Summersville Lake and Kanawha Falls Paddle Boarding

An Authentic Paddleboarding Adventure in West Virginia’s Scenic Waterways

If you’re seeking a relaxed yet active way to see the natural beauty of West Virginia, the Summersville Lake and Kanawha Falls Paddle Boarding tour offers a wonderful option. For $55 per person, you’ll spend about two hours exploring three iconic sights: the expansive Summersville Lake, the powerful Kanawha Falls, and the impressive New River Gorge Bridge — all on a paddleboard with a friendly guide named Shannon.

What we appreciate most about this experience is how accessible and family-friendly it is, thanks to the inclusion of all equipment, an instructor, and even photos to capture your adventure. Plus, if you’re traveling with a group of five or more, you can enjoy a private tour, making things even more personalized.

That said, it’s worth noting the weather dependency — like all outdoor water activities, poor weather can lead to rescheduling or cancellations. But if the skies are clear, this paddleboarding outing offers stunning scenery and a fun challenge for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

This trip is particularly well-suited for families, first-time paddleboarders, and those who want a laid-back, scenic day on the water without the hassle of planning logistics. No prior experience is necessary — just a desire to enjoy West Virginia’s outdoors from a new perspective.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Experience: Paddleboard, life jacket, paddle, and photos included.
• Family-Friendly: Children 3 and up can join, with kids 3-5 riding free if accompanied by adults.
• Flexible Group Options: Group tours or private bookings for 5+ people.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Starts and ends at Salmon Run Boat Ramp near Summersville Lake.
• Weather-Dependent: Tours may be canceled or rescheduled in poor weather; full refund if canceled by the provider.
• Value for Money: At $55, it’s an affordable way to enjoy multiple scenic spots in a compact timeframe.

Exploring the Waterways of West Virginia: A Detailed Review

What Makes This Paddleboarding Tour Special?

This experience by Mountain Surf Paddle Sports is one of the few paddleboarding adventures available in the famous New River Gorge area. The tour guides you across three distinct sights—Summersville Lake, Kanawha Falls, and underneath the iconic New River Gorge Bridge—delivering both natural beauty and a sense of adventure in a manageable, two-hour outing.

One of the first things that struck us is how well-organized the trip is. Booking is simple, with a mobile ticket system, and the start point at Salmon Run Boat Ramp is easy to find. The tour includes all necessary gear: a sturdy paddleboard, paddle, and a life jacket. The guide, Shannon, manages the group smoothly, making sure everyone feels comfortable, regardless of prior experience.

The Locations: Summerville Lake, Kanawha Falls & New River Gorge Bridge

Summersville Lake is a highlight — a vast, tranquil body of water perfect for paddling. It’s a peaceful spot, with plenty of space to find your rhythm and enjoy the surrounding nature. As one reviewer put it, “We loved the way the guide kept it relaxed, and the scenery was breathtaking.” The lake’s calm waters, combined with its scenic views, make it ideal for beginners and those wanting a stress-free paddle.

Next is Kanawha Falls, a powerful cascade that’s both impressive and easily accessible from the water. Paddling close to the falls offers an up-close perspective of the raw power of nature, and the guide ensures safety while giving enough time to marvel at the roar of the water. Many find this stop particularly memorable.

Finally, the tour takes you underneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge — a feat that’s increasingly popular among visitors. Paddling beneath this engineering marvel provides a unique perspective not often seen from land, and the guide’s commentary offers insights into the bridge’s history and significance. It’s a photo-worthy moment, and all participants leave with complimentary photos to remember the experience.

What to Expect During the Tour?

The two-hour schedule is well-paced, allowing time for instruction, paddling, and sightseeing. The group size is limited to 15, ensuring a friendly, less crowded experience. Shannon’s approach is easygoing and informative, perfect for first-timers or those looking for a relaxing day.

Most of the trip is spent on flat, calm water, which minimizes the chance of feeling overwhelmed. The gear is comfortable and easy to use, and guides are attentive to safety, helping everyone get comfortable on the boards quickly. The complementary photos are a nice touch, giving you visual memories without extra effort.

Accessibility and Family-Friendliness

We love how kids aged 3 and up can participate, with younger children riding along with adults. This makes it an excellent choice for families wanting to introduce children to paddleboarding or simply enjoy a scenic water adventure together. The fact that children aged 3-5 are free adds extra value for families.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

The main consideration is weather dependence. Since the tour is outdoors and on the water, poor weather — rain, wind, or thunderstorms — could lead to cancellations or rescheduling. The provider’s policy is clear: cancellations due to weather are fully refundable if made more than 24 hours in advance.

Also, because it’s a group tour by default, those seeking complete privacy or a more personalized experience might prefer to book with five or more people for a private tour.

The Value of the Experience

At just $55, this paddleboarding tour offers great value for a scenic half-day adventure. It includes all gear, instruction, and photos, which means you don’t need to worry about extra costs or logistics. Compared to other outdoor activities in the area, this provides a relaxed, accessible option that combines physical activity with stunning natural sights.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, beginners, or outdoor enthusiasts looking for an easy, picturesque outing. It’s perfect if you want to try paddleboarding without a huge time commitment or high cost. The scenic stops also appeal to those interested in nature photography or simply enjoying a peaceful water-based break in West Virginia.

FAQ

Do I need prior paddleboarding experience?
No, the trip is suitable for all skill levels. The guide provides instruction, and the calm waters make it accessible for beginners.

Can children participate?
Yes, children as young as 3 can ride with an adult, and children aged 3-5 are free if they don’t paddle on their own.

What should I bring?
Most essentials are provided, but you might want to bring bottled water. Weather-appropriate clothing and sunscreen are recommended, especially in the summer.

What happens in bad weather?
Tours may be canceled due to poor weather conditions. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled by the provider. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there a group size limit?
The maximum number of travelers is 15, ensuring a manageable, friendly experience.

Where do we meet?
The tour starts and ends at Salmon Run Boat Ramp near Summersville Lake.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on the tour.

Final Thoughts

This paddleboarding tour offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, accessibility, and fun. It’s a fantastic way for families, beginners, or water lovers to experience West Virginia’s outdoor majesty without fuss. The inclusion of all gear and photos, combined with a flexible group size, makes it a well-rounded option for a memorable day on the water.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic adventure with a friendly guide and no hidden costs, this tour will likely hit the mark. Just remember to check the weather and book in advance, especially if you’re hoping for a private trip. For anyone wanting to see some of the most iconic sights in the New River Gorge area without intense physical demands, this paddleboard outing stands out as a practical, enjoyable choice.