Kayaking at Well Being Retreat Center
The Well Being Retreat Center property is a 160 acre peninsula nearly surrounded by the Powell River. Kayaks can be launched from one side of the property, paddled for 2.5 miles downstream, and you will be on Well Being's shoreline. The Powell River is one of the two largest free-flowing (un-dammed) rivers in Tennessee. With prior arrangement, we can also coordinate longer trips on the river. For example, there is a put-in point that is 11 miles upstream which is about a 4 to 6 hour paddle, depending on how steadily you paddle and how fast the river is that day. The Powell is a Class 1 (easy) river suitable for all skill levels.
Kayaks Available
We have 9 single kayaks, one double kayak and three canoes that are available for rent for people staying in our cabins for the 2+ mile paddle around the land, or we can transport these boats upstream for a longer float. The kayaks are all polyethylene and don’t mind a few bumps if you hit a rock. If you’ve never been in a kayak before, they are very stable – more stable than a canoe – and very easy to get the hang of.We provide paddles and Personal Floatation Devices (PFD's, otherwise known as life jackets). Prior arrangements are required for kayak rentals.
Kayak Rental Rates
There is a $40 charge for transporting one or two boats approximately 5, 9 or 11 river miles upstream; $50 for 3 or 4 boats. (11 miles is a 4 to 6 hour trip depending on river flow and how steadily you paddle.)
The kayaks and canoe are available to day visitors making prior arrangements at the following rates (for all or part of a day:
Single Kayaks: $30
Double Kayak: $40
Canoe: $40
Note: Please call at least 24 hours in advance for all boat rentals. Boats will generally be available for launch between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM. Boats to be returned to Well Being Retreat Center by 6 pm.
Put-in or Take-Out Service at Well Being
Well Being Retreat Center offers a place to put in or take out kayaks just below Mile 92. Please make prior arrangements by calling or texting Patty: 408-510-0660 or emailing her at Patty@WellBeingCC.org. Requested donation is $10 per boat for either put-in or take-out. The concrete steps to the river offer easy access and parking is nearby.
Life jackets are available and are required to be worn by everyone. Children under the age of 18 require a responsible adult to stay with them during the paddle. Children under 13 years of age must be with a responsible adult in the same boat. Children under 9 years old are not permitted in the boats. You will be charged for any lost or damaged equipment. Kayaking downstream of our property is not allowed (it’s not possible to paddle back upstream if you miss the take-out spot). It is also possible to paddle in the calm waters on the East side of the property and return to the same put-in point. River shoes or old sneakers are recommended. Anyone in any of the boats must be able to swim. Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. You will be required to sign a waiver when to rent one of our boats.
Kayak Rental Rules
Patty Bottari and Don Oakley, Directors of Well Being Foundation and its two onsite caretakers, are also elected members of the Claiborne County Tourism Commission. Don is the Chairperson of the Commission's Powell River Tourism Committee which has two tasks: to organize the Powell River Regatta each year and to improve public access onto the Powell River in Tennessee. The Regatta is a 12 mile race every Spring which begins at Well Being Retreat Center. Proceeds from this Claiborne County Chamber event are used for the Powell River Blueway project which locates, maps, improves and informs the public about locations that can be used by the public to get on and off the Powell River. The 6th Annual Powell River Regatta will be held April 29,2023. More information here.