Rental Policies

before heading out on the water,

know what to expect during your rental.

At River Canyon Kayaks, our goal is simple: give you a fun, smooth, and memorable time on the water. The guidelines below are here to keep everyone safe, protect our equipment, and make sure your experience goes off without a hitch.

Rental Policies

Your Experience on the water

All rentals are self-guided, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

No guides or staff accompany you on the water
We do not offer pickup or rescue services
You’ll launch and return to the same location

We recommend staying close to shore and paddling within your comfort level so you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Safety First

(So You Can Enjoy More)

The Tennessee River is beautiful - but like any natural environment, conditions can vary. You may encounter:

Boat traffic and wakes
Currents and changing water levels
Weather changes
Physical exertion

We want you to have a great time, so please paddle responsibly and within your limits.

Safety Requirements

To keep everyone safe and stress-free:

Life jackets (PFDs) must be worn at all times
Minimum age: 12 years old
Minors must be supervised by an adult
No alcohol or drugs before or during your rental

Following these guidelines helps ensure a safe and enjoyable outing for everyone.

Simple Guidelines for

a Great Trip

A few easy tips to make your experience seamless:

Stay within about 20 feet of the shoreline
Follow the recommended route
Plan to return within your scheduled time
Standard rental time is 2 hours

Returning Your Equipment

We schedule rentals closely to keep things running smoothly for all guests.

Late returns incur a $40 fee, plus hourly rental charges. Equipment not returned within 12 hours may be considered lost.

If you think you’ll be late, just communicate with us - we appreciate the heads up!

Equipment Care

We take pride in providing clean, reliable gear, and we ask that you treat it with care. If items are lost or damaged, the following replacement costs apply:

Kayak / Canoe / Paddleboard: $750
Paddle: $200
Life Jacket (PFD): $100