Transportation

Watercraft Options

• Solo Kayaking

  This is ideal for individuals looking for a versatile and agile option. Kayaks have a shorter leaning curve than canoes, since the paddle strokes are limited to forwards and backwards. Given the shallow sidewalls learning to lean into obstacles can keep the kayak upright when you get in situations when you get pushed into obstacles.

  most of our kayaks are sit-in style with a large open cockpit, we also offer sit-on-top style kayaks designed for easy recovery in the event of capsizing. 

• Canoeing

  This is best suited for those seeking a traditional paddling experience. While canoes can be challenging due to their larger size they are excellent for serene trips and family outings. Learning the draw stroke is key to effectively controlling a canoe, allowing for precise steering and stability. given there high sidewalls and increased water displacement canoes can be one of the most stable craft on the river.

  We offer solo and tandem canoes, in sizes: 15′ 6″, 15’8″, 16′, and 16’9″

• Rafting

  This is a great choice for groups or families. Rafts are the most stable and forgiving, making them perfect for beginners and those looking for a relaxed ride.

  We offer both 4 and 6 person rafts, if you are bringing great or large bags consider upsizing. Soft sided coolers only, we have some in the office if needed, no hard coolers in the rafts due to impacts with rocks or the riverbed.

Watercraft Stability

• Stability (Size and Displacement)

  Larger watercraft like rafts displace more water, making them inherently more stable. Solo canoes, due to their water displacement relative to the paddler’s weight, are also highly stable. With kayaks being the least stable in terms of displacement they make up for in haptic feedback from river, solo craft allows you to react to the river and not your partner as the case with tandem canoes.

• Maneuverability

  Solo canoes and kayaks are quite maneuverable, allowing for quick adjustments, however they are limited in the direction of paddling requiring forethought one river position.

  Rafts, while stable, are less maneuverable due to their size.

  Solo canoes offer the most stability and maneuverability providing the user learns the correct paddle stokes, two-person canoes can achieve similar stability if the users work together and position the larger heavier canoe in the stream prior to obstacles.

• Paddling Technique

  Proper techniques like the draw stroke for canoes and efficient paddle strokes for kayaks enhance stability and control. Solo kayaks, while easier to learn, require vigilance to avoid taking on water due to their lower sidewalls.

  When paddled solo, canoes are incredibly stable due to their water displacement relative to the one person’s weight inside of them. They are also highly maneuverable with a single paddler utilizing the draw stroke and back paddle.

  Kayaking is easy to learn with forward and backward paddle strokes. However, they are smaller and displace less water relative to the weight in them. The lack of ability to use a draw stroke to pull the paddler away from obstacles, paired with the low sidewalls, means they can take on water easily. However, solo paddlers can make quick corrections without relying on a partner.

  Draw Stroke

  Learning the Draw Stroke is the fastest way to position canoes and rafts, Using this in combination with a back paddle, individuals and teams can maneuver the twists and whitewater rapids the Pine River offers. Since Kayak paddles are not designed for the technique users will have to rely on river position to avoid obstacles.

  The Lean

  Another key tip for canoes and kayaks is to always lean down stream, this allows for less of the boat to be subject to water pressure and suction. Generally this means leaning into any object you may hit along the river. 

Transportation Services and Schedule

• Transportation Schedule

  Watercraft rentals are available daily between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  Shuttle buses leave our office on the hour for Peterson to Low Bridge (9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.)
  Shuttles leave on the half-hour for Dobson and upstream (9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.).
  The 5-hour Dobson to Low Bridge trip only runs at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (no rafts for the 10:30)

• Transportation Services

  We offer a full-service transportation model to ensure your trip is seamless from start to finish. Our shuttle services will transport you and your watercraft to the starting point and aassist you in placing your vehicle ant your ending point prior to your trip. Allowing you to focus solely on enjoying the river. Our team is always available to assist with loading and unloading, making the logistics hassle-free.

  Please arrive at the office at least 10 to 15 minutes prior to your trip. Transportation is offered from your Take-Out to your Put-In. Follow the bus from our office to your endpoint to park your vehicles at your Take-Out. From there, you will be shuttled back to the Put-In. This way, when you finish your trip, you can leave the watercraft at your Take-Out, and drive away directly from there.