SELF-SUPORT KAYAK EXPEDITIONS
Multi-day paddling is quite possibly my favorite way to spend time on the river. Take the sheer joy of paddling through a beautiful place, the excitement and bliss attained from hitting your moves, and add in the joys of backpacking, minus the sore back and blisters, and you start to get the idea. Ever wonder what your favorite river looks like at night? Or how it feels to experience the coming and going of light, wildlife, and a new day from a beach halfway down a remote wilderness river? What about the simple pleasure of waking on the side of a river to the promising dawn light, knowing all you have to do is paddle to your next campsite, where a warm fire and camaraderie will ensure a proper close to another memorable day on the river?
If the idea of an overnighter tickles your fancy, but you would prefer to have a little guidance from some of the most experienced overnight paddlers in the area, join us on an overnight paddling session designed to both instruct clients on the basics of everything involved, from equipment to techniques, as well as to simply share some of the best in overnight experiences that the south has to offer - The Obed and Big South Fork river systems.
2025 Trip Date: February 7th through 9th (Friday to Sunday)
Trip Cost: $450 - only 2 slots left!
This is a group-oriented session. 3 people is the minimum number of participants without additional cost, and 8 people is the maximum.
DEPOSITS/CANCELLATION POLICY:
To secure your spot, you must pay a non-refundable, non-transferrable $200 deposit. Once paid, your spot will be held for you. The remaining trip balance is due 30 days before the start of the trip. Unfortunately we can’t offer refunds, since we lose the opportunity to sell your spot on the trip once you have secured it. It can be very difficult and time-consuming to fill last minute cancellations, and could threaten the viability of the trip for the rest of the paddlers attending. You may choose to find a competent replacement in the event of a need to cancel. If they join the trip and pay the full trip cost, your trip deposit may be used to secure a spot for the same trip the following year.
difficulty of whitewater/venue selection
Water levels and weather conditions dictate what will offer the best section for the overnight session. Options include DBT to Nemo on the Obed River, the 18-mile Obed (which includes Daddy's Creek), the Upper Obed through the Obed Canyon, the Clear Creek Overnighter, Big South Fork Gorge, the Lower Big South Fork (27 miles) and the Clear Fork. These sections range from Class I-II to Class III+. Choice of difficulty will partly depend on water levels and group preference. If the water is lower, Class II may be all that is available, whereas if the water is higher, plenty of options will abound. The purpose of the clinic is to effectively train folks on how to live out of their kayak/canoe. In this case, participants need the requisite equipment and skill to paddle Class II-III whitewater with a splash of Class III+, all the while having an extra 20-30 lbs in their boat (this means a reliable roll). Comfort on the Ocoee, Obed, Big South Fork, Pigeon, French Broad and Nolichucky, or similar, is ideal. An overnighter isn't the time to step it up, so please be forthright with your abilities.
If the group elects to stick to Class II or less, this can be accommodated as well - there are some fantastic runs of this difficulty. Competence on the Hiwassee, Nantahala, Cartecay, Elkhorn Creek, Lower Green is recommended. If this isn't you, please reach out and I'll be happy to custom-tailor a trip to your needs.
required equipment
We're backpacking out of our kayaks! Our kayak can hold a little less than a full-size backpack. If you're bringing an open boat you can hold more, but if it's an appropriate whitewater canoe, space is still limited. What this means is that:
a) You're going to need quality, ultralight gear for winter camping, cooking, eating, shelter, bedding, clothing, etc.
b) As that stuff is pricey, we couldn't possibly provide it for everyone
c) If you're not already a backpacker, you're going to spend more on the gear than the trip cost!
Having the right gear, knowing how to use it, and being adaptive is what it takes to do well in the wilderness night after night, all the while experiencing the wonders these excursions afford with a smile. We can help with the latter, but you'll need to show up with the kit. I'm happy to consult on purchases, and once folks are committed, I'll share more info on what's needed. However, here is a list of a few of the pricier items you'll need, so you can start shopping or asking favors:
ultralight (1-3 lbs) compact down sleeping bag of 20-30 degree rating
ultralight compact sleeping pad with decent warmth rating ( around l lb)
ultralight compact (are you getting the theme here?) shelter system
appropriate stove/cookwear
safe/effective water treatment system
warm dry clothing - synthetics/down, - NO COTTON!
drybags - Watershed or bust! - I like Chattooga's, an Ocoee, and a Salmon or Futa Stow Float. Make sure it all fits, both gear in the bags and bags in the boat!
boat - you'll need a good full-sized creekboat
Food - please no MRE's! Many folks will just go with Freeze-dried backpacker varieties like Mountain House, Backpackers Pantry, and others, but you can make similar things for much less cost, that taste better. Instant Pasta or Rice, with spices and veggies/meats of your choice, and you have a great dinner. hint: a little butter and powdered milk can go a long way with these. Think light and energetic on lunch - cured meats, cheese, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, bagels, energy bars. Oatmeal is usually common for breakfast due to it's light weight and limited amount of bites possible before gagolibrium is reached. Spruce it up with nuts, fruit, and if you're a carnivore, a little pre-cooked sausage or bacon is nice on the side. Hot drinks are a boost! Coffee, cider, tea, whatever you like, and a thermos with hot water. Re-packaging is key, and weight is your enemy! Plan each meal, and bring just a little extra. Don't try new recipes in the field. Do a few at home weeks prior to ensure you have it down and that you like them.
Finally, this is not an all inclusive commercial rafting trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon. You're gonna support yourself. It's a little more work, but oh the satisfaction!
General Itinerary
In the weeks prior to the trip, I'll confer with the group to ensure everyone has what they need, and a plan for how it will work with their "system." As the date becomes imminent, we'll decide on a destination and shore up logistics/meet times. Due to the exposure of a winter overnighter, anyone who shows up with something less than what is required will be turned away. We'll do our very best to see that you're prepared for this trip and have what you need, so make sure you follow through on preparations. We'll have a check-out on everyone's gear, and help with packing. Try to have it all ready when you leave the house if possible. If everyone shows up with a pile of stuff and they haven't done any practice pack-sessions and still have re-packaging to do, and still haven't decided whether to bring this and that, .... you can see that a situation like that can add several hours to a departure. Remember, we're here to help, so fire away with questions.
Carpooling would be great for any members of the group that can make it work.
Once on the water, our self-support voyage into the wilds of canyon-country begins! This isn't a kayak instruction program, but we'll be happy to give tips when solicited. Downstream progress will be the focus, as the best way to have a comfortable night at camp is to have plenty of daylight to get situated. Not to mention there will be some opportunities for side-hikes and exploration (a crucial part of the fun) at certain camps. At camp we'll help in any way we can in site selection, set-up, and equipment quirks. We all learn every trip, myself and my assistant included, so bring your knowledge to the table!
We'll have a set time that we need to be out of camp each morning, and from experience I can tell you that it will take a bit longer (maybe double the time or more) to pack everything up as it did to unload it.
if you’d like to join our 2025 trip or are interested in a custom trip, fill out the form below!
photo by Jeff Moore
