Four weeks ago the Harpeth River was overflowing its banks in Nashville, Kingston Springs, and many other towns in the Middle Tennessee area.

Middle Tennessee received a record rainfall in a 48 hour time span.

The Harpeth River overflowed its banks flowing over bridges, washing out train tracks & trestles, and washing at least four homes right off their foundation.  It flooded hundreds and hundreds of homes, some right to the roof tops, and shut down miles of Interstate 40 in both directions.

The town of Kingston Springs became an Island surrounded by flood water.

Today, the Harpeth River has receded back to its normal level, looking like it always does as if nothing has happened except for trees pushed down along the banks.

I have been kayaking and canoeing the Harpeth River for over 12 years.  The last time I kayaked the Harpeth was three weeks before the flood. I paddled a 12 mile stretch of river I had never paddled before.  I started at the McCrory Lane put – in and paddled down to the Kingston Springs City Park. It was peaceful and beautiful.

If you are looking for a place to kayak or canoe you need to paddle the Harpeth River.  Although some put – ins are still closed because of the flood, there are still many put – ins and take – outs along the river to fit your paddling ability. Click here to go to the Tennessee State Parks Website for the latest information on The Harpeth River.

If you are looking for canoe & kayak outfitters you have your pick of several right here in Kingston Springs. Just Google: canoeing Kingston Springs.

Looking for paddling locations in your state?

Search our places to paddle page for places to kayak or canoe for flatwater or whitewater.  Kayaking and canoeing paddling locations are listed by U.S. State.

Buying a kayak can be easy and fun. If you have kayaking experience than you probably know what type of kayak you are interested in and it’s just a matter of shopping around to find the best kayak deals. If you’re new to kayaking than it will and should take you longer to choose the right kayak.  You want to make sure the kayak you choose fits the type of paddling you are planning on doing.

With proper care, and storage, the kayak you purchase can last you many, many years.  You will probably decide to purchase a different type of kayak way before the kayak you own needs replacing. Then you can decide to place your used kayak for sale or keep it to add to your collection.

New to kayaking

If you’re new to kayaking than you need to decide what type of kayaking you would enjoy.

 I mostly enjoy flatwater kayaking. I like to kayak on lakes, ponds, and rivers, although I do enjoy a little whitewater, like a class I or II. I also had children I wanted to take kayaking on lakes and ponds so I needed a kayak that was wide and stable enough so I can sit a child in the kayak with me. The kayak I purchased was a Perception Swifty. It has a wide cockpit for easy entry and exit and I can sit my child in it with me. It’s about 9.5 feet long so it was easy for me to put on the roof rack of my car. My son and daughter both loved paddling with me. When they got older, they got their own Perception Swifty kayak.  So now we are a kayaking family. Many recreational kayaks come with an accessory option for an extra slip- in seat for your child.

• To find out what type of kayaking you would enjoy you will need to do some research. Look for kayaking events, paddling races, festivals, paddlefests, or demonstrations around where you live. Many times kayaking events will have kayaking demonstrations.  You might be able to try out different types of kayaks or speak with other kayakers.  To find these paddling events, check with your local kayaking stores or check out our kayak, canoe, paddling events page.  Just click on the state or month. We have listings for all over the United States.
• You can also check out our How to choose a kayak page  to find more helpful information in choosing the right kayak for you.

Once you decide which kayak is for you, you can start shopping around for the best price. Check your local stores for sales and also check online stores. Click here to find some of the best kayak deals.

When you have your kayak and are ready to paddle, check our places to paddle page to find paddling locations all over the U.S.

Have fun and welcome to the kayak family.