Catawba RiverKeeper Makes it Easy to Paddle
Catawba Riverkeeper offers kayaking experiences at 3 locations Saturdays and Sundays May – September.
By paddling with the Catawba Riverkeeper, you’re not only getting a chance to experience the water first hand, but you’re also supporting our work to preserve and protect our waters for generations to come. The following options for kayak rentals are available:
Flatwater Kayak Rentals
Location: Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park – Belmont, NC
Guests can enjoy 90 minutes of self-guided paddling on a calm, quiet stretch of the upper part of Lake Wylie – the oldest lake on the Catawba River. This kayaking experience is great for first time paddlers or families with young children.
After a brief safety talk and introduction to the area, you’re free to explore the coves, wildlife, and shoreline of a half mile area up and downstream from the launch.
$25 rental fee includes kayak, paddle, Personal Floatation Device, and safety instruction. Guests should dress comfortably in clothes that can get wet. Shoes with a heel strap are encouraged.
Residents of Belmont will receive a $5 discount with ID.
Opens May 8, 2021 – all rentals are walk-up only, 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday. You may in advance with the link below (not a reservation, first come, first served).
Slow Flow Kayak Rentals
Location: McAdenville South Fork River Greenway
This beautiful 1.5 mile stretch of the South Fork of the Catawba allows guests to gently paddle for 60- 90 minutes on slow moving water from McAdenville to Cramerton. These trips are unguided, but Catawba Riverkeeper staff will be there to help you in and out of the water. This kayaking experience is great for first time paddlers or families with young children.
After a brief safety talk and introduction to the area, you’ll enjoy floating or paddling at your own pace down the river to historic Cramerton, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, meal, or shopping. When you’re ready, we’ll shuttle you back to your car in McAdenville.
$30 rental fee includes kayak, paddle, Personal Floatation Device, and safety instruction as well as a shuttle back from Cramerton to McAdenville. Guests should dress comfortably in clothes that can get wet. Shoes with a heel strap are encouraged.
Residents of McAdenville or Cramerton will receive a $5 discount with ID.
Opens May 22, 2021 – all rentals are walk-up only, 10 AM – 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday. You may in advance with the link below (not a reservation, first come, first served).
*You can meet at the McAdenville Greenway access or at the Cramerton Goat Island Access (near Floyd & Blackie’s).
Half Day Guided Tour
Location: Spencer Mountain to The Boathouse (meet at The Boathouse, shuttle provided)
If you are ready to experience an authentic river with experienced guides, the half day paddling experience is for you. Guests will meet at The Boathouse at the South Fork Trailhead and after a safety talk you’ll be shuttled 15 minutes to Spencer Mountain where you’ll put in with 2 experienced guides who will help you navigate this beautiful stretch of the South Fork of the Catawba.
This kayaking experience is great for those who are comfortable in the water but might not be experts. It is safe and accessible to many skills levels, but includes low class I rapids in several sections with easy moving, gentle water in between. Each trip will last approximately 3 hours and will conclude back at your car at the South Fork Trailhead.
$50 rental fee includes kayak, paddle, Personal Floatation Device, safety instruction, and a guided trip as well as a shuttle to Spencer Mountain at the put in. Guests should dress comfortably in clothes that can get wet. Shoes with a heel strap, a water bottle, sunscreen, and snacks are encouraged as well and available for sale at the boathouse.
Opens June 5, 2021 – reservations are encouraged and are available online – maximum of 10 spots per session are available. Saturdays and Sundays. Morning session departs at 9 AM and Afternoon session departs at 2 PM. Walk-ups may be available if trips are not sold out.
PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE NOW!
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation (CRF) is a local, community-based group of members and volunteers located throughout the 26-county river basin that dedicates time, talent and treasure to ensuring the protection of the Catawba-Wateree River.
Our goal is to sustain plentiful, clean water for generations to come.
