Details for The Hatchie River Adventure Kayak Tour

Thank you for registering for Blues City Kayaks’ “The Hatchie River Adventure” tour! Please read the information below thoroughly. It will help ensure things run as smoothly as possible tomorrow. We are looking forward to introducing you to the Hatchie River!   

A completed waiver is required for all attendees. Please click the link below, print, read, initial/sign/fill out, and bring with you to the tour. 

waiver.bluescitykayaks.com

LIFEJACKETS ARE REQUIRED: Every Blues City Kayaks participant is required to wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) while paddling or in the water.  Children must wear child size approved PFD’s. There are no exceptions to the PFD requirements. A PFD is included with your boat rental.   

All Blues City Kayaks participants will need to meet at the Highway 18 access point in Bolivar, TN. To get to the Highway 18 access point:    

Coming from Memphis:

• Take Highway 64 to Bolivar, TN
• Turn left on Highway 18 (About 50 miles from the Wolfchase Area)
• Drive until you go over the Hatchie River. You will turn in before the waterwheel on the left.

If you have any questions or have difficulty finding the access point, please don't hesitate to call (901) 762-1133. (Links to the access points are provided below)    

We will conduct safety instructions for the tour prior to launching.  Launch time will be approximately 30 minutes after meeting at the Highway 18 access point.

You should bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, as well as any other personal items you may need.  For a comfortable trip back home, you may want to bring a second set of clothing to keep in your vehicle to change into after the paddle.  The time required for the paddle will depend entirely on the group, but we do plan to stop a time or two, so please take that into consideration.  

Your river guides are ANDe Demetriou, Mike Dawkins, and Paul Frye. We will do everything possible to make sure you thoroughly enjoy the trip.  Feel free to call/text Blues City Kayaks at (901) 762-1133 or e-mail info@bluescitykayaks.com with any questions you may have. 

Cotton clothing is not recommended because it retains water. Dry-wick or neoprene layers are recommended. Another recommendation is to bring a set of dry clothing in the event your clothes get wet.  Please bring plenty of water and snacks for the trip.  Also, be sure and bring a very pleasant, accommodating attitude and come prepared to enjoy a relaxing Spring afternoon enjoying the Hatchie.  We will be stopping for a small break on one of the Hatchie River's sandbars. Feel free to bring a small cooler with a lunch. NO GLASS BOTTLES, PLEASE!

Water sensitive electronic devices should be securely stored in a dry bag when not in use. The Wolf River has claimed many of these devices!  The “zip-lock” plastic bags are not waterproof and will not offer protection from the river.  Your guide will have dry bags for such items so be sure let your guides know if you need something stored.  Items to consider are cellphones, electronic keys, wallets, cameras, and anything else that could be damaged if immersed in water.   

There are no bathroom facilities at any of the Hatchie River boat launch sites, therefore, it is advisable to make a bathroom stop prior to arriving and/or boarding the craft. 

As of right now there is one portage of about 25 or 30 feet that will require exiting your kayak, walking around the obstruction, and re-entering the kayak. Your guides will assist in carrying the kayak with you. Being an all natural river it is possible this won't be an issue during our tour. It's also possible we might need to portage more than once, too. Regardless, your guides will do everything possible to make this easier.

Disclaimer:  The river access and take-out points are relatively safe environments and you should be able to leave your vehicle in the put-in and take-out parking areas.  The security of your vehicle, personal items you leave in the vehicle or bring along on the river are your responsibility to maintain.  Blues City Kayaks is not liable for losses or damage to private property, whether such losses or thefts occurs in the parking areas/lots or on the river.   

We are looking forward to having you as our guest! 

Access Points

Highway 18 Access Point https://goo.gl/maps/vWFHNhx3XdDX5mmh9 THIS IS WHERE WE MEET