Kayak Programs

Meet-Up Paddles

Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina - 1345 NC HWY 61, Whitsett, NC 27377
Ages: 13 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult.
Fee: $17.50/rental or $6.50/BYO Kayak. Registration coming soon!

Don’t paddle alone! Come meet other paddlers and enjoy some time on the water. Bring your own kayak or rent one of ours. A guide will lead the group on the lake and help folks in/out of boats and provide basic instruction as needed. Fee includes guides, kayak rental, paddle, PFD. If providing a personal boat, you must bring your own PFD and wear it on the water.  When registering, be sure to choose either the rental kayak or if you are bringing your own personal boat. 

• May 16 from 8:30-10:30 am
• May 30 from 8:30-10:30 am
• June 13 from 8:00-10:00 am
• June 27 from 8:00-10:00 am
• July 14 from 8:00-10:00 am (Friday)
• July 25 from 8:00-10:00 am
• August 8 from 8:00-10:00 am
• August 22 from 8:00-10:00 am
• September-October dates TBA!

*Registration opens 6 weeks prior to each Meet-Up Paddle and closes at 4 pm the day before the event.
**For a full refund, any cancelations must be received 48 hours prior to the scheduled paddle. Email mhoose@burlingtonnc.gov to cancel.

Paddle-Palooza Youth Kayak Clinic

Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina | 1345 NC 61, Whitsett
Ages: 11 - 15
Fee: $35. Registration required. Register now.
Dates: June 12, July 10, or August 7 (choose 1 date only)
Time: 8:00-11:00 am
Offered June-August

In this small-group, half-day clinic, learn all about kayaking! Clinic covers everything from water safety, fitting your PFD, parts of the kayak & paddle, how to properly get in and out of the boat, basic paddle strokes, and more. We'll save some time to paddle and explore the lake as well! Clinic includes on-land and on-water lessons. Campers should know how to swim and be prepared to be active throughout the clinic.

Custom Kayak Programs

Available at Guilford Mackintosh Park & Marina from late April thru October
Ages: 11 and up
Fee: Varies. Contact us for a quote - typically between $20-$40/person.

Private, small group kayak programs are available by appointment and on availability of instructors/guides for groups up to 8. Email Melissa, the Outdoor Program Coordinator, for more information on setting up a custom kayak program. Programs include the following, but we can customize or create a program based on your needs.

• Intro to Kayaking
  A class for new or beginner paddlers to build confidence and skills on the water. Cover the basics of kayaking: water safety, fitting PFD and kayak, getting in/out of the boat, launching from shore, proper and efficient paddle strokes. Half the class is on-land and half on-water. Participants should be comfortable around water and have basic swimming abilities.

• Youth Paddle Clinic
  Youth learn all about kayaking fun and safety. Clinic covers everything from water safety, fitting your PFD, parts of the kayak, how to properly get in and out of the boat, basic paddle stokes and more. We'll save some time to paddle and explore the lake as well! Clinic includes on-land and on-water lessons. Students should know how to swim and be prepared to be active throughout the clinic.

• Guided Group Paddles
  Let us provide the kayaks, gear and guide to help your group explore the lake safely and confidently. Guide will provide basic instruction, assist the group during launching/landing as well as lead the group on the water to the best spots on the lake. Fees include solo kayaks (up to 8), paddles, PFDs, lake fees and guide.