Learn basic kayaking skills with certified kayak instructors while paddling Floyds Fork!

Join the Parklands Education team for a kayak paddle on Floyds Fork. Participants will learn basic kayaking skills and safety knowledge while paddling provided kayaks from North Beckley Paddling Access to Creekside Paddling Access in Beckley Creek Park. The group will meet at the PNC Achievement Center in Beckley Creek Park and shuttle to North Beckley Paddling Access.

This 2-mile paddle trip will let participants experience the wonder of Floyds Fork up close while also learning sound kayaking skills.

Instructors are certified through the American Canoe Association. All equipment for participation will be provided including kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Life jackets will be required for participation.

Recommended for visitors 12 years of age and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Cost: $35 Parklands Members,$40 non-members

Program is subject to cancellation based on weather and water conditions at which time a refund will be provided. 

What to Bring

Footwear: wear shoes that you don’t mind stepping into the creek with and that fit securely on your feet with a back strap – sharp rocks and other debris are sometimes present in the water and on the gravel bars, so shoes must be worn. Flip flops or slides are NOT recommended.

Clothes: wear clothes that can get wet and easily dry out. Avoid wearing cotton and jeans, opt for synthetic quick-dry materials or wool if the temperature is cold.   You may want to bring an extra pair of dry clothes and shoes to change into after the trip

Sunscreen

Water/ snacks  

Dry bag

Know before you go 

-We do not offer tandem (two-person) kayaks or canoes at this time. Each kayak fits one person, each person registering must be able to kayak on their own.

-Participants must be 12 years old and up. Any person under 18 is required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

-We will not be swimming during this programs – Floyds Fork is rated as a secondary contact water source and not rated for swimming.

-The use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs is prohibited during the program.

-A locked box will be available for participants to put small personal items like keys and wallets into if they choose. We do not suggest bringing valuable items with you on the water or leaving them in your car.

– We typically do not get in the water if the combined air and water temperature is below 110 degrees Fahrenheit and if the CFS (stream flow rate) is greater than 300 or below 50. However, the cancellation will be determined by the ACA-certified guide and made based on any present risk factors.

-A typical recreational kayak has a weight limit of 250 – 300 lbs.

-Cancellation policy Our weather and the conditions of the creek are extremely unpredictable. To ensure optimal enjoyment of the program we may cancel if the weather or creek conditions are a problem. We will make every effort to reschedule the program. If accommodation cannot be made or a participant cannot make it to the rescheduled date, we will offer a full refund of the program to that individual.