Frequently Asked Questions
-What is the river like, are there any rapids?
All the rivers we float will have no higher than a Class 2 rapid. Depending on the section, and water flows, most trips will be all Class 1 water. Each stretch of water has its own unique characteristics. Even though the trips are on relatively calm stretches of river, it is important to always be aware of what is located down stream. Over hanging trees and logs can still cause damage, if one is not aware. During times of low water flow, there will be the occasional gravel bar to drag the gear over. Kick boats draft a little shallower than kayaks and canoes, which make it easier for navigating skinny water. on stretches with deeper water and very little current, oars will be available to cover some water and save your legs a bit. Kick boating is a relaxing activity, but can be somewhat physically demanding at times. Be sure to fill out the questionnaire on my contact page to see what trip is right for you.
From the Safety Code of the American Whitewater Affiliation
INTERNATIONAL SCALE OF RIVER DIFFICULTY
• Class I: Easy, fast moving water with riffles and small waves, few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
• Class II: Novice, straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful is seldom needed.
• Class III: Intermediate, rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume Rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.
-How many people can come on a trip?
In order to give everyone enough personal attention, I can take a maximum of three people.
-How old must someone be to go on a trip?
Children must be at least 13 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or have permission from a parent or guardian.
-What are the physical limitations?
Pregnant women, people with injuries/recent surgeries or other medical situations should consult with your physician before attempting any river activities. All participants must be able to swim. Our kick boats have weight capacities, we cannot exceed those limits. Please email for individual concerns.
-What is the ideal water flow, to float the rivers?
Each river has an optimum water flow. Right after a big storm, the smaller rivers or headwaters of the larger ones, will clear up and settle the fastest. These same stretches will dry up the quickest during periods of drought. This is when the larger, wider rivers become ideal. To see the water level and flows of each river, please visit the "River Info" section of my website
-Is there a shuttle service provided?
Yes shuttle service is provided, but only on stretches of river that offer canoe and kayak rentals. On more remote sections of river, we will meet at the take out point, where your car will be left for the day. Then we will hop in my truck to drive to the put in area, (usually a 2-8 mile drive). At the end of the trip, the kick boats will be left locked up, and I will then need a ride back to my truck. At that point you are free to leave, hopefully with big smiles because of a great fishing experience. The cost of the shuttle service will be deducted off the trip expense is the customer uses their car as a shuttle.
-Are there snakes & spiders?
Yes, and all snakes can swim. Avoiding snakes while canoeing, fishing, tubing, boating is similar to avoiding snakes on land in that you want to stay away from areas that the snakes use for sunning. This means avoid drifting underneath overhanging tree branches. Many of the water snakes like to sun on tree branches then drop into the water when they detect movement.
Tennessee is home to 33 species of snakes, only 4 of which are venomous. The northern water snake is the most commonly seen along the rivers of middle TN and it is not poisonous.
TN Poisonous Snakes: Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake, Western Cottonmouth, Western Pigmy Rattlesnake
Snakes use the water’s surface tension to glide and can lift 1/4 to 1/3 of their body length off of the water surface. Some snakes, such as northern water snakes, red belly water snakes, brown water snakes, banded water snakes, are more likely to be encountered on or near the water. A snake on land can only lunge forward (strike) a distance of half of its body length. A snake on water does not have a solid surface to thrust against, so its strike range while swimming is extremely limited. Snakes prefer to flee rather than fight. But if they feel cornered or threatened, or if they are accidentally stepped on or provoked, a water snake (venomous or non-venomous) seldom backs down.
Spiders, especially “Tree Spiders,” are in abundance on the river. These spiders will drop into your boat if you get up under tree branches or into the bushes. To avoid spiders, keep out of the bushes and out from under tree branches.
-Where do I go to the bathroom on the river?
Access to restroom facilities can be hit-or-miss depending on the area. It is best to count on no access to public restroom facilities. Some areas may or may not have convenient access to public restrooms at launch site and take out points. There are areas along the river where we can park the boats on shore and take a break. I always carry some extra tp just incase.
-How do I move around on a kick boat?
Every kick boat will be rigged with a set of oars as well as a pair of fins for your feet. The kick boats all have chairs which sit about 8"-12" above the surface of the water. Your foot fins will be submerged below the surface, with the water line coming up to about mid-shin level. By kicking your feet, you will be able to maneuver yourself around any obstacles. As we head down the river, I will always be close by to help instruct where the best boat positioning will be, in order to maximize your chance of catching fish. Most the time there will be enough current from the rivers natural flow to carry you down stream. Certain stretches of river may lack current, or it may just be a day where the river flows are very low. In this case, we attach the oars, put our feet on the foot bars, and row down stream.
-What form of payment is accepted?
PayPal, cash, checks, and Venmo are all accepted forms of payment. Sorry, we do not accept credit cards.
-What is the cancellation policy?
A $100 deposit is required to reserve a trip. If I have not received a deposit within 2 weeks of booking the trip, I reserve the right to rebook that date without notice.
If the trip is canceled due to weather or other circumstances beyond my control, the client can reschedule or receive a full refund. Client must notify kick fishing 14 days prior to the scheduled trip to receive a refund on the deposit. If the client cancels the trip less than 14 days prior to the trip, I will do my best to reschedule, but if no arrangement can be made, deposit may be forfeit.