The Loveable Lost Swamp FAQ

The times for this tour are different each tour. Please refer to your registration confirmation email received after you registered for the tour.

Our shuttle will meet you no later than the start time of the tour listed on your confirmation email. We recommend you arrive at the meeting place 10 minutes early to have time to remove any gear you have from your car, apply sunscreen/bug spray, and take care of anything else prior to launching.

The meeting place for the "Loveable Lost Swamp" tour is the Bateman Road Bridge access point to the Wolf River. There is no address for it. Please use Google Maps to use the following link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xZB6uFVxTCuR3Gpi8 . It is important you use Google Maps to use this link. If you don't have access to Google Maps please use the following coordinates: 35.027785419605216, -89.3502311711641

We will meet you here at the time of the tour shown on your confirmation email. Due to the nature of this tour we will not be able to wait for anyone who is late and no refund will be given if late.

 "The Loveable Lost Swamp" tour is considered moderately challenging and is not suitable for beginners. It requires some prior kayaking experience and a good level of physical fitness. 

We have had beginners successfully complete this tour, but they had a moderate to high level of physical fitness prior to the tour.

At Blues City Kayaks, your safety is our top priority. For "The Loveable Lost Swamp" tour, we have several safety measures in place:

1. Experienced Guides: Two expert guides accompany each tour, equipped to handle emergencies and provide assistance as needed.
2. Safety Briefing: Before the tour begins, all participants receive a comprehensive safety briefing covering paddling techniques, emergency procedures, and what to expect on the river.
3. Life Jackets: All participants are required to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, which are provided by Blues City Kayaks.
4. First Aid Kits: Our guides carry fully stocked first aid kits and are trained in wilderness first aid to handle any medical situations that might arise.
5. Communication Devices: Guides are equipped with communication devices to stay in contact with each other and emergency services if necessary.
6. Group Management: To ensure safety and manage the group effectively, our tours maintain a manageable guide-to-participant ratio.
7. Weather Monitoring: We continuously monitor weather conditions to avoid any severe or dangerous weather. Tours may be rescheduled or canceled in case of unfavorable weather conditions.
8. Emergency Protocols: Detailed emergency protocols are in place, including designated meeting points and evacuation routes in case of an emergency.

These measures ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants on "The Loveable Lost Swamp" tour.

We recommend bringing the following:

• An extra set of clothes for the drive home.
• A towel to wipe away any mud after the tour
• Fully charged cell phone and dry bag
• At least 48 ounces of water
• Lunch
• Snacks: Consider bringing snacks that will not melt.
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray

Expect to see beautiful scenery like you've never seen before! The flora and fauna are absolutely stunning. However, there are somethings to look out for.

• Narrow channels. We will go through a couple of areas with narrow channels that will require quick navigation. This is not a big part of the tour, but it's worth noting.
• Swift water. While there is no whitewater on the Wolf River there are areas in which the water moves fast and there's little room to navigate due to narrow channels. Again, this is not a big part of the tour, just something to be aware of.
• Underwater obstacles. We will go through numerous cypress tree swamps and cypress trees are known for their "knees". Sometimes these knees are under the surface of the water. Please be mindful of this as hitting one may knock you off balance. Your kayak may get stuck on one, too.
• Mud. The Wolf River is an alluvial river. Every time you get out of your kayak you will likely step in mud. Think of it as part of the adventure!

This tour normally takes close to four hours. However, Blues City Kayaks does not guarantee this. This section of river is completely natural and there may be obstacles we need to remove, cut through, or portage around that could take some time. If you want to make plans for after the tour please make sure they are flexible in the event this tour takes longer than normal.

There are no bathrooms at the access points or along the river. Please plan to take care of this before arriving at our meeting place. Should you need to go during the tour you will need to use nature as your bathroom.

The parking areas for this tour are considered safe, but they are not monitored. Blues City Kayaks does not assume liability for any loss or damage prior to, during, or after the tour regardless of location. Please remove all valuable items from your vehicle prior to leaving for the tour. If you have valuable items in your vehicle at our meeting area please bring them along with you on the tour.

Blues City Kayaks river guides love doing what we do. From time to time our guests offer tips. Our policy is to graciously accept them. However, please don't feel obligated to do so.

For "The Loveable Lost Swamp" tour, we ensure that participants have expert guidance and support throughout their adventure. Here are the details about our guides and their qualifications:

1. Number of Guides:

• Each tour is accompanied by at least two experienced guides. We maintain a guide-to-guest ratio of no more than 1 to 5, ensuring safety and personalized attention for everyone on the tour.

2. Qualifications and Training:

• Certified Instructors: Our guides are either certified American Canoe Association (ACA) instructors or Paddlesport Safety Facilitators. They have completed extensive training in kayaking techniques, safety procedures, and group management.
• Wilderness First Aid: All our guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid by the Emergency Care and Safety Institute (ECSI). This training equips them to handle a wide range of medical emergencies in remote settings.
• CPR/BLS Certification: Our guides hold current CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications from the American Heart Association. They are trained to respond quickly and effectively to cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
• Extensive Experience: Our guides have years of experience leading kayaking tours and are well-versed in navigating the specific challenges of the Lost Swamp. They are familiar with the local flora and fauna, water conditions, and the best routes to take.

3. Roles and Responsibilities:

• Safety Management: Guides are responsible for ensuring the safety of all participants. They conduct pre-tour safety briefings, monitor group dynamics, and implement safety protocols.
• Paddling Instruction: For those needing a refresher or wishing to improve their skills, our guides offer paddling instruction and tips throughout the tour.
• Emergency Response: In case of emergencies, guides are trained to execute rescue operations, provide first aid, and coordinate with emergency services if needed.
• Environmental Education: Guides share their knowledge about the local ecosystem, wildlife, and natural history of the Lost Swamp, enriching the tour experience with educational insights.
• Customer Service: Our guides are there to ensure you have an enjoyable experience. They assist with any needs, answer questions, and provide support to make your tour memorable.
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By maintaining a team of highly qualified and experienced guides, we ensure that your journey on "The Loveable Lost Swamp" is safe, educational, and enjoyable.