Paddling: guides, shops and venues

Guide services, gear shops and venues in every region, A to Z. Listed from their public websites; they don't pay to be here and are never mixed into the communities.

All regions · just Western Carolinas · all of the Southeast

Acadia Bike & Coastal Kayaking Toursguide service · Kayaking · Bar Harbor, ME
Bar Harbor outfitter offering guided sea kayak tours and bike rentals for Acadia's carriage roads.
ACE Adventure Resortguide service · Whitewater · Oak Hill, WV
Outfitter bordering New River Gorge National Park running guided rafting on the New and Gauley rivers, kayak clinics, guided fishing, and climbing and rappelling.
Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfittersguide service · Canoeing · Saranac Lake NY
Saranac Lake canoe and kayak outfitter with guided trips and events.
Adventure Outdoors (Glenwood Adventure Company)guide service · Whitewater · Glenwood Springs, CO · not in an area yet
Outfitter running rafting trips, bike rides and other guided adventures from Glenwood Springs and other Colorado towns.
Adventures on the Gorgeguide service · Whitewater · Lansing, WV
Outfitter on the rim of the New River Gorge running guided rafting on the New and Gauley rivers, guided climbing, hikes, fly fishing lessons and paddleboarding.
Alder Creek Kayak & Canoeshop · Kayaking · Portland, OR
Portland paddle shop running kayak, canoe and SUP classes and guided tours.
Alleghany Outdoorsguide service · Tubing · Clifton Forge, VA
Alleghany County parks outfitter offering kayak, tube and bike trips on the Jackson River and Lake Moomaw.
American Whitewaterevent company · Whitewater · P.O. Box 246, Glen Jean, WV 25846
Association / Non-Profit: Navigability rights, river safety databases, dam releases.
Anadyr Adventuresguide service · Kayaking · Valdez, AK · not in an area yet
Valdez outfitter leading guided sea kayak trips in Prince William Sound.
Annapolis Canoe and Kayakshop · Kayaking · Annapolis, MD
Annapolis paddle shop with kayak, canoe and SUP rentals and paddling events on Spa Creek.
Appalachian Outfittersevent company · Canoeing · Dahlonega, GA
Dahlonega outfitter running canoe, kayak and tube trips with shuttles on the Chestatee and Etowah rivers.
Aqua Adventuresshop · Kayaking · San Diego, CA
Mission Bay paddling center with kayak and paddleboard lessons, tours and paddling events.
Augusta Canal National Heritage Areavenue · Kayaking · Augusta, GA
Augusta canal and towpath with guided boat tours, paddling and trails.
Bartram's Gardenvenue · Kayaking · Philadelphia, PA
Riverside garden in Southwest Philadelphia with free boating on the Schuylkill and nature programs.
Blue Heron Whitewaterevent company · Whitewater · Hot Springs, NC
Rafting outfitter on the French Broad in Marshall, near Hot Springs, with half-day, full-day and float trips.
Broad River Outpostshop · Kayaking · Athens, GA
Outfitter in Danielsville near Athens with kayak and canoe trips on the Broad River for all levels.
Broken Paddle Guiding Companyguide service · Kayaking · Winona, MN
Winona guide service leading daily guided kayak paddles on the Mississippi backwaters.
Caldera Kayakshop · Kayaking · Mammoth Lakes, CA · not in an area yet
Kayak tours and rentals on Lake Crowley and Mono Lake near Mammoth Lakes.
California Canoe & Kayakguide service · Kayaking · Oakland, CA
Oakland paddling shop and school offering kayak classes and group tours.
Canoe Kentuckyshop · Kayaking · Frankfort, KY
Frankfort paddling outfitter running guided trips on Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River.
Cape Fear River Adventuresguide service · Tubing · Lillington
Outfitter on the Cape Fear River in Lillington renting kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and tubes, with shuttles and intro kayak classes.
Carolina Outdoor Adventuresguide service · Kayaking · Columbia, SC
Guide service running kayak trips in Congaree National Park and sunset paddles on Lake Murray.
Cartecay River Experienceshop · Tubing · Ellijay, GA
Ellijay outfitter renting tubes and kayaks for floats on the Cartecay River.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Areavenue · Kayaking · Atlanta, GA
National park units along the Chattahoochee with trails, paddling and ranger programs.
Chestatee River Adventuresshop · Kayaking · Dahlonega, GA
Dahlonega outfitter running kayak and tubing trips on the Chestatee River.
City of Winona Parks & Recreationvenue · Kayaking · Winona, MN
City department running Lake Lodge, with canoe, kayak, paddleboard, snowshoe and bike rentals and programs.
Clarkdale Kayak Co.guide service · Kayaking · Clarkdale
Guided and self-guided inflatable kayak trips of about two and a half hours on the Verde River from downtown Clarkdale, with shuttles.
Clarksville Parks and Recreationvenue · Kayaking · Clarksville, TN
Clarksville parks department with the Blueway paddle route, greenway and recreation programs.
Claytor Lake State Parkvenue · Kayaking · Pulaski, VA
State park on Claytor Lake with trails, a marina and ranger programs.
Coast to Coast Paddleguide service · Stand-up paddleboard · Salem, MA
Salem and Beverly paddle outfitter with SUP and kayak lessons, guided tours and a sea kayaking program.
Coastal Expeditionsguide service · Kayaking · Charleston, SC
Charleston outfitter running guided kayak and SUP ecotours, boat trips and rentals.
Cole Watkins Toursguide service · Kayaking · Augusta, GA
Augusta guide offering escorted kayak tours on the Augusta Canal and nearby waterways.
Community Sailing Centerguide service · Kayaking · Burlington, VT
Lakefront community center on Lake Champlain with paddle and sail rentals and programs.
Congaree National Parkvenue · Canoeing · Columbia, SC
National park near Columbia with ranger-led walks, canoe tours and owl prowls.
Cool River Tubingshop · Tubing · Helen, GA
Helen tubing outfitter running Chattahoochee River tube floats.
Door County Kayak Toursguide service · Kayaking · Sturgeon Bay, WI · not in an area yet
Guided kayak and e-bike tours along the Door County shoreline.
Downriver Canoe Companyshop · Canoeing · Front Royal, VA
Shenandoah River outfitter near Front Royal offering canoe, kayak and tube trips.
Dragonfly Outfittersguide service · Kayaking · Bellingham, WA
Bellingham kayak tour company and shop (formerly Dragonfly Kayak Tours) offering guided paddles for beginners.
ECOmersionguide service · Kayaking · St. Petersburg, FL
Guided kayak and paddleboard tours and rentals in Weedon Island Preserve, led by ACA-certified guides.
Ely Outfitting Companyguide service · Canoeing · Ely, MN
Boundary Waters and Quetico canoe outfitter and guide service that also teaches backcountry travel skills.
Epic Paddle Adventuresguide service · Kayaking · Orlando, FL
Orlando clear-kayak and paddleboard tours and rentals.
Everyday Californiaguide service · Kayaking · La Jolla, CA
La Jolla outfitter running guided kayak tours, surf lessons and snorkel trips.
Far Flung Adventuresguide service · Whitewater · Taos, NM · not in an area yet
Taos-area rafting company running Rio Grande and Rio Chama trips.
Front Royal Outdoorsshop · Kayaking · Front Royal, VA
Front Royal outfitter running kayak, canoe, raft and tube trips plus events and programs.
Gatewood Parkvenue · Kayaking · Pulaski, VA
Pulaski County reservoir park with paddlesport rentals, camping and mountain bike trails.
Get Up and Go Kayakingguide service · Kayaking · Orlando, FL
Guided clear-kayak tours on Central Florida springs and rivers.
Golden River Sportsshop · Kayaking · Golden
Golden shop for kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing and fly fishing, with rentals and lessons.
Harpers Ferry Adventure Centerevent company · Tubing · Harpers Ferry, WV
Outfitter near Harpers Ferry offering river tubing, rafting, kayaking and camping.
Harpeth River State Parkvenue · Canoeing · Nashville, TN
Linear state park along the Harpeth River west of Nashville with canoe access and short trails.
Helen Tubingshop · Tubing · Helen, GA
Helen outfitter offering tube floats down the Chattahoochee through town.
Hidden Canyon Kayakguide service · Kayaking · Page, AZ
Page company offering guided kayak and hike tours into Lake Powell side canyons.
Hike Bike Kayak Adventure Toursguide service · Kayaking · La Jolla, CA
La Jolla guide service running kayak, snorkel, bike and hike tours.
Hills Creek State Parkvenue · Kayaking · Wellsboro, PA
State park near Wellsboro with a lake for paddling and fishing and ranger programs on the DCNR calendar.
Hot Springs Rafting Companyevent company · Whitewater · Hot Springs, NC
Outfitter in the center of Hot Springs running guided rafting and self-guided tubing on the French Broad River.
Idaho River Sportsshop · Stand-up paddleboard · Boise, ID
Boise paddle shop by the Boise River offering paddleboard and kayak classes, rentals and events.
Jim Thorpe River Adventuresguide service · Whitewater · Jim Thorpe, PA
Rafting company offering guided Lehigh River whitewater trips from Jim Thorpe.
Jocassee Lake Toursguide service · Kayaking · Salem, SC
Naturalist-guided boat, kayak and waterfall tours on Lake Jocassee.
Kayak Connectionguide service · Kayaking · Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz and Elkhorn Slough outfitter running kayak tours and lessons.
Kayak Nature Toursevent company · Kayaking · Virginia Beach, VA
Virginia Beach sea kayaking guide running dolphin and Back Bay nature paddles.
Kayak Powellguide service · Kayaking · Page, AZ
Page outfitter running guided kayak tours on Lake Powell, including Antelope Canyon.
Kayak Tahoeshop · Kayaking · South Lake Tahoe CA
Lake Tahoe kayak and paddleboard rental shop offering guided paddling tours.
Keweenaw Adventure Companyguide service · Kayaking · Copper Harbor, MI
Copper Harbor guide and outfitter running guided Lake Superior sea kayak tours and mountain bike rentals and shuttles.
Kings River Outfittersguide service · Kayaking · Eureka Springs, AR · not in an area yet
Family-run outfitter near Eureka Springs with canoe, kayak and raft float trips on the Kings River.
Kitty Hawk Kitesguide service · Kayaking · Nags Head, NC
Outer Banks outfitter with kayak tours, surf and kite lessons and seasonal events, including in Nags Head.
La Jolla Kayakguide service · Kayaking · La Jolla, CA
Guide service offering kayak, snorkel and bike tours along the La Jolla coast.
Lake Hartwell State Parkvenue · Kayaking · Anderson, SC
State park on Lake Hartwell west of Anderson with paddling, fishing, camping and ranger programs.
Lake Powell Adventure Companyguide service · Kayaking · Page, AZ
Page outfitter offering kayak, hike and swim tours to Antelope Canyon and other Lake Powell slots.
Laurel Highlands River Tours & Outdoor Centerevent company · Whitewater · Ohiopyle, PA
Ohiopyle outfitter running rafting on the Middle, Lower and Upper Yough, plus bike rentals.
Little River Canyon National Preservevenue · Whitewater · Fort Payne, AL
National preserve on Lookout Mountain near Mentone with canyon hikes, whitewater and ranger programs.
Live Love Paddleshop · Stand-up paddleboard · Austin, TX · not in an area yet
Austin kayak and paddleboard rental outfitter on Lady Bird Lake.
Los Rios River Runnersguide service · Whitewater · Taos, NM · not in an area yet
Taos rafting outfitter with half-day to multi-day Rio Grande and Rio Chama trips.
Mahanaim Adventuresguide service · Kayaking · Wilmington, NC
Guided kayak tours on the creeks and rivers around Wilmington.
Maine Sport Outfittersguide service · Kayaking · Camden, ME
Outfitter in Rockport near Camden running guided kayak, canoe, e-bike and cross-country ski trips.
Manhattan Kayakshop · Kayaking · New York, NY · not in an area yet
Hudson River kayak and SUP outfitter with lessons, tours and rentals in Manhattan.
Merchants Millpond State Parkvenue · Canoeing · Edenton, NC
Cypress-swamp millpond state park north of Edenton known for canoeing, camping and ranger-led paddles.
Mild to Wild Raftingguide service · Whitewater · Durango, CO
Durango outfitter offering rafting, kayaking, Jeep and Mesa Verde tours.
Montana Whitewaterguide service · Whitewater · Big Sky, MT
Outfitter running rafting trips in the Gallatin Canyon near Big Sky since 1992.
Moondance Sea Kayak Adventuresguide service · Kayaking · Bellingham, WA
Bellingham guide service running beginner-friendly sea kayak day trips on Chuckanut Bay and nearby waters.
Moss Bayshop · Kayaking · Seattle
Kayak, paddleboard and sailing center on Lake Union with rentals, guided tours, a kids camp and a summer paddle club. Open weekends in fall, weather permitting.
Namekagon River (St. Croix National Scenic Riverway)venue · Canoeing · Hayward, WI
Site for the Namekagon River near Hayward, a paddling river in a national park unit with junior ranger and visitor programs.
Nantahala Outdoor Centerguide service · Whitewater · Bryson City
Rafting outfitter, paddling school and outdoor store on the Nantahala River.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Ocoee Riverguide service · Whitewater · Benton
Rafting outfitter on the Ocoee River near Benton running guided Middle Ocoee whitewater trips from March through October.
Nature Adventures Outfittersguide service · Kayaking · Charleston, SC
Guided kayak and hiking ecotours in the Charleston area.
New Mexico River Adventuresguide service · Whitewater · Taos, NM · not in an area yet
Rio Grande outfitter near Taos for rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding and climbing.
New River Outdoor Adventuresguide service · Canoeing · Galax, VA
Outfitter on Fries Road near Galax running canoe, kayak and tubing trips plus bike shuttles.
Nuts Outdoorsguide service · Kayaking · Galena, IL
Galena outfitter renting kayaks, paddleboards and e-bikes with guided Mississippi backwater paddles.
OAC Toursguide service · Kayaking · Cottonwood, AZ
Locally owned Cottonwood outfitter running guided Verde River kayak trips and gear rental for beginners.
Ocoee Adventure Centerevent company · Whitewater · Cleveland, TN
Outfitter running guided rafting trips on the Middle and Upper Ocoee, east of Cleveland.
Oconaluftee Islands Parkvenue · Tubing · Cherokee, NC
River island park in Cherokee for wading, tubing and trout fishing, with evening storytelling by a bonfire.
OFF The Driftlessguide service · Kayaking · Decorah, IA
Decorah-based kayak and canoe outfitter on the Upper Iowa River offering rentals, shuttles and adventure outings.
Ohiopyle State Parkvenue · Whitewater · Ohiopyle, PA
State park on the Youghiogheny River gorge with whitewater, waterfalls, the GAP trail and ranger programs.
Olympic Outdoor Centerguide service · Kayaking · Poulsbo, WA
Kitsap paddling outfitter with kayak and SUP classes, tours and rentals, and organizer of Paddle Kitsap.
Osprey Raftingshop · Whitewater · Leavenworth, WA · not in an area yet
Leavenworth outfitter running guided whitewater rafting and river tubing trips.
Outer Banks Kayak Toursguide service · Kayaking · Nags Head, NC
Guided kayak tours on the Outer Banks sounds and marshes.
Outside Hilton Headguide service · Kayaking · Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head outfitter running kayak, boat and bike tours.
Paddle-N-Moreshop · Stand-up paddleboard · Ithaca, NY · not in an area yet
Ithaca paddle shop renting kayaks and paddleboards on Cayuga Lake.
Paddleboard Orlandoguide service · Stand-up paddleboard · Orlando, FL
Paddleboard lessons and guided tours on the Wekiva River from Wekiva Island.
Pangaea Adventuresguide service · Kayaking · Valdez, AK · not in an area yet
Valdez guide service running sea kayaking, glacier hiking and rafting trips.
Pettigrew State Parkvenue · Canoeing · Edenton, NC
State park on Lake Phelps south of Edenton for paddling, birding and hiking, with ranger programs.
Pine Creek Outfittersguide service · Kayaking · Wellsboro, PA
Pine Creek Gorge outfitter running guided rafting, kayaking, canoeing and hiking plus bike rentals and shuttles.
Piragis Northwoods Companyguide service · Canoeing · Ely, MN
Ely outfitter and guide service running guided Boundary Waters and Quetico canoe trips, including group trips.
Pocono Whitewaterguide service · Whitewater · Jim Thorpe, PA
Jim Thorpe outfitter running guided whitewater rafting trips on the Lehigh River.
Port Royal State Historic Parkvenue · Canoeing · Clarksville, TN
Historic park on the Red River near Clarksville with trails and a paddling access point.
Portland Kayak Companyshop · Kayaking · Portland, OR
Willamette River kayak shop offering rentals, lessons and guided paddles.
Powell County Tourism (Red River kayaking)venue · Kayaking · Stanton, KY
Powell County tourism page on paddling the Red River and Mill Creek Lake near Stanton, with rental info.
River John's Outfittersshop · Kayaking · Maryville, TN
Maryville outfitter renting kayaks and canoes for trips on the Little River.
River Ridersevent company · Whitewater · Harpers Ferry, WV
Harpers Ferry outfitter running rafting, tubing, kayaking and biking trips on the Potomac and Shenandoah.
River Runners of Wyomingguide service · Whitewater · Cody, WY
Cody rafting outfitter running family and half-day whitewater trips on the Shoshone River.
River Sports Outfittersshop · Kayaking · Knoxville
Knoxville outdoor shop selling paddling, climbing, camping and bike gear, with kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals at Ijams Nature Center and other seasonal spots.
Riverside Outfittersevent company · Whitewater · Richmond, VA
Richmond outfitter running James River rafting, tubing, kayak and SUP trips.
Rocky Mountain Paddleboardshop · Stand-up paddleboard · Denver
Paddleboard, kayak and canoe rentals and lessons at Front Range lakes including Boulder Reservoir, Cherry Creek, Standley Lake and Georgetown Lake, with full moon paddles.
RushSouth Whitewater Parkvenue · Whitewater · Columbus, GA
Urban whitewater course on the Chattahoochee in Columbus for rafting and kayaking.
RVA Paddlesportsguide service · Whitewater · Richmond, VA
Richmond outfitter running guided James River rafting, kayaking, canoeing and climbing trips for all levels.
Sac State Aquatic Centervenue · Kayaking · Folsom CA
Lake Natoma boating center offering public kayak, paddleboard and sailing classes.
Saco Boundshop · Canoeing · Conway, NH
Outfitter on the Saco River offering canoe, kayak and tubing trips and rentals.
Saco River Canoe & Kayakshop · Canoeing · Fryeburg, ME
Fryeburg outfitter renting canoes and kayaks and running shuttles for Saco River paddles.
Santa Barbara Adventure Companyguide service · Kayaking · Santa Barbara, CA
Guide service running kayak, hiking and biking tours around Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands.
Sea Trekguide service · Kayaking · Sausalito, CA
Sausalito outfitter offering guided kayak and SUP tours, classes and community paddle events.
Seven Bends State Parkvenue · Kayaking · Woodstock, VA
State park on the North Fork near Woodstock with paddling, hiking and ranger programs.
Sheltowee Trace Outfittersevent company · Whitewater · Corbin, KY
Corbin outfitter near Cumberland Falls running guided rafting, kayak, canoe and boat trips.
Shenandoah River Outfittersshop · Canoeing · Luray, VA
Luray outfitter renting canoes, kayaks and tubes for trips on the Shenandoah River.
Shenandoah River State Parkvenue · Canoeing · Front Royal, VA
State park on the South Fork with river access, trails and ranger programs.
Sheri Griffith River Expeditionsguide service · Whitewater · Moab, UT
Moab river outfitter running rafting trips on the Colorado and Green rivers.
Silver Springs State Parkvenue · Kayaking · Ocala, FL
Ocala state park at the head of the Silver River with glass-bottom boats, paddling and trails.
Smith Mountain Lake State Parkvenue · Kayaking · Bedford, VA
State park on Smith Mountain Lake with trails, swimming and ranger-led programs.
Smoky Mountain Kayak Fishingguide service · Kayaking · Robbinsville, NC
Graham County guide service offering guided kayak fishing and rentals on Santeetlah and Fontana lakes.
SouthEast Expeditionsevent company · Kayaking · Cape Charles, VA
Eastern Shore kayak guide running beginner-friendly paddles to barrier islands near Cape Charles.
St. Regis Canoe Outfittersguide service · Canoeing · Saranac Lake NY
Canoe outfitter offering guided trips, rentals and route planning in the St. Regis wilderness.
Starved Rock Kayakingguide service · Kayaking · Utica, IL
Canoe and kayak rental and shuttle service for paddling near Starved Rock.
Sun Country Toursguide service · Whitewater · Bend, OR
Bend outfitter running guided whitewater rafting and tubing trips.
Tangent Outfittersshop · Kayaking · Pearisburg, VA
New River outfitter offering paddling and bike trips near Pembroke.
Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoeshop · Stand-up paddleboard · Bend, OR
Bend paddle shop on the Deschutes with lessons, tours and paddling events.
U.S. National Whitewater Centervenue · Whitewater · Charlotte
Charlotte outdoor center with whitewater, trails, climbing and races.
UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Programvenue · Kayaking · Duluth, MN
University of Minnesota Duluth outdoor program offering paddling, sea kayaking and climbing trips and courses open to the community.
Umiak Outdoor Outfittersshop · Kayaking · Stowe VT
Stowe outdoor shop offering guided paddling trips, rentals and snowshoe tours.
Urban Kayaksguide service · Kayaking · Chicago, IL
Chicago River and lakefront kayak tours and rentals from the Riverwalk.
Verde Adventuresguide service · Tubing · Cottonwood
Verde River outfitter in Cottonwood with self-guided tubing and inflatable kayak floats, including a float that ends at a vineyard.
Vermont Canoe and Kayakguide service · Kayaking · Jeffersonville, VT
Lamoille River outfitter with rentals, shuttles and guided paddle tours.
Virginia Coast Ecotoursevent company · Kayaking · Cape Charles, VA
Eastern Shore guide offering kayak, sailing and naturalist boat trips from Cape Charles.
Wateridersguide service · Kayaking · Chicago, IL
Guided Chicago River kayak tours and rentals.
Weedon Island Preservevenue · Kayaking · St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County preserve with a mangrove paddling trail, boardwalks and a cultural center with nature programs.
White Water Adventurersevent company · Whitewater · Ohiopyle, PA
Rafting outfitter running family and adventure trips on the Middle and Lower Yough.
Whitewater Expressshop · Whitewater · Columbus, GA
Rafting outfitter running guided trips on the Chattahoochee in Columbus and other Southeast rivers.
Wilderness Canoe Companyguide service · Canoeing · Lexington, VA
James River outfitter at Natural Bridge Station renting canoes, kayaks and tubes with shuttles.
Wilderness Inquiryguide service · Canoeing · Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis nonprofit running inclusive paddling, hiking and camping trips, including family and women-only trips.
Wilderness Voyageursevent company · Whitewater · Ohiopyle, PA
Ohiopyle outfitter offering guided Yough rafting, bike tours and an adventure calendar.
Wildwood Outfittersshop · Canoeing · Helen, GA
Long-running Helen outfitter with canoe, kayak and tube trips on the upper Chattahoochee.
Wrightsville SUPshop · Stand-up paddleboard · Wilmington, NC
Wrightsville Beach outfitter offering paddleboard lessons, tours, sunrise paddles and SUP yoga.