class 2 guided duckie trips

Duckies are 10-foot inflatable whitewater kayaks

whitewater lite

Our class 2 guided paddle trip has something for everyone, from the seasoned boater looking to play around in some simple whitewater to the beginner paddler wanting to try something new and exciting. If you are a family with young children that would have to sit out the class 3 & 4 rapids on our whitewater trip, we are here to help! This trip offers an awesome opportunity for the whole family to get out on the water and experience the thrills of whitewater in a safe and fun way.

We can hear you asking already; “What the heck is a duckie?” A duckie is a 10-foot-long inflatable whitewater kayak. They are stable, easy to navigate, and fun to paddle. If you have never been in one, it is something you just have to try.

So whether it is the beautiful riverside views winding through dense northern forests, or the gentle roar of exciting whitewater rapids, this trip will not disappoint!

PRicing and Details

Weekday trip pricing (sun - Fri)

$81 per person
Minimum of 2 guests. Maximum 12 guests per trip. More space is available upon request.

Saturday trip pricing

$86 per person
Minimum of 2 guests. Maximum 12 guests per trip. More space is available upon request.

Add-Ons

Make the trip private! $637 (up to 7 people). More space is available upon request.
10% off other True North adventures when you book a private trip - excludes whitewater rafting

Age REQUIREMENTS

4 years old and 50 lbs for flat water. Must paddle with an adult
12 years old and 100 lbs to paddle an individual boat on class II rapids

TRIP Duration

3 hours of paddling class 0 to class II rapids

TRIP TIMES

7 Days A Week: 10 am and 2:30 pm CST
Flexible trip times available upon request

What’s Included

Duckie Rental
Shuttle to/from the river
Guide
Cold water & snacks
PFD
Helmet & Paddle

THINGS TO BRING

Closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops, sandals or crocs)
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Change of dry close after rafting
Wet clothing storage
In the event of colder conditions, wetsuits, spray jackets & water booties will be available to rent. On days when the air temp is less than 45°F, cold weather gear will be provided.

BOOK NOW

trip description

Your adventure starts at True North Outpost where you will check in and meet your guide.

Once your guide goes over all the pre-trip info and fits you with a PFD and helmet, you will all hop in our river shuttle and head out. In the shuttle, your guide will go over a few rules, give you a description of the trip, and answer all questions you may have. After a short drive, we will park at Sailor’s Point boat launch and start our trip.

The first 4 miles of river will wind you through dense northern forests, where you will have the chance to learn how your duckie moves before the class 2 whitewater section known as Quiver Falls.

Everyone will get out of the water before the rapids to give you all the opportunity to go look at rapids before you paddle them in your duckie.

After you are through this short whitewater playground, you have options. You can walk back up the short trail with your boat and run them as many times as you want. Or if once is enough for you, there is a small beach area where you can swim and relax and watch others go through the rapids. There is even the option, if time allows, to explore Peme Bon Won Island across from Quiver Falls.

After your adventure, it’s back in the shuttle for the short drive back to the outpost where you will have the opportunity to change into dry clothes and get ready for your next awesome adventure.

FAQs

While we do take walk-ins and last minute reservations, we strongly suggest that you book your trip as far in advance as possible. Our Michigan rafting trips fill up quickly, especially during the peak rafting season of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Some trips we offer are by Reservation only, please check each rivers trip description for specific details.
Absolutely not. Our guides are the best in the business and will give clear instruction and take good care of you out on the river. We also have the best paddling and safety equipment money can buy to make sure you are safe out on the river.
Plan “A” is always to stay in the boat, but sometimes people fall out. It’s exciting, but it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Before you go on any trip, you’ll be given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to be a smart swimmer. Follow your guide’s instructions, and your “swim” could be the most exciting part of your trip and a great story to tell your friends afterwards!
Yes. Everyone on our trips wear a personal flotation device (PFD). This critical piece of equipment is designed to aid in keeping you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers go on paddle trips, and they have a great time. Your guides will give you an in depth and engaging safety talk before your trip explaining what you should prepare for and do in the event you fall out of the boat.
Your guide is trained in water rescue to ensure that you are able to feel comfortable with the water conditions on your trip. We are willing to get in the river with you in the flatwater and give you some pointers on swimming techniques if you would like. All non-swimming folks should inform their guide on the trip.
All our boats need someone to paddle. This means that you will be an active source of power to move the boat through the water and you will receive instruction from your guides to help maneuver the boat as it moves downstream.
Paddling can sometimes be tiring, but your guides will instruct you on paddling techniques which are lots of fun to learn. If you’re in doubt about your fitness to go paddling check with your doctor before you go.
Anything you are comfortable getting wet in. A bottle of water, bug spray and sunscreen. After the trip you will want a dry pair of clothes and a towel.
Yes. The minimum age for going on our paddle trips is 4 years old. You must be 10 to paddle your own boat. If you have any questions about our age restrictions specific to each river trip, please check into the details for the trip you’re interested in or feel free to Email Us or Call Us with any questions or concerns.
Many healthy people of all ages, including spry folks in their 70′s and 80′s, enjoy paddling at all levels. If you can get in and out of the boat and paddle under your own power you are ready to hit the water.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your trip departure. If you are not familiar with the area you may want to allow some extra time before your trip departure time. Make sure to get good directions before you leave home. Somehow every once in a while people end up at the wrong company but have had plenty of time to correct the error and arrive at the right location with time to spare.
FYI: Be sure to take your reservation number and info with you. All trips leave our outpost at their scheduled departure times, if you are late you may have missed the trip.
There are different reuiqrements for each boat. They are as follows.
- 10ft & 12ft kayaks: 1 Paddler (and a child passenger if small enough)
- 14ft tandem kayak: 2 Paddlers (and a child passenger if small enough)
- Canoe: 2 Paddlers (and 1 to 2 child passengers if small enough)
We love your four legged friend. However we do not allow any animals on any of our trips.
Yes, please do. Your guide works hard to ensure that you have a fun, yet safe Michigan paddle adventure, and they appreciate being tipped. If you feel your guide has done a good job at keeping you entertained and sharing the wonderful river environment with you, feel free to tip them. $5 to $10 per person is widely accepted as the industry norm; tipping is always appreciated but never expected.