. It has a larger storage area behind the seat and lots of space for the whole family.
Basic Tandem Kayak: The Basic two-person kayak looks just like the Riviera sit-on-top kayak but with two seats. They are a great option for groups that want to kayak but do not want to paddle by themselves. The two person kayaks have also been very popular with families. An adult sits in the back of the kayak and a child sits in the front seat. This is a great way to introduce kids to kayaking and teach them how to paddle a kayak.
What if I have my own canoe or kayak?
- Higher Pursuits welcomes paddlers that have their own canoes or kayaks.
- We charge a $20 per boat shuttle fee.
- When you arrive at the canoe base, we can discuss the best way to shuttle your equipment.
- We recommend a reservation for your personal shuttle. We often sell out of personal shuttle spaces on the weekend and can only accommodate customers that have reserved ahead of time.
What kind of canoes do you rent?
We use the Mad River Journey Canoe which is a 15.5-foot polyethylene canoes that are extremely durable and their short length make them easy to maneuver. These models work great for families. They are considered a stable canoe that is easily maneuvered.
How many people do you allow in a canoe?
We recommend that only two adults paddle in canoe. However, families can place one to two children in the middle of canoe. The number of children you can fit into the middle of a canoe is determined by the size and age of the child. Generally speaking, the more people you put in a canoe the more unstable a canoe becomes. Many families also enjoy trying the two person kayak. This allows an adult to sit in the back of the two-person kayak and the child to sit in the front of the kayak.
Do you allow fishing?
Fishing is allowed on the Duck River. If you take fish or attempt to take fish (including crayfish) by any method or if you assist someone else to do so, you must have a valid fishing license. This license must be renewed each year in order to be valid. Children 12 and under do not require a fishing license.
The Duck River is great fishing for smallmouth bass, large mouth bass, rock bass, and crappie fishing. There is no trout on this section of the Duck River.
Do you sell fishing bait?
We do not sell any artificial or live bait at Higher Pursuits, so you will need to purchase bait before you arrive.
Do you provide life jackets for children?
Yes. We have wide variety of personal flotation devices (life jackets) for children of most ages.
Do I have to wear my life jacket?
State law requires all children under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket at all times. Adults may choose not to wear their jacket, however we recommend that all paddlers wear their life jacket while paddling and playing in the river.
Do you take Credit Cards?
Yes. We take all major forms of credit cards (including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa). We also accept apple pay and venmo.
