Kayaking & Paddling in the USA
Paddle sports run on flat water and white water alike: sea kayak tours, SUP outings, downriver canoe trips and guided rafting days. Guided trips are booked directly with outfitters, who supply the boat, paddle and buoyancy aid — this page covers how to choose one safely.
Waterfront festivals and outdoor events
Guided paddling trips are booked directly with local outfitters rather than through ticketing. These are outdoor festivals and events, many of them on the water, that you can book now.
540 events found. Showing page 1 of 23.
TomorrowFairs & FestivalsPlan your kayaking trip
These are the official and authoritative sources for kayaking in the United States — permits, conditions, safety and access.
American Canoe AssociationCertified instructors, safety courses and a directory of vetted paddling schools.American Whitewater — River InfoLive flow levels and difficulty grades for thousands of US rivers.NOAA Tides & CurrentsEssential for sea kayaking — tidal windows, currents and water temperature.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be able to swim to kayak?
Reputable operators require basic water confidence and fit every paddler with a buoyancy aid. If you cannot swim, say so when booking — some flat-water tours still accept you, white water will not.
What should I wear kayaking?
Quick-drying synthetics, footwear that stays on in water, and a warm layer in a dry bag. Cotton is the wrong choice because it holds cold water against your skin. In water below about 60°F a wetsuit is not optional.
What do river difficulty grades mean?
Class I is flat moving water and Class II has small rapids that beginners handle with a guide. Class III and above involve real hazards and need prior experience or a commercial raft guide. American Whitewater publishes the grade and live flow for most US rivers.
Is a kayak or a paddleboard better for a beginner?
A sit-on-top kayak is the more forgiving first choice on open water because it is stable, easy to re-board and hard to sink. Paddleboards are easier to transport and better on flat, sheltered water.