Exploring West Virginia

Kayaking the Elk River

kayaking-on-the-elk-river

Kayaking is one of the most popular summer activities in West Virginia.

With an abundance of waterways across the state, kayakers have their pick of adventure. They can go whitewater kayaking on the New River or Gauley River, or they can take a slow float down the Elk River and many other rivers across the state.

Leslie Osborn and Amanda Shelton enjoy the Elk River.

In this Exploring West Virginia, we head to Clay, West Virginia where you’ll find up to 10 miles of Elk River just waiting for you.

If you have never kayaked, you don’t know what you are missing! It’s perfect for all ages and all degrees of thrill seekers.

What can be confusing is what type of kayak you need and what is the best way to start out in the sport. If you are new to kayaking, your best bet is to try it out first and rent the equipment. By going through a rental company, you get to experience kayaking without having to buy the equipment.

“The benefit of going with a rental company – the benefit of trying it  –  is somebody is doing all he work for you,” said Melody Cottrell, owner of Clay Yak Rentals in Clay, W.Va. “Someone is loading the kayak. Someone is unloading it. Somebody is getting all your gear ready. You’re showing up and just having a good time. You’re getting an experience instead of work.”

Cottrell started her business in February. A month later COVID-19 hit and brought the business to a halt. By working with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, her business is once again afloat. While she has had to turn away some larger groups, she has been able to sell out many weekends as people are searching for something to do that is safe during the pandemic.

“I feel like safety is more important than how big the business is and I think people who are renting from us appreciate the fact that we take so many measures to keep them safe,” Cottrell said.

Some of the measures include power washing the kayaks after each use and disinfecting the paddles and lifejackets.

Erik Wells on the Elk River in Clay, W.Va.

This was my first time in a kayak and if you can’t go with a rental company, head out with friends. Leslie Osborn and Amanda Shelton are educators during the year at Clay County High School, but in the summer time you’ll find them on the rivers around the state.

“There’s something about West Virginia just captivates you and it leaves your mind wanting more and when you’re done it’s like you feel like your soul was just healed,” Osborn said.

See for yourself and get ready to start Exploring West Virginia!

Enjoying a West Virginia summer day on the Elk River

For more information on renting kayaks in Clay, W.Va., contact Melody Cottrell with Clay Yak Rentals at https://www.clayyakrentals.org or call 304-619-8047. Rentals are $30 for single kayaks and $60 for tandem. Clay Yak also offers a shuttle service if you have your own kayak and just need a ride back to your vehicle. Shuttle service is available for $15.

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