Catawba Riverkeeper
Recreation
On-the-Water Activities
2024 Eco Tours throughout the Catawba River Basin
Our 2024 Eco-Tour series will take you from the Catawba River’s headwaters high in the mountains of North Carolina all the way to the low country of South Carolina where the Catawba Wateree River Basin turns into the Congaree River Basin. Join us in 2024 as we journey from north to south in the basin by foot, bike, and boat. Experience the river, wildlife, and impacts in new and unique ways!
Also, new this year – the option to buy a season Eco-Tour Pass and a special gift for anyone who attend all the 2024 Eco-Tours!
Click here to register for a 2024 Eco-Tour, and click here to purchase a season pass.
Spider Lily Tours
Full Moon Paddles
Paddle under the full moon’s glow and have fun with animals of the night, full moon rituals, folklore, and spooky stories!
Full moons have always played a role in shaping our culture from the ocean tides to werewolves to seasonal harvesting. The moon has always held a sense of mysticism for humankind.
Join us for our Full Moon Paddles where we will paddle under the full moon’s glow and have fun with these fantastical topics. These programs are hosted in Cramerton or Gastonia, North Carolina. You can rent a kayak and accompanying gear or bring your own! If you bring your own, we allow kayaks, canoes and *standup paddleboards.
Get out on the water
Kayaking Classes
Interested in getting into kayaking but not sure where to start? We've got you covered. Learn the basics of kayaking on a slowly flowing river. This class is hosted in McAdenville or Cramerton in North Carolina along the South Fork River and will cover all the basics for you to feel more confident on the water.
This 2-hour class will include the basics of kayaking and water safety along with a guided paddle around the area on the South Fork River hosted by a Catawba Riverkeeper Kayak Instructor. We'll meet at one of the Riverkeeper's locations - Confluence in Cramerton or The Boathouse in McAdenville. While on land, we'll go over anatomy of a kayak, proper life vest fitting and paddle management. You’ll be assisted into the water where we’ll continue instruction of kayaking techniques, water safety and self-rescue in a comfortable setting and at a relaxed pace. You’ll try out your new skills paddling around the area with the kayak guide for the remainder of the class. This kayaking lesson is a great paddling experience for first time paddlers or families with children at least 8 years of age.
Private Kayak Lessons
Learn basic river navigation and become a more confident paddler!
Lessons are offered in various locations. You can learn to kayak or advance your skills!
Kayak lessons are hosted by our professional kayak instructors. We offer private 1-1 and group instruction to improve your paddling technique, water navigation and overall comfort to enjoy different types of water environments in your boat. You can provide your own kayak and equipment or use ours.
Intermediate Flatwater – Refine your paddling skills for more comfortable and enjoyable kayaking experiences on lakes and slow flowing rivers. Approximately 2 hours.
Intro to River Running – You’ll learn basic river navigation and become a more confident paddler. Approximately 3 hours.
Dates and Times:
Flexible based on instructor availability.
Locations:
Various locations around the Catawba-Wateree River Basin.
Cost:
Private lessons are $75 per guest
Group lessons are $60 per guest (2-5 guests)
10% discount for Catawba Riverkeeper members
Learn More:
Contact Engagement Manager Greg Nance
greg@catawabariverkeeper.org or call 704-679-9494 ext. 108 to learn about your options and coordinate your lesson.
Be a River Adventurer
Kayak Rental Options for Self Guided Experiences
Confluence Kayak Rentals - CLOSED for the 2023 Season
Kayak around a historic small mill town! A scenic experience perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Paddle around the slowly flowing South Fork River through Cramerton, a historic mill town near Charlotte, at your leisure for 90 minutes with views of protected forests, small town charm and budding outdoor recreation opportunities. This beautiful section of river is perfect for beginners and intermediates alike.
Boathouse Kayak Rentals - CLOSED for the 2023 Season
Get a taste of the South Fork River! A scenic experience perfect for beginners and intermediates.
Rent a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard for a 90-minute paddling experience on the South Fork River. You will launch from The Boathouse and easily paddle upstream for 1 mile until you reach the rocky shoals and then float back.
Point 2 Point Kayak Race
We hope to see you at our Point 2 Point Kayak Race on Sunday, Sept. 1. More details to come closer to the race!
Be a River Adventurer
Recreation Opportunities
There’s no better way to connect with the river than to be on the river! Let us help you get out on the water while you help support our mission. On your own or with new friends, you can get out and catch that vibe that only comes from a good float.
Support Our Foundation
Let's protect the Catawba River!
The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is working towards clean, plentiful water now and for generations to come.
