Watauga Kayak

All photos and illustrations by Teresa Nidiffer and Pat Johns
©2008 All Rights Reserved
See links to article references at the end of the article.

July, 2008

Teresa Nidiffer knows water and she knows the Watauga River below the Wilbur Dam. Teresa and her husband John Dunlap own Watauga Kayak. She was born in nearby Hampton and has always lived in the area. And just recently she was promoted to the position of the Director of the Elizabethton Water Department.

Rafting or kayaking the Watauga River below the Wilbur Dam is a unique experience. The Wilbur Dam was the first hydroelectric dam in Tennessee. Construction began in 1909 and it went online 1n 1912. It was bought by TVA in the 1930s. 6 days each week, Monday through Saturday, the Wilbur Dam generates electricity and releases water into the Watauga River in the afternoon. The normally shallow waters of the river are elevated with fast-moving water.

Watauga Kayak's various river rafting adventures start at 2 p.m., one hour after the dam begins its generation. They offer trips for all levels of experience and all ages. Kayak trips can start earlier in the day and generally last 2 to 3 hours. They also offer kayaking trips on beautiful Wilbur Lake where boaters get a close-up look at the shore line and wildlife.

According to their website:
     "Watauga Kayak has the longest rides, and the lowest prices on Watauga River. Our guides are trained solely on Watauga River. All guides are certified in CPR and First aid, and are committed to making sure you have a great time on the river." ` www.WataugaKayak.com

One of the most scenic parts of the trip is at the Bee Cliffs. Not only will you encounter the Bee Cliff (or Anaconda) Class II rapids but your guide will tell you about local residents who used to climb the cliffs to gather honey left by bees. Here, as throughout the trip , your guide will help you choose how to take these rapids. More experienced and adventuresome rafters may choose to approach the "Big Hole" that is found approximately 10 to 20 feet off the downstream left bank. The hole is formed by water dropping over an underwater ledge.

Watauga Kayak has an outfitter shop and carries water shoes, tee shirts, life jackets, paddles, kayaks, rafts, and more. They are open Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00AM to 5:00PM and Sunday: 1:00PM to 3:00PM. January through April they are open 10: a.m. - 3:00 on Saturdays.

What is unique about a rafting or kayaking trip with Watauga Kayak is their local knowledge. The owners live near the river and all guides are specifically trained on this river. A trip from the Wilbur Dam back to Watauga Kayak's store (the longest rafting trip offered on this river at the lowest price) is at times likes a stroll through a neighborhood. Guides know the locations of the largest beaver dams, where the deer are likely to be and who is fishing on the nearby bank.

Each trip offers a stop to stretch and have a snack and longer trips provide a meal. If boaters would like to get out and take a dip in the river, they are encouraged to take an "in and out" approach. These waters are very cold year ' round and a quick stay in them can be refreshing but a longer stay is not recommended. If you end up in the water unexpectedly, guides are trained to quickly get you back in your boat.

To contact Watauga Kayak, call them at 423-542-6777 or email them at wataugakayak@charter.net for rafting and kayak reservations, rentals, and guide service. Guided trips, and rentals are available year 'round.

A Watauga Kayak guided rafting or kayaking trip is an unforgettable look at a beautiful part of Eastern Tennessee.

• Interesting links related to this article:
  
  
• Watauga Kayak website
• Bee Cliff Cabins
• Wikipedia.com article on the Bee Cliffs
• Elizabethton Star article about
      Watauga Kayak
• Johnson City Press article about
      Teresa Nidiffer
• TVA info about the Wilbur Reservoir