Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member of the club before participating in club trips and activities?

You do not need to be a member of the club to join us on trips or attend any events but we do have a non-member trip fee of $5.00 Day/Non-member for participating in club trips.

On what streams can I go paddling in Mississippi?

Mississippi has numerous flatwater streams that the public can access quite easily. Included in these are: Okatoma Creek and Bouie Creek/River just north of Hattiesburg; Pearl River north and south of Jackson; Black and Red Creeks in south Mississippi; Wolf River near the Mississippi Gulf Coast; Bear Creek in north east Mississippi near Tishomingo State Park; Bogue Chitto River and Magee's Creek near McComb and Tylertown; Bayou Pierre near Utica; Strong River near D'Lo; Chickasawhay River in east Mississippi below Meridian; Chunky River near Meridian; Leaf River from central to south Mississippi; Pascagoula River in southeast Mississippi; Escatawpa River in George and Jackson Counties; Biloxi River in Harrison County; and Buttahatchee River north of Columbus.

Are there companies in Mississippi on or near rivers that will rent canoes and/or kayaks?

Check our website for Outfitters/Rentals for this listing. Keep in mind that canoe and kayak outfitters are not found on every floatable stream in the state. The most popular and paddled streams are the ones you'll generally find a canoe or kayak outfitter. Many of the other streams you'll need your own boat.

Do I need my own boat to come paddling with the club?

Well yes and no. Most of the members of the Mississippi Canoe & Kayak Club have their own boats. When you call the trip coordinator, find out whether a canoe or kayak outfitter is located on that stream or if someone needs a partner for that trip. Someone already signed up for the trip may need a partner and the trip coordinator can put you in contact with them. On occasions, a member going on a trip may have an extra boat you may be able to borrow. Contact the trip coordinator well in advance so something can be arranged to ensure you can join us on the trip. Paddling with the club gives you a great opportunity to test out various boats before spending your hard earned money on a boat you may or may not like.

Do I need to know how to paddle before joining the club on a trip?

That largely depends on the type of river we'll be paddling, the river level and your paddling skills. On nearly all streams that we paddle in Mississippi, you don't need to be very experienced. In fact, beginner paddlers will do fine on most of the streams in Mississippi. Paddling with the club is a perfect way to acquire the skills that make the sport so much fun. Quite often some of the more experienced paddlers are glad to provide novice paddlers with some instructional tips. Some of the whitewater trips outside the state are for more experienced paddlers and you'll need to check with the trip coordinator on the required skill level for these trips. Some whitewater trips you can rent rafts and join us with minimal skill level. Remember, whether it's a flatwater or whitewater river, paddling includes some risks. Due to these risks, you'll be required to sign a waiver to participate in the trip.

What would be a good choice for a canoe or kayak for most club paddling trips?

That is a very difficult question to answer. You'll need to know whether you want a boat that you can paddle alone, or with your family. You'll also need to know whether you'll be doing mainly day trips or longer over-night trips and whether you'll be mostly on flatwater or whitewater streams. There is also the question of the boats stability, maneuverability, weight and other issues. The club often gets together for boat demo events where you can test different boats and see which ones you feel comfortable paddling. Check Trips & Events on the website to see if a boat demo event is planned.

Are children welcome on club trips?

Absolutely! While your children are young is the best time to introduce them to boating. They should always wear a PFD while in the boat and the PFD should fit them properly.

How often does the club have trips?

As often as possible, but generally we average one or two trips each month. Sometimes members coordinate trips that are not in the newsletter or on the website. In most cases, the club will send out an e-mail to members notifying them of unscheduled trips. It's therefore important to give us your e-mail address on your membership application so you can be alerted to these trips.

Does the club put on any instructional courses?

Periodically the club will have some instructional courses. In the past they have included flatwater canoe instruction, whitewater canoe and kayak instruction, kayak roll clinics/classes, touring kayak instruction, and river safety and rescue workshops. If you are interested in taking an instructional course, but none are scheduled, let us know and we'll look into scheduling a course/workshop.

Does the club conduct trips outside the state?

Yes! The club has led numerous trips to the Buffalo River in northern Arkansas; Locust Fork, Little River and Mulberry River in Alabama; Ocoee, Telico and Nolichucky Rivers in Tennessee; Nantahala River in North Carolina and Chattooga River in Georgia.

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