Kayaking in the Smokies
(East Tennessee, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountain Kayaking)

Find your roots kayaking in the heart of the Smoky Mountains! Rapid Expeditions is proud to offer kayaking lessons, kayak clinics and kayak classes for novices and experts alike. Dave Crawford, a certified kayaking instructor and owner of Rapid Expeditions, will show you a great day on the water, whether it's your first time in a boat or you're looking to hone your skills in a particular area.

Beginner Kayaking Classes
Perfect for those new to the sport of kayaking
Start off right with a beginners kayaking clinic with Rapid Expeditions. These professionally instructed courses are designed to introduce the sport to those who have never been in a boat. Roll technique, paddling technique, reading the water and safety & rescue are just a few of the topics we will cover in this 4-5 hour clinic. Trips can be arranged to go to other neighboring rivers and creeks for those new to the scene who are looking to familiarize themselves with the sport.

$125 per person if you have your own gear (maximum 5 per class)
$150 per person if you don't have gear, we will supply (maximum 5 per class)
To register, call 1-888-504-7238 or contact us >>

Whitewater Kayaking Clinics
Your own personal trainer on the water
A great way to gain the confidence and skills you need to tackle East Tennessee and Western North Carolina's top whitewater destinations. Dave Crawford, a certified kayak instructor, will help you customize your lesson plan to fit your exact needs. Work on specific skills and techniques, along with safety and rescue such as z-drags, taglines and stabilization lines. Classes are 1-on-1 with an ACA (American Canoe Association) certified instructor, and we guarantee this will increase you paddling skills.

$200 per person, individually instructed, equipment included
To register, call 1-888-504-7238 or contact us >>

Free Wednesday Night Roll Clinics
There's a first time for everything
Join Rapid Expeditions every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. for a FREE roll clinic class. Professionally instructed and designed for anyone interested in testing out the waters! This is a great way to introduce yourself to the wonderful sport of kayaking without any obligations. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email.

Call 1-888-504-7238 or contact us >>

Kayaking Basics

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking is differentiated from canoeing by the fact that they use a two bladed paddle. Another major difference is in the way the paddler sits in the boat. Kayakers sit in a seat on the bottom of the boat with their legs extended out in front of them. Canoers will either sit on an elevated bench seat or kneel directly on the bottom of the boat.

Whitewater kayaking involves taking a kayak down rapids. Sea kayaking sometimes also referred to as Ocean Kayaking involves taking kayaks out on to the ocean or other open water. Sea kayaking can involve short paddles with a return to the starting point or "put-in" or expeditions covering many miles and days. Kayaking of all kinds has continued to increase in general popularity through the 1990's and early 21st century.

Kayaks are classified by their intended use. There are five primary classifications: whitewater, surf, touring/expedition, light touring/day tripping and general recreation. From these primary classifications stem many sub-classes. For example, a fishing kayak is simply a general recreation kayak outfitted with features and accessories that make it an easier kayak to fish from. Also within these classifications are many levels of performance which further separate the individual models. In other words, not all touring kayaks handle the same.

There are two major configurations of kayaks — "sit on tops" which as the name suggests involves sitting on top of the kayak in an open area and "cockpit style" which involves sitting with the legs and hips inside the kayak hull and a "spray skirt" that creates a watertight barrier around your waist. Whether a kayak is a sit-on-top or a cockpit style has nothing to do with which classification it falls under. Both configurations are represented in each of the five primary classifications.

You have to start somewhere!

And, we think you'll be surprised at how comfortable it is once you're in a kayak and on the water. Plus, the sport of kayaking offers an outstanding mental and physical workout and is something you can enjoy for a lifetime. People of all ages are enjoying the sport every day throughout the world.

For adrenaline junkies, kayaking can be an exhilarating opportunity to let it all hang out. Or for those looking for a less intense workout, kayaking is great because it is such a low-impact sport. On flat water, kayaking can be as strenuous as you want it to be, or, simply glide along effortlessly as your relax your mind and body on the water. Kayaking really is for everyone — even those with physical disabilities.

Make sure to check out our FREE Wednesday night roll clinics >>

Tennessee/North Carolina Kayaking Rivers

Nantahala River

Cheoah River

Green River

Ocoee River

Big Pigeon River

Little Pigeon River