Paddling in Louisiana

Adventures in the Swampland

Aug 8, 2008 Amanda Hodges Weir

Louisiana provides paddlers with a unique experience in their bayous and rivers.

Few people think of Louisiana when planning their kayaking and canoeing trips. Paddlers pack up their gear and travel extensive distances to take short day trips in Arkansas, North Carolina, or Tennessee. If they knew of the wonderful rivers of the swampy Sportsman’s Paradise, they might be encouraged to try something new.

Louisiana has a wide variety of options for adventurers. The tranquil waters of bayous provide nature enthusiasts with beaucoup opportunities to enjoy the scenery and view animals unique to this great state. As paddlers glide through murky water, they can view the recovery efforts that have been made since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

An Assortment of outfitters can assist adventurers in their quest for the perfect excursion. Laid Back Tours offers kayaking tours of Bayou St. John. Trips are 6+ hours long, with 4+ hours in the water. Inexperienced paddlers are welcome because as their name describes, this is a laid back tour. Boaters will experience what explorers saw as they paddled between peaceful swampland and the romantic ambiance of New Orleans on this national historic waterway. $55/person includes all necessary equipment and a 24 oz. water bottle. When finished, head over to Café Du Monde for their famous Chicory Coffee and Beignets.

River Front Canoe Rental provides affordable canoe trips on the Whiskey Chitto. Located in Allen Parish, they rent out canoes for day and overnight trips. The prices start at $30 for a two-person canoe. Day trip are nine miles long, and take approximately five hours to complete. The white sandy beaches provide perfect picnic stops, so pack a good lunch. Children and pets are welcome.

Experience the Bogue Chitto with Wayne’s World, of Enon, LA. Wayne’s World supplies kayaks, tubes and canoes at reasonable rates. This tree-shaded river gives boaters a relaxing experience. While floating down the free flowing Bogue Chitto, paddlers can view the natural recovery of the area from Hurricane Katrina. This is the perfect trip for bird watchers. Canoe and kayak trips are 5 miles long, making this a short, pleasurable float.

Whether boaters plan to float through New Orleans on replica Native American boats, or glide along the smooth water of the Bogue Chitto, there is an outfitter for them. No matter which trip is the right trip, it is always important to remember two essential pieces of equipment- sunscreen and a life vest. And as always, laissez les bon temps rouler!

The copyright of the article Paddling in Louisiana in Paddle Sports is owned by Amanda Hodges Weir. Permission to republish Paddling in Louisiana in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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