Twin River Outfitters, Virginia, United States
5.0 (162 reviews) Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent Ranking #1 in Buchanan Boat Tours • Water Sports • Boat Rentals • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Kayaking & Canoeing
Kayaking down the river might be more work than you expect
We rented kayaks here for paddling down the James River. We were pleased that this company makes it easy to choose an adventure and rent the equipment. They even lend you the dry cases and dry bags for cell phone, keys, etc. for no additional cost. You make reservations online ahead of time. When you arrive you check in at the building across the street (and can use the restroom or changing rooms). Then you get a lifejacket and have a quick video and oral lesson with a few pointers. Then they bus you up to the point on the river where you get your kayaks. This is where it was a little confusing. You may not remember which type of kayak you had registered for and they are all there together with no person to distribute. For me it was my first time ever kayaking so I didn't know what to do. And no one gave instruction. By watching others I figured out you grab paddles (but I didn't know which ones) and you grab a kayak (and I didn't know which one) and you shove off into the river. That would be well and good if one has ever kayaked before. And I should mention there were class 1 and class 2 rapids on this 9-mile trip down the river. As I was a newbie and had zero instruction, I got turned around backwards right at the top of first rapid. And maybe because of my nerves I got turned around sideways or backward at every rapid. So scary. There should have been kayaking instruction given before ever letting newbies go down the river with no guide. (tears and panic attacks were experienced) The river level was low from summer draught so the current wasn't very swift. We had to literally paddle for 4 hours to get down river to starting point. We are strong and in-shape and it was a lot of tiring work. (Just making it real so you know what to expect.)
Address
640 Lowe St, Buchanan, Virginia, United States, Postal Code: 24066-5560.
Mobile
Website
http://canoevirginia.net
Working hours
Monday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Current local date and time now
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 23:56
User Ratings
5.0 based on (162 reviews)
Reviews
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5Ben P 5:00 PM Jul 22, 2021
Scout Troop 5-day full trip
Scout troop 5-day trip with 7 boys and 2 adults. The schedule was extremely well organized and everything went well. Boys learned they had to paddle the first day, struggled on the long 2nd day, but really enjoyed the last few days. Campsites all had tables, firepits, port-a-potties, and level tent areas, so easy to camp in. I would suggest heavier shoes for dry times (gravel is a little too big for sandals, but they worked). Also, plan to stop in Buchanan day 3 for lunch. The scouts really enjoy the break. Then day 4 when you return to Buchanan to move your vehicles to the final campground, you can run out for pizza on the way back. Also, pack knowing that everything will be moved into large dry bags when you arrive (avoid large backpacks, opt for 2L zip lock baggies) Be sure to do the final day of rapids in kayaks. That was a really great finish for the boys. Well worth the price to have all the campsites lined up, canoes/kayaks transported, and dry bags provided. I will recommend the trip at our next Round Table.
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4Diane B 5:00 PM Aug 19, 2021
Kayaking down the river might be more work than you expect
We rented kayaks here for paddling down the James River. We were pleased that this company makes it easy to choose an adventure and rent the equipment. They even lend you the dry cases and dry bags for cell phone, keys, etc. for no additional cost. You make reservations online ahead of time. When you arrive you check in at the building across the street (and can use the restroom or changing rooms). Then you get a lifejacket and have a quick video and oral lesson with a few pointers. Then they bus you up to the point on the river where you get your kayaks. This is where it was a little confusing. You may not remember which type of kayak you had registered for and they are all there together with no person to distribute. For me it was my first time ever kayaking so I didn't know what to do. And no one gave instruction. By watching others I figured out you grab paddles (but I didn't know which ones) and you grab a kayak (and I didn't know which one) and you shove off into the river. That would be well and good if one has ever kayaked before. And I should mention there were class 1 and class 2 rapids on this 9-mile trip down the river. As I was a newbie and had zero instruction, I got turned around backwards right at the top of first rapid. And maybe because of my nerves I got turned around sideways or backward at every rapid. So scary. There should have been kayaking instruction given before ever letting newbies go down the river with no guide. (tears and panic attacks were experienced) The river level was low from summer draught so the current wasn't very swift. We had to literally paddle for 4 hours to get down river to starting point. We are strong and in-shape and it was a lot of tiring work. (Just making it real so you know what to expect.)
