A day down a familiar class III-IV creek took a nearly fatal turn for a group of three paddlers in North Carolina. When kayaker Baker Martin became pinned underneath a strainer, a bold rescue by paddleboarder Hank Cheatham saved his life.
A Day On The Big Laurel Gets Scary
The Big Laurel is a classic creek run in the mountains of Western North Carolina, with mostly class III rapids, spiced up with some class IV.
Standup paddleboarders Hank Cheatham and Will Saylor and whitewater kayaker Baker Martin were through the majority of the four-mile run. Martin was out in front of the group at what is known as a relatively straightforward stretch.
As Martin entered a rapid, he noticed a log was blocking most of the river, but by then, it was too late. His boat was sideways to the log. He was flipped, and his stern became pinned to the river bed. With the kayak pinned vertically, Martin was on the downstream side of the tree and held underwater, unable to breathe.
Kayaker pinned beneath a strainer on the Big Laurel. Image: SUPPaul // YouTube
A Paddleboarder’s Bold Rescue Saves Kayaker’s Life
Cheatham makes a bold maneuver, driving the nose of his SUP over the log.
Approaching a strainer from the upstream side is risky. If the rescuer were to flip or not clear the log, they could be pulled beneath the strainer themself. But reaching a paddler in distress from an eddy or the shoreline eats precious time that could turn a rescue into a resuscitation. In the words of Marshall Mathers, sometimes “you only get one shot.”
Cheatham’s board goes up and over the log, bringing him right alongside Martin. His position with the board allows Martin to grab hold. At this point, Martin has been underwater for about a minute. Cheatham pulls his arms, stabilizing the distressed kayaker and allowing him to breathe. Cheatham then grabs the loop on Martin’s sprayskirt. Once the sprayskirt pops, he’s able to free Baker from the log, and the pair float downstream. It’s a rescue that plays out within a matter of moments.
“The whole thing worked out about as perfectly as you could work out,” Cheatham shared in the interview with SUPPaul.
Afterward, Martin was brought to the shoreline. He was disoriented and throwing up water. He would go on to paddle out of the run and hike a mile back to his truck. Later, at an urgent care, he was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia.
The group mentioned the Big Laurel is a run they are all familiar with. It’s a reminder that no matter how well you know the stretch of river, unknown hazards can appear, especially following major weather events.
Martin was ahead of the group, but fortunately they were close enough together to make the rescue when it was needed.
Successful Rescues—An Indispensable Resource
The consensus in the podcast was that it was a rescue a kayak would be unlikely to make in timely fashion. Because of Cheatham’s paddleboard, he was able to land directly on the strainer and be in a position to pull Martin’s skirt.
When we watch an incident after the fact, we have the benefit of reviewing in hindsight. Ultimately, Cheatham’s remarkable rescue took less time to pull off than reading this article. Because of it, Martin is here and able to talk about the experience.
We want to hear from readers. How would you react if you encountered a similar circumstance on the river, especially with various types of paddlecraft?
For as many kayakers and whales travel the ocean, it’s incredible just how magical the moment remains for the two groups to share an interaction. Now, imagine how it would feel to have an Orca swim right up to the side of your boat.
Orcas Investigate Kayakers
When a group of kayak guides in New Zealand, who seek to show others whales and wildlife, actually came face to face with a pod of Orcas, even they had trouble finding the words to express the astonishment.
Kaikoura Kayaks operates on the northeast coast of New Zealand’s South Island, and the Kaikoura Peninsula provides the kayak company opportunities to show guests fur seals, dusky dolphins, and albatross. The peninsula is also New Zealand’s whale-watching capital, which means there is no shortage of viewing year-round resident sperm whales as well as other migrating species, including the orcas.
Depending on your perspective, having an orca alongside your kayak could be either an exhilarating or terrifying moment. We’ll lean toward the former for most paddlers willing to take a trip on the ocean. Orcas have garnered a particular reputation. In some ways, they’ve earned it, including their well-known hunting displays and recently targeting vessels off the Iberian Peninsula in Europe. Yet, there are no documented incidents of an orca attacking a kayaker during an interaction. As these moments captured on video continue to find their way to our feed, they tend to bring up conversation from all corners, including conservation.
Feature Image: Kaikoura Kayaks // YouTube
The Kaikoura Peninsula Has A Knack For Finding The Spotlight
During her reportage, Wynne Lockhart travels to Kaikoura Kayaks firsthand for the story. The author was drawn there partly because of a video from the outfitter showing a seal slapping a kayaker with an octopus.
As you can imagine, the clip created a sensational buzz, leading visiting tourists to the peninsula, yearning to recreate the moment for themselves. It seems the outfitter has no shortage of viral close encounters for our viewing pleasure.
Kayaking at Badwater Basin on February 9, 2024. Featured Image: NPS/Michael Kohler
Kayaking in the middle of Death Valley National Park in California is likely not on your paddling bucket list. Forgivable, considering most days there is nowhere to launch a boat in the driest place in North America. But right now, in early 2024, it’s one of the hottest paddling destinations in the U.S.
Why Death Valley Is A Kayak Hotspot Right Now
Southern California has seen multiple major precipitation events in the past six months. There was Hurricane Hilary back in August. And just recently, a four-day atmospheric river. These events and others have brought Death Valley nearly five inches of rainfall in the past six months. However, it’s a place which typically sees little more than two inches of rain over the entire year.
All the excess water has found its way down, 282 feet below sea level, to fill an ancient lake bed within the Badwater Basin.
The ancient lake is known as Lake Manly. During the Ice Age, it was hundreds of feet deep, but it dried up about 1,000 years ago. Today, its major tributary is technically the Amargosa River, which originates in Nevada. The Amargosa though usually evaporates and is absorbed into aquifers before any substantial amount of water can reach the lake basin.
“You might think with no drain to the sea, that Death Valley would always have a lake,” park ranger Abby Wines shared in a statement. “But this is an extremely rare event. Normally, the amount of water flowing in is much less than the evaporation rate.”
The recent rainfall in the region has changed the situation. According to the park, as of mid-February, the temporary lake is about six miles long, three miles wide, and one foot deep.
Kayaking at Badwater Basin on February 9, 2024. Featured Image: NPS/Michael Kohler
Catch Lake Manly While You Can
“The lake was deep enough to kayak for a few weeks after Hurricane Hilary, but unfortunately people couldn’t come enjoy it then,” said Wines. “Every road in the park was damaged by flash floods, and it took two months to open the first road into the park. Now most of the main roads are open, so it’s a great time to come visit.”
The park believes the lake may only be deep enough to kayak for a few weeks. Paddlers have already started to flock to the basin. If kayaking an intermittent ancient lake in Death Valley was on your to-do list, you’d be best to get to it.
After 46 years manufacturing all manner of paddlesports equipment, most notably PFDs, Stohlquist has ceased operations. | Feature photo: Vonpics/Pixabay
After 46 years manufacturing all manner of paddlesports equipment, most notably PFDs, Stohlquist has ceased operations. The decision was made public in early January, following the acquisition of Stohlquist’s parent company, Aqualung Group, by investment banking firm Barings.
According to Ryan Lightbody, former senior product manager at Stohlquist, there had been lots of top-level management shifts at Aqualung in the last five years, so the expectation among Stohlquist’s staff was that there would be more of this following the acquisition. But no one thought it would spell the end of Stohlquist.
“With any acquisition there are going to be changes,” says Lightbody. “But you don’t necessarily think they are going to shut you down.”
On December 8, 2023, a press release was published announcing the completion of Barings’ acquisition of Aqualung.
“Then four or five days later, we had an all-company meeting, at least with the North American employees, and the senior management announced then that they would be shutting down that office,” explains Lightbody.
After 46 years manufacturing all manner of paddlesports equipment, most notably PFDs, Stohlquist has ceased operations. | Feature photo: Vonpics/Pixabay
The official decision was that the company would no longer be pursuing sporting goods within North America, affecting Stohlquist as well as a couple other internal brands in Aqualung’s portfolio.
Twenty years of partnership
Based in France, Aqualung started out manufacturing cutting-edge diving gear in 1943 and has since grown and acquired other diving and watersports brands. In 2004, they joined forces with Stohlquist to enter the paddlesports market in North America.
Lightbody, who has been with Stohlquist since 2008, says it was a great partnership.
“We were able to take advantage of this bigger company and have some support and distribution and sales support from Aqualung,” he explains. “That was really where Stohlquist grew the most was during that time, between 2004 and 2017.”
When Jim Stohlquist started the company in 1977, the focus was solely on whitewater apparel, but following the partnership with Aqualung the offerings grew to include recreational paddling and kayak fishing.
“I think the partnership helped bring some focus to the brand and really grow the offerings in a more meaningful way, rather than just making odds and ends pieces,” says Lightbody.
Barings acquisition brings dramatic changes
In 2017, Aqualung was bought by a private equity firm. This was when the management turnover began, and Lightbody says he started to see decisions that were very different from what Stohlquist would have decided for itself as a brand.
Talks of Barings acquiring Aqualung began in June 2023 and continued throughout the summer with various personnel changes and an office move for Aqualung’s California employees. Then the official acquisition announcement and decision to shutter sporting goods operations in North America.
“I think the main thing was they wanted to focus dollars on Aqualung, the namesake of the parent company,” Lightbody says. “I think the military professional business is typically a little more stable than the recreation market. With the ups and downs of COVID and things like that, I think they see that as a safer investment at the end of the day. It’s definitely interesting, definitely educational in terms of how bigger businesses look at us.”
Following their acquisition, Aqualung Group is expected to focus on the company’s namesake scuba and snorkelling brand. | Photo: Kevin Galeano/Pexels
Benjamin Gillett, managing director at Barings, said in an email that the company didn’t wish to comment at this stage. Michel Abaza, chairman and chief executive officer at Aqualung Group, also declined to comment while the companies are still in the preliminary stages of the sale.
While he was disappointed in the decision to shutter Stohlquist, Lightbody says he understands private equity and investment bank firms have a different way of looking at things than small businesses do.
“It’s easy to point the finger and say, ‘Those guys did this terrible thing.’ But they’re doing what they do, and hopefully we can get back to what we were doing.”
“I think you have to look at their decisions as being a separate business model than what a brand in paddlesports would do,” he continues. “Stohlquist is in the business of making great products that help people enjoy time on the water. And those guys’ business is buying and selling companies and hopefully making money. Sometimes, some things don’t align.”
In other words, the decision was all business.
“It’s easy to point the finger and say, ‘Those guys did this terrible thing.’ But they’re doing what they do, and hopefully we can get back to what we were doing,” says Lightbody.
A second wind for Stohlquist?
There have already been inquiries from other names in the paddlesports industry who are interested in acquiring Stohlquist and keeping the brand alive. But Lightbody says it’ll be up to Barings and Aqualung to accept these offers.
“We had some pretty exciting stuff playing, so that’s probably the most disappointing thing,” says Lightbody. “I’m hoping something can be revived, and some of those exciting things can see the light of day one of these days.”
As for Lightbody, he says he’s hoping to stay in the industry, whether that means sticking with Stohlquist if the brand is carried on or moving on to a new company.
“I’ve always enjoyed being part of paddlesports and the industry,” he says. “I think that’s one of the things that really stands out to me about paddlesports, is that despite being competitors, everyone knows each other, everybody’s buddies. It’s such a fun group of people to hang out with.”
After 46 years manufacturing all manner of paddlesports equipment, most notably PFDs, Stohlquist has ceased operations. | Feature photo: Vonpics/Pixabay
Emeryville, CA (February 16, 2024) – Oru Kayak, the original origami kayak brand, is excited to announce the latest upgrade to its foldable fleet of kayaks: Electric motors. Developed in partnership with Bixpy Motors, Oru’s e-propulsion system offers Oru paddlers a unique electric-assist kayak in a lightweight package that is portable and easy to install.
Enhancing the maneuverability, as well as adaptability and control of each of Oru’s foldable kayaks, the collaboration Bixpy electric motor supports Oru’s mission to increase accessibility to paddling. At the push of a button, paddlers can explore more waterways with less concern about safety or exhaustion.
The Bixpy Electric Motor is specifically designed at the apex of performance and convenience. Built with corrosion-resistant components and an aluminum body, the motor is durable for exploring different waterways and produces zero emissions. Featuring 12 forward speeds and 3 reverse speeds, the motor runs for approximately 80 minutes at its top speed and up to 12 hours at slower speeds. Paddlers can change the speed with a wireless Bluetooth remote control that fits anywhere inside the kayak. In case of an accident, the Outboard Power Pack and remote control float.
“We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Bixpy Motors and to introduce our compatible electric motor,” commented Oru Kayak Director of Product Forrest Harvey, “When we first introduced our concept of origami kayaks, the portable, lightweight design expanded paddling accessibility. Our partnership with Bixpy Motors reinforces this mission and grows our kayaking community to support individuals of all experience and mobility levels.”
Bixpy Motors also expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership. “We’re excited to expand the reach of the electric watersports industry by offering our motor for compatibility with Oru Kayaks,” commented Bixpy founder and CEO Houman Nikmanesh, “Aligned with Oru Kayaks, we seek to improve the kayaking experience with our simple and innovative devices.”
Paddlers can install the electric motor onto their kayak in a few simple steps. The battery and motor package are ultra-lightweight at just 10 lbs, allowing paddlers of all skill levels and ages to utilize the technology. When paddlers are ready to return to manual paddling, the quick-release motor can be removed with just one bolt.
The Oru Kayak Electric Motor is available for direct shipping. For more information, visit: orukayak.com or bixpy.com.
About Oru Kayak
Founded in 2012, Oru Kayak is a leading innovator in the kayaking industry and the first to bring a foldable kayak to market utilizing the principles of origami. Beyond the functionality of its engineering, the Oru Kayak stands apart from the competition for its superb on-the-water performance, durability, easy assembly, and stylish design. Based in Emeryville, CA, Oru Kayak is sold in dozens of countries across five continents, including Europe, Australia, Asia, and the Americas. For more information, visit: orukayak.com.
About Bixpy Motors
Bixpy is a dynamic company, specialized in engineering electric marine motors and lithium batteries tailored for personal watercraft and outdoor use. They first began shipping their products to the public in 2017, and have rapidly grown their offering of motors, outboard batteries, mounting adapters, steering systems, power banks, and solar panels. Bixpy products are designed to be compact, portable, waterproof, and user-friendly. The latest innovations, comprising the K-1 Motor and PP-768 Outboard Battery, continue to highlight the robust ingenuity of the company and the technological advancements for watercraft and outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, visit: bixpy.com.
Dan Dixon shows the finer points of a roll on dry land. Feature Image: Mike Bezemek
“I put the student out in front,” explains kayak instructor Dan Dixon. “They lead me down the river, and I let them get into anything I can get them out of.”
Three of us are kayaking down Section 9 of the French Broad, eddy hopping and joking along the way. Going first is Jean-Marc, an adventurer from Mexico City who has worked with Dan for five years. After decades of cenote diving, sailing and car racing, an accident forced Jean-Marc to have several vertebrae fused. So, he sought Dan’s guidance to adapt his paddling.
After a dry summer, the river is low. But Dan believes in getting the most from whatever level he encounters. Spotting some deep current with several mid-river rocks, he calls us over for an exercise. From the top of our eddy, paddle below one rock, loop around another, and return in the fewest strokes possible. After 30 minutes, each of us has reduced our total strokes by half.
NOC Master Instructor Dan Dixon driving a classic. | Photo: Mike Bezemek
Out in front with kayak instructor Dan Dixon
“I’ve been out there a few times when things went wrong,” Dan later tells me. “Being fully aware of the consequences reinforces the importance of certain skills, like putting everything into make an eddy.”
A few days earlier, I was paddling the Nantahala River, and I ran into Dan when I was taking out at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Before we knew it, we’d spent over an hour sharing river stories. When he invited me to tag along for a class, I practically jumped into the Subaru he was driving, with colorful decals celebrating NOC’s 50th anniversary.
Equally impressive, in 2024, Dan will celebrate his own milestone: 40 years with NOC. These days, Dan lives in Ecuador, where he guides paddling trips. But he returns to the NOC Paddling School each summer, primarily as a private instructor. Most of Dan’s students are return clients, and they often seek out his assistance with more complicated situations, like preparing to kayak the Grand Canyon, paddling with disabilities or embarking on expeditions abroad.
In recognition of Dan’s dedication and expertise, NOC named him a Master Instructor about a decade ago, and he’s currently the only staff member to hold the title. Now, Dan’s not necessarily humble, but he doesn’t brag, and he listens just as much as he talks. After hearing some intriguing comments, it took several follow-up conversations with him to learn about his adventurous paddling career.
Dixon monitoring a student’s technique. | Photo: Mike Bezemek
Pulled around the world of whitewater
As a teenager living in Northern Illinois during the late 1970s, Dan sold some farm animals to buy a 13-foot Hollowform, one of the earliest plastic kayaks. After paddling solo for a year, he befriended some Chicago paddlers. Soon, he was paddling with them from the Midwest to the Southeast and beyond.
“For me, kayaking was about going places that I couldn’t get to other ways,” says Dan. “As my skills grew, the limits started dropping away.”
An American Canoe Association instructor course led Dan to NOC in the early 1980s. While working on the Chattooga River, he earned a nickname that stuck. Back then, like today, Dan’s preferred paddling apparel was a speedo. During that time, there was a movie remake titled Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes. The jovial guides believed Dan should have been the lead actor.
“A lot of the nicknames were worse,” recalls Dan. “I got off light.”
As the decade continued, Dan increasingly paddled outside the U.S. First was Canada, where Dan worked on the Ottawa River. Next came Mexico, with months spent zigzagging around in a Datsun hatchback. Later, he paddled the entire Mosquito Coast.
“Nepal was the first big thing,” recalls Dan. After a few months in-country, he was invited to join an NOC commercial kayaking expedition. The guests were Dan’s Chicago friends. He jokes that, since he often rescued them on private trips, why not join up officially as safety boater. The group ran rivers like the Sunkoshi, Seti Gandaki, Marshyangdi and Trishuli. When the guests left, the guides continued exploring, and the waters weren’t the only rough part.
“We were detained on the Tamakoshi,” says Dan in his understated way. “Held for three days and made a break.”
“A break?” I ask. “Like a jailbreak?”
A first descent fortunately avoided
More like a house arrest related to permits, explains Dan. Kayaking was so new, Nepalese tourism officials didn’t know how to respond. Back then, he continues, China had recently opened occupied Tibet to independent travel. The government wanted a huge fee for the first permit to run the Upper Tsangpo. So, Dan and his friend, an NOC guide named Arlene Burns, slipped in by taxi with two kayaks on the roof.
They started near Lhatse, where the Tsangpo was a braided river with class II-III rapids through high-desert valleys. After 100 miles, Arlene left at Shigatse, but Dan continued solo. Eventually, the river gorged up with mostly IVs and some Vs. He portaged once, cold and shivering, over enormous boulders.
Dan was most worried about getting caught. He paddled several times at night to sneak past a guarded bridge and a few Chinese encampments. Upon reaching the Lhasa River, he took out and went up to visit Tibet’s mountainous capital city. When he returned, his boat had been stolen.
“Perhaps luck,” admits Dan, “kept me from running the lower sections.”
Over a decade later, one of those sections—the ferocious Tsangpo Gorge—would drown expedition kayaker Doug Gordon. Four years later, the famous Scott Lindgren-led expedition would spend 30 days making the first successful descent.
Dan originally planned to stay three months in the Himalayas. But nine had passed when he walked into a U.S. consulate and was recognized. He’d been reported missing by his parents, who feared the worst. Distraught, the 24-year-old realized he hadn’t called home in six months. It was the first of two times Dan would be erroneously feared dead while paddling abroad.
No matter where Dixon’s misadventures lead, he has found his way back to NOC every year for the past 40 years. | Photo: Mike Bezemek
Finding Eden and facing disaster
During the 1990s, Dan split time between Costa Rica and NOC. In 1997, he guided his Chicago friends on an exploratory kayak expedition to Ecuador. Immediately, Dan was smitten by the rivers and culture.
“I have a habit of trying to stay longer in places,” says Dan.
In the early 2000s, Dan obtained residency in Ecuador. He and his wife initially lived on the banks of the Rio Tena. But during a harrowing night of flooding in 2010, they had to paddle away from their house and decided to move seven blocks uphill.
In Ecuador, Dan found strong paddlers to explore with. One was a conservation warrior hoping to convince Ecuadorians to preserve their pristine ecological and river resources. Another was a U.S. photographer named Oli, a great athlete with an impressive roll. Together, Dan and Oli began documenting their first descents in the region.
One day, they were exploratory paddling on the Quijos River below San Rafael Falls (which eroded away in 2020). The two had previously scouted by rappelling from the cliffs above. Dan says it wasn’t an overly challenging section, but it was running high. After Oli swam a few times, he seemed off his game. Dan went ahead to mark the take-out eddy, which was just upstream from an un-runnable chasm. As Oli approached, he was deflected off a curler. He flipped on a wave, rolled up and flipped again.
“I knew he was coming out,” says Dan. “So, I went after him.”
Dan got Oli on the back of his boat and aimed for the far shore. But the two were swept over a 10-foot pour-over and went deep into the hydraulic below.
“I felt a tug as my friend was yanked away,” says Dan. “I never saw him again.”
A few weeks later, the American Whitewater Journal erroneously reported that Dan Dixon had drowned that day. A correction came a few months later, along with a promise to improve the criteria for posting an accident report.
Dan Dixon shows the finer points of a roll on dry land. | Feature photo: Mike Bezemek
Philosophies for a long, happy paddling life
“I want people to have the skills so they can enjoy the sport forever,” says Dan about his teaching philosophy. “When people think they can’t make an eddy, they give up. A lot of times, there’s more opportunities to make it.”
My time with Dan is coming to an end, yet I can tell there are more stories to share. We briefly talk about how he’s managed to have so many remarkable adventures over the years. Paddling skills aside, Dan believes it’s a mix of social awareness and how he responds to situations. When I ask for an example, he recalls a tense moment during his expedition up the Mosquito Coast.
Dan was camping in Nicaragua when, around midnight, a villager entered his tent. The villager had a machete and a request that bordered on a demand: would Dan buy 10 kilos of cocaine?
“Ten kilos!” Dan tells me. “How you respond in a moment like that may dictate whether you live or die.”
Speaking in Spanish that night, Dan thanked the armed villager for the gracious offer. Then Dan diplomatically explained there were several reasons why the deal couldn’t go through. The villager seemed unconvinced until Dan made one particularly reasonable point.
Are you dreaming of a kayak adventure for your honeymoon? It’s true, North America has plenty to offer, but setting your sights beyond the borders of Canada and the United States reveals a world of romantic paddling possibilities in exotic international kayak destinations. These include historic Mediterranean rivers, tropical islands and northern fjords—magical places that set the stage for an unforgettable honeymoon voyage.
Sign up for a guided trip for the ultimate in convenience, regardless of your paddling skill. You can trust these local experts to take care of all the complex logistics, including dealing with language barriers, providing top-notch paddling equipment, and planning the best itineraries to take in all the highlights. Options range from luxurious cruise and kayak voyages to multiday coastal kayak touring expeditions, depending on your skills and expectations.
We’ve probed all corners of the globe to assemble a list of the best honeymoon trips for kayakers, including tropical paradises, polar seascapes and everything in between.
Portugal’s comfortable Mediterranean climate, friendly people, great food and sweeping pastoral landscapes make it a renowned destination for travel. It’s great for paddlers, too, and a trip on the historic Douro or Mondego rivers makes for an ideal honeymoon blending fantastic kayaking with Old World romance.
1 Douro River
Douro Kayak Expeditions offers multiple tour options on the Douro River, also known as Portugal’s “River of Wine.” The company offers six- and 10-day fully guided paddling journeys tracing the Douro as it flows peacefully through rolling hills and ancient vineyards across Portugal. You’ll spend nights in riverside manors and enjoy local food and drink, as well as visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A six- or 10-day itinerary paddling the flat water Douro River (River of Wine), sleeping in beautiful manor houses and lovely inns. Sharing sumptuous Portuguese food and wine. All inclusive tour in three World Heritage Sites in this little visited part of Europe. You will paddle past grape vine terrasses that have been hand harvested since Roman times. This is truly the tour of a lifetime.
You can also sign up for a nine-day kayak tour of the Douro and two of its tributaries, the Tua and Tamega rivers, with 7 Rivers Expeditions. This fully guided trip takes in historic sites and bucolic landscapes, from Porto to Barca de Alva.
In the 20th century, with the construction of 5 dams in Portuguese territory, it allowed safe navigation between Porto and Barca d’Alba. On our Kayak expedition, we will explore Douro River and two tributaries: the Tua River and the Tâmega River. Both tributaries have economic and historical interests as well as an incredible and varied landscape. For 9 days we will explore hidden places! Come with us!
7 Rivers Expeditions offers another nine-day trip on the Douro, which takes in stunning shorelines near the Spanish border, passes through the valley where port wine originated, and wraps up at luxurious thermal springs.
1st day: Welcome day; 2nd day: The beautiful train ride to Pocinho; 3rd day: The Expedition begins, on Internacional Douro River; 4th day: We will paddle from “Barca d `Alva” to Côa train station; 5th day: From Foz do Sabor river to Cais da Preguiça; 6th day: From Cais da Preguiça to Ferradosa; 7th day: Through the valley where Port Wine is produced; 8th day: On the way to Caldas de Aregos – Thermal Waters; 9th day: Free day in Oporto.
Portugal’s largest waterway, the Mondego traverses a landscape of vineyards, Mediterranean forests and small rural communities. 7 Rivers Expeditions’ six-day Mondego trip captures the local flavor in terms of food, drink and people, making for a great honeymoon journey for couples who love to paddle and have authentic cultural experiences.
On this expedition we will explore the upper Mondego river as well as one of its beautiful tributaries, the Dão river, known for its famous wine. The whole expedition takes place in a valley surrounded by fields and forest. We will get to know the local communities, the typical food of the region as well as the wine. In all our expeditions we always try to integrate the local community, supporting the sustainable and responsible development of these small communities.
It’s hard to imagine a better option for Caribbean sea kayaking than the Bahamas. This chain of sandy islands stretching southeast from Florida boasts warm, sparkling water, great snorkeling and friendly people. It all makes for a paradisiacal destination for a honeymoon kayak trip.
3 Exuma Cays
The Exumas are made up of 365 islands and cays in various sizes, from tiny sand spits to Great Exuma, a strip of limestone and sand measuring about 60 kilometers in length. Breakwater Expeditions’ Exuma Cays tour offers four to five days of sea kayaking in the Exumas, with a mix of camping and lodge accommodations and daily distances perfect for novice to intermediate paddlers. This trip is great if you’re looking for local knowledge and the opportunity to challenge your skills in amazing tropical waters.
The Exuma Cays are a string of over 350 islands that comprise the Exuma district of the Bahamas. These islands stretch lazily across the Tropic of Cancer about 300 miles southeast of the coastal United States. The Islands, formed of oolitic limestone, have been dramatically carved by wind and water to form breathtaking cliffs and overhangs that merge seamlessly with white sand beaches and sapphire waters.
Meanwhile, Canadian outfitter Wanapitei Canoe Expeditions offers a six-day Exumas sea kayak tour for paddlers looking to experience wilderness camping on spectacular Caribbean islands. The tour island hops north of Great Exuma, featuring sand beaches and the Bahamas’ characteristic sapphire waters. All equipment, meals and professional guiding is included. Just bring your swimsuit, mask and snorkel.
The Bahamas offers some of the most beautiful ocean kayaking anywhere. In the Exuma’s you get to be up close and personal with the beautiful islands and reefs. Experience this secluded tropical paradise and see for yourself what it’s like as we island hop our way between the various Cays North of Great Exuma. Great paddling, great snorkeling, great camping! Enjoy the beautiful sand beaches, warm shallow waters with their sapphire blue colour.
Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is a classic sunshine destination where you can extend your sea kayak season into the winter months. It is the perfect place for a honeymoon journey, with crystalline waters, pristine beaches, unique desert landscapes and starry night skies.
4 Carmen Island
Paddle with Sea Kayak Baja Mexico on a 10-day expedition into the heart of the Loreto Marine Park. This guided, all-inclusive journey features plenty of wildlife in the sea and on land, including dolphins, blue whales, sea turtles and bighorn sheep. The shoreline is a stunning mix of beaches, sea caves and cliffs. It’s the perfect trip for wilderness lovers looking for a life-list trip in a magically diverse place. The 100-kilometer itinerary is best for paddlers with some sea kayaking experience.
The gem of Loreto National Park, Carmen Island sports dramatic cliffs, sea caves, marine fossils, bighorn sheep, inviting beaches, ghost town, rare plants, and 60 miles of endlessly varied coastline. Dolphins, blue whales, sea turtles, blue-footed boobies, and other exciting wildlife cruise Carmen. Immerse yourself deep in the heart of World Heritage territory in a self-contained journey where tasty meals come out of kayak hatches and lifetime memories are forged.
Sea Kayak Adventures offers a touch of extra comfort in its five-day Isla Espiritu Santo package, featuring panga (motorboat) support for lighter, easier paddling and more flexible plans. Adventures abound in and around the crystalline waters of the Sea of Cortez on this guided and fully outfitted beginner-friendly trip—including great snorkeling, desert hiking and beachcombing on a coastline that’s home to whales, sea lions and so much more.
Baja is an iconic paddling destination with transparent, warm water, bountiful marine life and spectacular scenery. Our La Paz-based kayak trips go to either Isla San Jose or Isla Espiritu Santo. Trips are panga (motorboat) supported, keeping kayaks lighter and plans more flexible. We camp on vast sandy beaches on the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, hike among cactus, swim with sea lions, snorkel with colorful fish and relax under a star-studded night sky.
Looking to combine a bucket-list destination and a honeymoon kayak trip all in one? Voyage Down Under for a honeymoon adventure that checks all the boxes. This continent has something for everyone—first and foremost an amazing coastline including countless options for sea kayaking.
6 Tasman Peninsula
Located south of Australia, on the island state of Tasmania, the Tasman Peninsula is a stunning combination of rocky cliffs and paradisiacal beaches—about as far off the beaten track as you can journey for a honeymoon paddling retreat. Southern Sea Ventures organizes an all-inclusive, four-day Tasmanian kayak adventure based from a romantic beachside private lodge. The surrounding waters are home to migrating humpback and southern right whales from May to November. The adventure includes a special guest biologist to help you learn more about this rich ocean ecosystem.
The coastline of the Tasman Peninsula is largely covered by national park with spectacular dolerite cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches and sheltered bays, making it an ideal paddling and whale watching destination. Short but spectacular cliff-top hikes will allow us to watch for whales on land and enjoy the fauna and fora of the Peninsula. Our base for three nights is a beachside private lodge built for peace, privacy and comfort. Enjoy a Tasmanian escape!
With great beaches, warm water and endless sunshine, it’s hard to imagine a better destination for a honeymoon trip. Adding kayaking makes a trip to this Pacific paradise the ideal vacation for couples.
7 Yasawa Islands
Join Southern Sea Ventures for a unique Fiji sea kayak tour that includes a cruise from Nadi to the Blue Lagoon in the Yasawa Islands. This incredible weeklong adventure is offered May through October, and includes stunning beaches, limestone caves and swaying palms. You’ll experience a traditional Fijian village and combine amazing tropical kayaking with world-class snorkeling.
We begin this spectacular Fiji sea kayaking vacation in the Yasawa Islands with a boat transfer from Nadi to our base in the Blue Lagoon. Dream of tropical islands and spectacular snorkeling as we paddle a loop among the four northernmost Islands in the chain. We take in spectacular sunsets, limestone caves, white sandy beaches fringed with swaying coconut palms, and spend two nights as honoured guests in a traditional Fijian village.
Chile is a legendary destination for adventurers and a perfect place for a honeymoon retreat during the austral summer. You’ll find welcoming people and a country that makes adventure travel easy. Better yet, go guided for an all-inclusive and more immersive experience.
8 Patagonia
British Columbia’s Spirit of the West Adventures’ vision of the ultimate Patagonia sea kayak tour is a 12-day, mothership-based adventure amidst icebergs and along the edge of the San Rafael Glacier. Coastal Patagonia features deep fjords, hot springs and mountain views, as well as amazing marine wildlife. This fully guided tour includes overnight stays aboard a comfortable mothership, gourmet meals and beginner-friendly paddling options.
Maneuvering your kayak amongst icebergs and along the spectacular San Rafael Glacier is an adventure with everlasting memories, and just one of the many highlights this journey offers to passionate travelers! It doesn’t matter what you have experienced in the past, our diverse excursions, fantastic crew and the dramatically wild landscape of land and sea will blow your adventurous mind!
Norway is a classic sea kayak destination that’s well known for an intriguing mix of cold, exposed waters, tall cliffs, deep fjords and captivating Norse culture. Its advanced paddling conditions make it a good option for intermediate and more experienced paddlers, though a range of guided trips makes Norway accessible to everyone.
9 Tromso
Looking for a honeymoon adventure combining sea kayaking, sailing and hiking? Meet your guides and group in the northern Norwegian town of Tromso to begin an eight-day exploration of the island nation’s rockbound fjords, which are interspersed with gravel beaches and austere sea stacks—all resting beneath a backdrop of soaring mountains. TRAK Camps & Tours handles all the logistics and offers expert guiding to promise the trip of a lifetime.
Take the next step, or the first step, in developing your expedition skills to empower your next trips. Join TRAK in Tromsø, Norway, for this spectacular sea kayaking and sailing expedition, including hiking and viewing the aurora borealis. The northern Norway coastline is renowned for its beauty; a forested terrain contoured with rugged mountains and vast fjords that has twice been voted the best travel destination in the world by National Geographic.
Derived from old Norse, Svalbard translates to “cold edge”—an apt name for a place of polar bears, pack ice and midnight sun. This eight-day package with Southern Sea Ventures blends luxury with kayaking adventures in Svalbard’s Arctic waters. You’ll enjoy boutique accommodations and gourmet meals aboard the 50-passenger Polar Pioneer, while also participating in guided day tours amidst icebergs and along rocky shores. Southern Sea plans for at least one full-day, linear kayak trip where paddlers are dropped off by the ship and picked up elsewhere. A spring departure date maximizes opportunities to see polar bears and provides the magic of nearly 24 hours of daylight.
Svalbard, translates literally to the cold edge in old Norse and it is the perfect place to experience polar bears, pack ice and arctic history amongst jagged peaks and glaciated terrain. Travelling in the early part of the season we will maximise our chances of seeing polar bears on sea ice and experiencing all the wonder of the Arctic. Whether you are a sea kayaker or cruiser, the Svalbard archipelago is a must visit destination.
The 19th Annual Paddling Film Festival World Tour premiered on February 8. The event was hosted by The Complete Paddler at the Centre for Social Innovation Annex in Toronto. The show treated a sold-out audience to the first screening of the year’s award-winning films.
All proceeds—totalling over $3,000—went to Project Canoe, an organization that provides educational and therapeutic outdoor programming to at-risk youth, mainly through a summer wilderness canoe trip program.
Because the premiere sold out, Kelly McDowell, owner of The Complete Paddler, says he plans to run additional screenings of the festival.
“We had a waitlist for tickets so long that we’ve decided to host another four nights inside of our retail store as we have a new projector and screen with a capacity for about 40 seats,” explains McDowell.
Dates for upcoming screenings at The Complete Paddler have yet to be picked, but will be posted to the Paddling Film Festival World Tour website by the end of February.
BEYOND THE SALISH
CANADA VERTICAL
DAVID HAZE
2024 Paddling Film Festival Winners
Best Kayaking Film
BEYOND THE SALISH
Category sponsor: TRAK Kayaks
Two kayakers take on a once-in-a-lifetime journey along the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island, paddling into relentless waves, unpredictable weather, and the uncharted depths of their fears. The duo finds themselves in a life-altering struggle against the elements. As their journey unfolds, a near-death experience forces them to confront the raw power of the open ocean, pushing the boundaries of their friendship, endurance and luck.
Directors: Richard Chen, William Chong | Producer: Merrisa Mah
Best Adventure Travel Film
CANADA VERTICAL
Category sponsor: Kokatat
Follow along on an eight-month ski, canoe and bike expedition covering an area equivalent to 19 percent of the Earth’s circumference. The journey travels from Ellesmere Island in Nunavut to Point Pelee in Ontario, and is one of the longest wilderness expeditions in Canadian history. Challenged by polar bears, freezing temperatures, injuries, equipment failure, windstorms, food shortages, 2,000 kilometers of mostly upstream paddling, and numerous reroutings, the Canada Vertical expedition is a testament to resilience and creativity in the face of challenge.
Director: Laurent Poliquin | Producer: Nicolas Roulx
Best SUP Film
DAVID HAZE
From prison to world records and environmental activism, this film tells the story of one man’s journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of the paddle.
Director & Producer: Angus Peel
DRIVING SWEEP
FRANKLIN
HOW TO STERN SQUIRT YOUR KAYAK
Best Rafting Film
DRIVING SWEEP
Category sponsor: AIRE
Few river guides ever get the chance to drive Idaho’s iconic sweep boat. Driving Sweep follows Katie Veteto as she learns how to “drive sweep” down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. She’s learned the rapids and the river. Now, she learns how to drive a 4,000-pound sweep down steep, rocky rapids.
Director & Producer: Gregory Cairns
Best Documentary Film
FRANKLIN
Category sponsor: The Canadian Canoe Museum
An eighth-generation Tasmanian and environmentalist, Oliver Cassidy embarks on a life-changing solo rafting trip down the famous Franklin River in the remote Australian rainforest. He retraces his late father’s 14-day expedition to attend the blockade that saved a World-Heritage-listed national park from being destroyed in the early 1980s. Narrated by Hugo Weaving, Franklin is an inspiring example of the power of non-violent direct action to bring about lasting change.
Director: Kasimir Burgess | Producers: Chris Kamen, Oliver Cassidy
Best Instructional Film
HOW TO STERN SQUIRT YOUR KAYAK
Category sponsor: Thompson Rivers University
This film details a step-by-step progression of how to do a version of the stern squirt. This is a fun advanced kayaking maneuver that has many variations.
Director: Matt Allen | Producer: Simon Coward
RENOVATING A CANOE WHILE RUNNING A MARATHON
RIO PUSUNO: MEET THE COMMUNITY
RODS, ROLLS AND REALITY ON THE SOČA
Best Canoeing Film
RENOVATING A CANOE WHILE RUNNING A MARATHON
Category sponsor: Rhéaume Canoes
In between all the dust and rot and problem-solving of giving a banged-up fleet canoe a new lease on life, Beau Miles runs around his paddock to complete a marathon. “I did this nonstop for 24 hours, and by golly, it was a bloody great day,” he says.
Director: Beau Miles | Producers: Mitch Drummond, Beau Miles
Best Environmental Paddling Film
RIO PUSUNO: MEET THE COMMUNITY
Category sponsor: Paddle Responsibly
Ecuador is well-known amongst whitewater kayakers as a paradise. Generations of Ecuadorians like Diego Robles have found their life’s passion in paddling and guiding the rivers in their backyard. But a few months after Robles found his favorite river, he found excavators in the river building a dam and diversion that would dry up the Rio Pusuno. He had no idea how bad the situation was until he met the local community.
Directors: Ben Stookesberry, Willie Henkel
Best Kayak Fishing Film
RODS, ROLLS AND REALITY ON THE SOČA
Swapping paddles for rods, this crew of kayakers attempts to learn how to put the hook in the right spot. Under the emerald waters of Slovenia’s Soča River hides an endemic trout, creating both a classroom and a playground for misadventure.
Directors: Rok Rozman, Rožle Bregar | Producer: Leeway Collective
THERE’S GOOD IN EVERYTHING
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR GOAT
Best Whitewater Film
THERE’S GOOD IN EVERYTHING
Category sponsor: Ottawa Valley Tourist Association
Join whitewater legend Aniol Serrasolses while he kayaks the rivers of Chile. In this short whitewater film, Aniol shows us how mindset on the river sets paddlers apart and allows us to find the good in everything.
Directors: Gonzalo Robert, Juan Garcia | Producer: Aniol Serrasolses
Best Short Film
WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR GOAT
Nico lives in her Sprinter van with two goats, three chickens and a dog. Spend a day with Nico goat-packing a raft up to a high mountain lake in this quirky short film. Take a dive into her lifestyle, the goats’ personalities, and Nico’s deeper mission to use her unique lifestyle for sustainability education.
Director: Jack Lewis Elder
2024 Paddling Film Festival Shortlist
Find out which films are touring in this year’s Paddling Film Festival below.
A Canoe Perspective
Bad River: Rafting The Most Polluted River In Australia
Beyond The Salish
Canada Vertical
Checklist
Coast Mountain Chronicles – The Bishop River Part 1
David Haze
Driving Sweep
Franklin
How To Stern Squirt Your Kayak
International Whitewater Hall Of Fame Class Of 2023
Life Downstream: The Story Of The Wabigoon River
Mi’kma’ki: Gwitna’q (Land Of The Mi’kmaw: Travel By Canoe)
Near The River
Origen
Paddle Tribal Waters ll: Bring The Salmon Home
Paddling The Margins
Renovating A Canoe While Running A Marathon
Rio Pusuno: Meet The Community
Rod, Rolls And Reality On The Soča
Save Solace
Sleeping Giants
Surface – A Norwegian Ski Rafting Adventure
The Coppermine River
The River
The River Of Sorrows
The Stakeout
There’s Good In Everything
Whatever Floats Your Goat
Want to join in the fun and get the big screen experience? Find a World Tour event near you at: paddlingevents.com
The Virtual Paddling Film Festival will be released in March allowing you to rent and watch the award-winning films plus 14 others in the comfort of your home. Check back here for the release of the 2024 virtual program.
Thank you to our 2024 Paddling Film Festival World Tour partners who contribute to the energy and sustainability of the Paddling Film Festival. Without their support the World Tour would not be possible.
Passengers aboard the 1,100-foot Carnival Jubilee were in for a surprise when their cruise ship traveling from Texas to Honduras made an unexpected stop off the coast of Mexico to rescue a pair of men drifting at sea in a kayak.
According to one passenger whose interview has appeared with multiple news stations, including KHOU 11 in Houston, he was asleep when the ship suddenly came to a halt in the Gulf of Mexico.
“Which is kind of weird when you’re on a cruise, right? It should be at cruising speed,” the passenger, Amir Najafi, recollects of the situation in the news interview. “So I look out … and lo and behold, there is a kayak. I’m like, ‘What are these people doing out in the middle of the sea?'”
How A Cruise Ship Rescued Men In A Kayak Stranded At Sea
As it turns out, the men in the tandem sit-on-top weren’t out for a leisurely paddling trip. In another video shared with ABC affiliate station WFAA in Dallas, you can hear the faint shrill of whistle blasts as the Carnival crew spots them.
The stopped cruise ship allowed the pair to paddle the kayak toward the Jubilee. In the videos, it appears they did so by each using half of a breakdown paddle. Once they reached the ship, they were able to climb aboard.
In a statement from Carnival, the men shared they were in another boat that sank. Presumably, the kayak was on their vessel, which they then took to as a lifeboat.
The waters in the Gulf of Mexico are relatively warm compared to other bodies of water in North America, currently measuring around 75 degrees Fahrenheit at the Bay of Campeche monitoring station 214 nautical miles northeast of Veracruz, Mexico. Still, dehydration, sun exposure, and hypothermia are real concerns when stranded at sea. Since the men weren’t expecting to be at a paddler’s proximity to the water and likely had little time to react, they were wearing just jeans and t-shirts. Fortunately, it appears at least one had a PFD.
News reports don’t mention whether they had a cell phone or handheld radio with them, but it’s safe to assume they did not or their cell phone was of no use in their location. Having their whistle and being able to make contact with the Jubilee is the fortunate stroke that likely saved their lives.
The Carnival statement also mentioned the men received first aid treatment and food once on board before being transferred to the Mexican Navy. Hopefully, their time on the Jubilee included a few well-earned moments under an umbrella with a tall, cool drink.
The United States of America is a paddling hotbed for good reason. From the iconic wilderness of Alaska to the mysterious mangroves of the Florida Everglades, the country features an immense range of destinations to satisfy all types of paddling. In the United States you’ll discover canoe tripping routes on glassy North Woods lakes; float trips on historic waterways and hidden gems; exciting whitewater runs through canyons and over cascades; and world-class sea kayaking on ocean fjords and inland seas.
Working with an American paddling outfitter is a great choice if you’re new to an area, regardless of your experience level. These local experts will handle logistics, route planning, equipment rentals and more. Better yet, sign up for a guided trip for an all-inclusive experience, in which local knowledge joins you on the water and in camp.
We’ve curated a short list of some of the best paddling trips America has to offer. Bear in mind, however, this is just a small glimpse of all that’s here to discover by canoe, kayak or raft.
With skyscraping peaks, coastal fjords and countless wild rivers, Alaska easily earns its distinction as the wildest state in the Union. Such rugged, extreme conditions make Alaska a destination for the most hardened adventurers. However, options also exist for mere mortals—including flatwater paddlers and families—to get a taste of this iconic place.
1 Tangle Lakes
If your picture of Alaska includes lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, wild rivers and tumbling waterfalls, this three-day guided canoe or kayak tour with Alaska Dream Adventures is for you. The itinerary includes a mix of flatwater paddling on the Tangle Lakes, in the heart of the Alaska Range, a quarter-mile portage around amazing waterfalls, and a downriver run with class II to III rapids—all in a landscape abounding with wolves, bald eagles, beavers and other iconic northern wildlife. This all-inclusive adventure is ideal for intermediate paddlers looking for an easy-to-plan Alaskan experience.
Tangle Lakes/Delta River is one of the premier destinations for those who want a taste of what Alaska really has to offer. There is a ¼ mile portage around a beautiful series of waterfalls and the river is rated class II+ to III at high water. Additionally, this trip provides the opportunity to paddle through the heart of the Alaska Range and see various forms of wildlife—moose, ducks of many types, wolf, beaver, bald eagle, river otters (to name a few common sightings).
Breakwater Expeditions’ seven-day journey on Puget Sound is customized for families, inviting you to experience wilderness sea kayaking at a classic Alaskan destination in a safe and fun environment. The main goal of this all-inclusive, guided sea kayak trip isn’t to cover immense distances, but rather to allow time for families to reconnect and experience the rugged Pacific coast up close, including glaciers and incredible wildlife like bears, salmon, bald eagles and more.
The Family Journey expedition is uniquely choreographed to assist families in finding rejuvenation through connection with self, loved ones, and nature. Our intention is to give everyone the opportunity to spend meaningful time together while experiencing the beauty of Alaska’s Prince William Sound. Sea kayaking is a beautiful, fun, and exciting way to explore the area, see glaciers calve and witness wildlife in their natural habitat.
Washington state boasts an awe-inspiring landscape of exposed Pacific coastline, tide-washed islands and wild rivers tumbling off the Cascade Range. Washington is the birthplace of modern North American sea kayaking and it remains a life list destination for kayak touring.
3 San Juan Islands
Perched in a temperate, sun-splashed rain shadow at the edge of the continent, the San Juan Islands are a bucolic sea kayaking destination in the Pacific Northwest. Discovery Sea Kayaks’ three-day kayak and camping tour is a perfect introduction to Washington’s Pacific coast. This novice-friendly guided trip includes all gear and meals, as well as expert instruction along the way. You’ll travel with a small group of like-minded paddlers, getting an intimate glimpse of the marine environment. Keep your eyes peeled for orca whales throughout your journey.
Paddling the San Juan Islands of Washington State should be on every sea paddler’s bucket list. We make the experience seamless, providing all the equipment for kayaking and camping as well as all the food. Show up with your basic necessities and we take care of the rest. The kayak routes travel waterways known for wildlife and whale encounters. Our guides lead you to some of the most beautiful campsites in the area. Each trip has a custom-tailored feel.
Oregon shares the Wild and Scenic Snake River with neighboring Idaho. The state features some of the wildest country in the Lower 48—a classic mix of mountain scenery, ancient forest and big, powerful rivers.
4 Snake River
According to the Indigenous Nez Perce, Hells Canyon on the Snake River was dug by a giant coyote to protect the people from the “Seven Devils” that resided across the gorge in present-day Idaho. A rafting trip through Hells Canyon with ROW Adventures is a bucket-list experience for wild river enthusiasts. The five-day trip includes meals and full outfitting, along with expert interpretation of the area’s dynamic geology and Native American history.
Hells Canyon straddles the borders of Idaho and Oregon and is the deepest river gorge in North America. According to Nez Perce tribal legend, the mythical figure “coyote” dug Hells Canyon with a big stick to protect the tribe’s ancestors in the Blue Mountains of Oregon from the “Seven Devils” across the gorge in Idaho. Our Snake River Rafting adventures through Hells Canyon are journeys through a land rich in myth and geologic wonder. Big rapids, good hiking and camping.
Whitewater rivers and deep wilderness are hallmarks of Idaho. The state is home to dozens of waterways, including two Wild and Scenic Rivers, making it a great destination for adventurous rafters, whitewater kayakers and experienced canoeists. Go guided for an immersive and safe experience.
5 Middle Fork of the Salmon River
The Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of the original American rivers awarded Wild and Scenic status in 1968. There’s good reason: this free-flowing waterway bisects the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, dropping 3,000 feet in elevation across 106 miles.
Join ROW Adventures for a guided six-day raft trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River for the ultimate wilderness whitewater experience. You’ll enjoy exciting class III to IV rapids, hot springs, blue-ribbon fishing and great hiking while you explore some of the deepest wilderness in the Lower 48.
Among whitewater enthusiasts, The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is second to none. Raft 105 miles of free-flowing river that drops 3000 feet through Idaho’s remote and extraordinary Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest designated wilderness area in the entire lower 48 U.S. States. Fun rapids, hot springs, Native rock art, superb hiking trails, blue-ribbon fishing and spectacular mountain scenery all combine for a magical, life-changing journey.
Utah’s Canyon Country abounds with opportunities for paddlers looking for trips of a lifetime on big western rivers. The state straddles the divide between the mountains and arid country, offering stunningly austere scenery, mind-blowing geology and rich Native American heritage.
6 Green River
Looking for a new perspective on an iconic western river? Join Breakwater Expeditions for a guided SUP tour on Utah’s Green River. Custom six- and seven-day guided trips are available, complete with all equipment, logistics support and gourmet meals. Besides outstanding hiking and opportunities for photography, Breakwater can customize packages for yoga enthusiasts, families and fitness paddlers.
Interested in stand up paddle-boarding (SUP)? Whether you want to start or experience more, Breakwater Expeditions can design a SUP trip to support any level of paddle-boarders, with customizable itineraries to fit your dream vacation. Think gourmet meals, yoga and stretch sessions, day hikes, long stretches of beautiful rivers with campsites and views guaranteed to take your breath…let nature relax you as our adventures inspire you!
Montana is home to more than just big skies. The state bridges the gap between the Rockies and the Great Plains, and it earns its recognition as a mecca for outdoor adventure with legendary waterways like the Missouri River and countless others, which served as travelways for Native Americans and explorers like Lewis and Clark.
7 Upper Missouri River
This weeklong float trip by canoe takes in the incredible scenery of one of America’s greatest waterways. The Upper Missouri River is enveloped by towering white cliffs and austere badlands as it cuts its way across the northern plains. Join Upper Missouri River Guides for an immersive wilderness canoeing experience on this great American river. Your small-group, fully guided adventure includes gourmet meals and all equipment.
Float the famous Upper Missouri River White Cliffs and the less-traveled and wilder Badlands. The White Cliffs are magnificent, and it only gets better. The most popular and immersive option—this canoeing adventure is absolutely the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy the immeasurable benefits of being very far from noise, lights, technology and crowds for an extended period of time.
It’s no surprise that the Land of 10,000 Lakes is a paddler’s paradise. Minnesota is famously home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of the most popular canoe tripping destinations in the world, as well as the majestic Lake Superior coastline and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Simply put, the state has something for every type of paddler.
8 Boundary Waters
With 1,200 miles of backcountry canoe routes and 2,000 wilderness campsites, you could spend a lifetime exploring the North Woods of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply will whet your appetite for more with a guided day trip, including all gear and transportation from their base in Grand Marais. The company also offers full outfitting, trip planning advice and rental canoes, kayaks and SUPs for do-it-yourself adventures.
United States, Great Lakes, Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA)
This guided day trip is suitable for all skill levels as we paddle and portage in one of the the most pristine wilderness areas in the country. All necessary gear, lunch and transportation from our shop are included.
United States, Great Lakes, Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA)
Discover why Duluth consistently ranks amongst America’s most outdoorsy communities when you take a guided sea kayak journey on Lake Superior’s scenic north shore with Day Tripper Duluth. You’ll paddle crystalline waters beneath towering cliffs, admiring a historic lighthouse and mysterious shipwreck. Day Tripper Duluth customizes its guided day trips to a wide variety of participants, including fun and easy family trips, more challenging adventures for intermediate and advanced sea kayakers, and everything in between.
Kayak beneath the towering cliffs and over the deep clear water of the world’s largest lake from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. With our tours you’ll get magnificent views of the iconic lighthouse. Paddle a bit further and you’ll get a chance to spot the Madeira, wrecked on November 28th, 1905.
The Lower 48’s least-visited federally designated wilderness area features over 100 miles of rockbound coastline, perfect for sea kayaking. Join Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply for a six-day guided tour of Isle Royale’s secret coves, historic lighthouses and abandoned fishing villages. This all-inclusive sea kayak adventure includes ferry transportation to and from Isle Royale from Grand Marais, all meals and equipment provided.
In the middle of the world’s largest lake, Isle Royale is the most remote and spectacular sea kayaking destination in the Midwest. This 22-mile sea kayaking journey explores the wild beauty of the island’s southern shore: protected coves, nearby smaller islands, abandoned fishing villages and restored lighthouses. You will also have time to relax and explore some of the hiking trails found within this incredible National Park. Custom trips available.
Michigan’s remote Upper Peninsula is far removed from the state’s urban south. The “UP” embraces its rugged Lake Superior shore, offering plenty of options for kayakers to explore the cliffs, beaches and wilderness islands of an inland sea.
11 Pictured Rocks
Minerals in the sandstone cliffs near Munising have turned the Lake Superior shoreline into a colorful canvas, complete with towering arches, caves and waterfalls. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is an incredible destination for nature lovers and sea kayaking is the best way to see this natural phenomenon. Sign up for a mothership-supported guided trip with Pictured Rocks Kayaking to experience 13 points of interest in a single day. Lunch is included.
We are a boat and kayak tour all in one! Launch safely and conveniently from our boat, not from shore. We bring you to the best 13 points of interest along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for a guided kayak tour to get up close and personal with the beautiful colors and history of this magnificent lakeshore.
Lake Superior is renowned for its diverse and spectacular geology. In particular, the Keweenaw Peninsula features native copper, unique volcanic formations and agates, making it a dreamy destination for rockhounds. You’ll discover untouched agate beaches on this four- to five-hour sea kayaking tour with Keweenaw Adventure Company. Each outing begins with basic strokes and rescue training before you take to the water, exploring the incredible shoreline where you’ll encounter a unique rock arch and the shipwreck of the City of St. Joseph barge just offshore.
After a short drive along the Lakeshore Drive, the tour begins with about 30 minutes of basic, on-land instruction with our professional guides. Instruction includes an overview of the sea kayak, gear and equipment, some basic paddle strokes and techniques and safety awareness relevant for this Lake Superior sea kayak tour. We’ll then launch from a rocky beach and will explore this area that most closely resembles the scenery of Isle Royal National Park.
The contrast between metropolitan New York and the alpine hinterlands of the northern reaches of the state is decidedly stark. Paddling and portaging amidst the gem-like lakes of the Adirondacks is an ancient tradition, with plenty of options available for backcountry adventures for all levels of paddlers.
13 The Adirondacks
Based on Saranac Lake, Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters will help you plan everything from basic day trips to multiday expeditions by SUP, kayak or canoe in the scenic wilds of upper New York state. The company offers full outfitting, including rental equipment and trip planning advice, as well as all-inclusive guided trips—all backed by over 20 years of Adirondacks experience.
The waterways of the Adirondacks are as diverse as the species that inhabit their shorelines. From large open lakes and small hidden ponds, to thundering waterfalls and wandering flows, the Adirondacks offer a unique paddling experience for everyone. Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters has been guiding the waterways of northern New York for over 20 years. Let us make your Adirondack trip memorable through our love of paddling and the Adirondacks.
Set in the heart of Appalachia, Virginia abounds with hardwood forests and tumbling rivers. The state offers extreme paddlers some of the best whitewater in the Southeast. For others, it’s a great destination for recreational paddling in quintessential rural America.
14 Upper James River
The scenic Upper James River provides a family-friendly introduction to the wilds of Virginia. The 10.5-mile section from Buchanan to Alpine features stunning mountain scenery, great fishing and easy class I and II rapids. The experts at Twin River Outfitters provide all the equipment and logistics for self-guided overnight excursions.
This trip is ideal for fisherman wanting to take their time fishing each rapid or for a family group with younger kids that want to take it easy their first trip. Day one paddle length is just six miles down to Arcadia (2-3 hours of paddling), day two paddle is about 4.5 miles down to the Alpine Take out (1 to 1 1/2 hours paddle). This trip includes an interesting section of water with plenty of rapids 5 rated class II, great mountain views, and a remote wilderness feel.
America’s heartlands are home to the continent’s greatest river, the Mississippi. Modern-day paddlers can still discover the scenes of early America on the Big Muddy, with remote shores and hidden backwaters cast throughout the Show Me state.
15 French Corridor
The historic French Corridor of the Mississippi River stretches from St. Louis to St. Genevieve. Paddle with Big Muddy Adventures in a 29-foot voyageur canoe to get an intimate glimpse of this historic waterway. The three-day, all-inclusive tour is suitable for all levels of paddlers, and includes backcountry camping and gourmet meals from Chef Josh Galliano.
Join Big Muddy Adventures and guest Chef Josh Galliano on an amazing culinary journey through the historic Middle Mississippi River Valley! Experience a fully guided canoe trip from St. Louis to St. Genevieve in one of our voyageur canoes. Our journey will highlight the historic connection between river travel, food, and the great cultures that have explored, inhabited, and settled in the valleys of the Great Rivers.
There’s more than theme parks, condos and snowbirds in Florida. The state is an incredible destination for sea kayakers and canoeists, boasting countless spring-fed rivers, open coastlines and the remarkable Everglades. Florida’s vast network of parks and water trails offers great access to routes for all levels of paddlers, whether you’re looking for a scenic day trip or a multiday adventure.
16 The Everglades
The Florida Everglades are truly otherworldly, featuring unique mangrove scenery, sweeping beaches and diverse wildlife. Breakwater Expeditions’ three- to 12-day canoe or sea kayak tours take in the best of the 1.5-million-acre Everglades, with fully guided, all-inclusive tours departing November through March. Options are available for all levels of paddlers.
The mysterious and ancient Everglades National Park in Florida covers 1.5 million acres of Florida’s landscape. Explore the many waterways and white sand beaches of 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Reserve by kayak or canoe. The salt marshes, estuaries, and mangrove forests are unique coastal ecosystems that are the nursing grounds for young marine life and great areas for exploration. Join us November through March and escape your winter blues.
Portugal
Kayaking
Paddling Trip
8 Days or More
Best Kayaking Film
Best SUP Film
Best Rafting Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Instructional Film
Best Canoeing Film
Best Environmental Paddling Film
Best Kayak Fishing Film
Best Whitewater Film
Best Short Film
