I want to go paddling. What do I need to do?

All river trips are done by reservation 

• We recommend making reservations at least 1 day in advance- especially on weekends & holidays
• You can make a reservation by phone or email: Phone: 248-421-3445 /  Email: ClintonRiverKayak@gmail.com

To make a reservation, we will need to know the following:

• How many people?
• How many boats & what type (canoe or kayak, or both)?
• What trip/ section? 
• What time you want to go (shuttle times are 10am, 12pm, 2pm, or 4pm)?

Locations

• Shuttles pick up from Heritage Park in Utica & Yates Park in Rochester Hills
• You drive to your pick up location, get in the shuttle, and we take you upstream to your put-in 
• You will have until 7pm to paddle back (to your car/ where you got in the shuttle)

---

Frequently Asked Questions?

​I have my own boat, do you offer shuttle service?

• Yes; however, we only shuttle people, not boats. 
• Please call for availability at one of our scheduled shuttle times (10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm). 
• We will also need to know where you intend to put-in (see "Trip Options")
• Prior to your shuttle you will need to drop your boat at your selected put-in, then drive to one of our pick-up locations (Heritage Park or Yates Park, depending on where you choose to take-out) and get in our shuttle. We take you back upstream to your boat, so when you're done paddling, you are back at your car with your boat- No waiting for shuttles at the end! 

What should I wear? 
Well, nudity is frowned upon in these parts, so we usually recommend some type of clothing and footwear:

• Shoes that stay on your feet, like old tennis shoes, sandals with straps, etc. DO NOT wear flip flops! They will float away, and we will be cleaning them out of the river later, somewhere downstream...
• Try to stay away from cotton materials, as they do not dry fast or wick moisture from your body. Super-important in the colder weather/ evenings, etc.
• Dress for the weather, use common sense, and check out the "What To Wear" guidelines for more details. 

Are dogs allowed? 
Of course! We love our dogs, Zoe and Lucy, they are MCR animals. Feel free to bring your pet; however, please don't forget to:

• Clean up after your pets when on the river
• Be cognizant of others
• Make sure your dog is comfortable in the water (experienced)
• Don't be one of the few who ruin it for the many 

Are there age limits for paddling?
As parents, we know how important it is spending quality time together. As paddlers, we know there can be risks on any body of water, especially moving waters. Here are the basic guidelines we have come up with:

• Children under age three are not allowed
• Children under 50 lbs. must have their own PFD ( at least Type III, with crotch strap), and be with an experienced adult
• Never bring a child that cannot swim, or has zero experience on the water
• Children under 16 can definitely paddle their own kayak, or be paired up in canoes; however, past paddling experience and water levels will be taken into consideration before reservations are made. We always reserve the right to decline rentals for safety, or any reason  
• We recommend the two-hour General Paddle with young children, or those with little paddling experience  
• Please use common sense when making decisions for your loved ones

---