"WARNING Under Missouri law, an outfitter is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in paddlesport activities resulting from the inherent risks of paddlesport activities pursuant to the Revised Statutes of Missouri."

Summary of a Typical Float Experience

1. Choose your Route. Use our Calendar to find a scheduled paddle.  Use our Sign-Up form to register. If you have questions before you sign up, you can use our Sign-Up form, send us an e-mail at tom@kcriverrun.com, or call us at (816) 226-6379. Our daytime phone availability is limited. We may not be able to answer right away. Please leave a message and we'll be sure to get back with you. 
2. We will reply via e-mail with a confirmation of your sign-up. We will also e-mail you a Paddle Summary with all the details of your float and answer any questions you may have. 
3. On the day of your paddle, we will meet at the END OF PADDLE LOCATION at the appointed time and get you ready to have a great time on the water. From there we will provide transportation to the put in location. A tailored Orientation Session will be done to answer all questions you may have and make sure you feel comfortable in your boat.
4. Paddle the River!
5. We will be waiting for you to arrive at the Get-Out location to pick up the boats and you are on your way to your next adventure.
NOTE: Depending on your specific group size, route choice, and other factors, this may be modified.

Hazards

While the Missouri River is a safe river to paddle even for beginning paddlers; caution does need to be exercised around hazards. The rule of the river is simple whatever is bigger, wins. Please keep this in mind as you encounter the following hazards. 
-Barges/Tugboats The Missouri River is used commercially from St. Louis all the way up to Sioux City Iowa by barge traffic. Tugboats move either alone or by pushing groups of barges up and down the river. The good news is they must remain in the channel (deep section) of the river and so can be avoided simply by going to the other side of the river. Point your bow into the wake and enjoy the ride! Please note that we only have a handful of paddles a year encounter barge traffic, so this is a very uncommon occurence
-Other Boat Traffic/Fisherman  The river is used by a multitude of people. Please be respectful of people casting lines or going up/down the river in other boats.
-Bridge Pillars If your paddle involves going under bridges (and we sure hope it does) care needs to be taken when near the bridge support. These can have large piles of wood pushed up against them as well as create hydraulic water current behind them. Please stay at least 20 ft. away from them. 
-Buoys It is common for the river channel to be marked my floating red/green metal bouys. These are cabled to the bottom of the river and can bob and weave irregularly. Best bet is to stay well clear of them
-Dykes In order to "channelize" the river the Corp of Engineers has built dykes all along the river. These help to guide the river as well as prevent shore erosion. Depending on water levels they may be standing out of the water, barely submerged, or well under water. Either way they can create unnatural water currents and eddies. Stay away from them; and Never go over one that is just barely submerged. They present the most danger at these times. 
-Booze Alcohol is proven to decrease situational awareness and reaction time. Our paddles are short and can be completed in plenty of time to visit one of the local Micro-breweries in NKC afterwords. 

What'cha need to know

-There's a waiver. The chance of an accident is low...but caution is a must. Floaters under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the waiver.
-Payment methods: Cash, Check or Card. Make checks payable to Kansas City Kayak and Canoe (KCKC). Please note that we add a small charge for cards to offset our transaction fee.
-If you would like a guide, there is a required tip of at least $25 for the bridge tour. Guides are subject to availability, please contact us early to arrange.
-Keep your life jacket on the entire time you are on the river! Life jackets are provided, but feel free to bring your own.
-Bring a watch.
-Bring water and/or snack. Having water is critical during summer months especially on long floats. In high heat situations we will not allow people on the river unless they have fluids.
-Old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals all work fine. 
-Minimum age required for MO River: 13 years and must be accompanied by an adult.
-Minimum two floaters. -Keep your life jacket on all the time.
-Be honest...If you feel uncomfortable at any time, tell your guide or group member.
-Stay alert...The peaceful flow of the river can cause you to drop your guard.
-Keep your bow (nose) down river. This will minimize any accidents.
-Pointing the bow of the boat directly into the wind will help prevent capsizes.
-Communicate. If you are having difficulty or see an obstruction ahead, be sure to warn those around you. Stay within hearing distance of those in your group.
-In case you flip:
    -Don't worry about the boat or paddles.
    -Verify your partner is ok.
    -If possible, stay with the boat.
    -Get the attention of others.
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Inclement Weather Policy

On the day of your float if the forecasted rain, wind, or water level is too high or not conducive to floating, we will reschedule.
We also keep an eye on the river level. If the water is high and in "Action Stage" we will not put boats on the water. We appreciate your understanding.

Cancellation Policy

If cancellation is due to weather, no charge.
For all other cancellations, 24 hour advance notice required for full refund.
Kansas City Kayak and Canoe