I love to kayak.
My friends love to kayak.
When we hit the Flint River, Paint Rock River, or road trip to another fun float destination, we are never alone. There are always others on the water, floating, chilling, and having a good day!
If you are like me and judge your summer by how many times you can get on the water, this blog is not for you. In fact, holler the next time you see me on the Flint!
BUT, if you are thinking about trying to kayak, or maybe did it once or twice and are interested in trying again? THIS BLOG IS FOR YOU!
Kayaking in the Huntsville Area
The picture above is of me on my first kayaking trip on the Flint River in 2018. I’m in a rented kayak from Brown Bear Canoe and Kayak Rentals.
Here is me now, in my own personal kayak!
WHERE TO GO
Brown Bear Canoe & Kayak
101 Michael Dr, Huntsville, AL 35811
256-885-6546
Routes from Brown Bear at Winchester Rd. to Hwy. 72 (5-6 hours) and from O.Patterson to Brown Bear, or Brown Bear to Ryland Pike (3-4 hours)
Canoes- $70
Tandems-$70
Kayaks- $40
Kids Kayaks- $25
*All rental prices include shuttle and parking
Shuttles -$15 per person
*shuttle prices include parking
North Alabama Canoe and Kayak
1143 Moontown Rd, Brownsboro, AL 35741
256-529-0357
3.5 hour average trip time
$45 per person for rentals
Kids 6-12 years of age $25 per child
Children 5 and under are free
Shuttle for $25 per person
Paint Rock Canoe And Kayak Rental
3250 John T Reid Parkway Paint Rock, AL 35764
256-508-9292
Shuttle -$15 per person
Kayaks- $40
Tandems-$70
Canoes- $60
Kids Kayaks- $25
Shuttles -$15 per boat
Park & Launch – $10
WHAT TO BRING
If you are renting a kayak or canoe, life vests and paddles will be provided. Here are the essentials you need to bring with you –
- water-friendly shoes
- sunblock, hat & sunglasses
- small cooler (snacks, drinks & koozie)
- waterproof Bluetooth speaker if you want to jam tunes
- a waterproof place to put your phone (dry box, dry bag, or bring ziplock bags that you can double up)
- small plastic bag to collect your trash (stow it in the boat with you and throw it away when you’re done)
DON’T BE SURPRISED IF…
- You see lots of wildlife.
I’ve seen egrets, jumping fish, snakes in and out of the water, turtles, spiders, muskrats, and an OWL!! Just float on by and pay them no mind. And if you see a snake in the water, hang back until it crosses, and then continue on your way!
- You make new friends.
Weekends on the river are busy with like-minded folk. Don’t be surprised if you end up making friends and gaining a few extra boats in your flotilla!
- You become obsessed with kayaking!
It happens to the best of us. You kayak once or twice and fall in love. The next thing you know you have your own boat, it’s covered in stickers, and you’ve named it!
Embrace your love of being on the water and go for it!
Me, May 2021
Amy Jones has been a marketing professional in Huntsville for 20 years, with experience in all aspects of marketing, pr, media relations, event management, digital content, and design. Amy is the proud and busy momma of two boys, who keep things loud and fun. For fun she skateboards, rides her scooter, and kayaks (though sadly not at the same time!).
Check out @yakkingdawgs on Instagram.
We try to float somewhere different each weekend mainly north Alabama and give out free hotdogs. I started this early summer this year as a way to surprise people and meet fellow floaters. We find a good spot half way to pull over and start grilling and asking people if they want a free hotdog. People are so shocked and happy (when they realize we aren’t scammers, lol).