Rentals and tours are provided under Blue Heron Adventures – the recreation arm of Catawba Riverkeeper. When you book a recreation experience with Blue Heron Adventures, you are helping fund the mission-critical work of Catawba Riverkeeper.
Rent kayaks, stand up paddleboards, or canoes at The Boathouse!
Guests can rent a boat and enjoy a self-guided paddling experience along the South Fork of the Catawba River just steps from our front door. With some slight upstream current, this option is great for those that have paddled before or have enjoyed our other various Kayak Rental options.
After a brief safety talk and introduction to the area, you’re free to explore the shoals, wildlife, and shoreline of a half mile area upstream from the launch.
Kayaks – $25 (single OR tandem)
Stand Up Paddleboards – $25
Canoes – $25
Rental fee includes boat, paddle, PFD, and safety instruction. Guests should dress comfortably in clothes that can, and will, get wet. Shoes with a heel strap are encouraged.
All rentals are walk-up only Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM – 4 PM. No reservations necessary.
South fork Rapids Tours
2022 tours begin in july
Location: Spencer Mountain to The Boathouse (meet at The Boathouse, shuttle provided)
Enjoy an authentic river experience with professional guides! Guests will meet at The Boathouse and be fitted with all required gear (PFD, helmet, paddle). A 10-minute shuttle ride will take you to Spencer Mountain where you’ll launch 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 accessible to many skills levels, but includes low Class I and Class II 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 Boathouse.
$50 guided tour fee includes kayak, paddle, helmet, Personal Floatation Device, safety instruction, and shuttle to Spencer Mountain. 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.
Age minimum: 12 years old. Weight limit on kayaks: 250 lbs.
Group Registration
Want to book a private tour for a group of 6 or more?
