Paddle Opportunities and Events

Kayaking near Wamego. Photo by Greg Z.

Paddle Opportunities

One of the best benefits of FOK is togetherness on the Kaw. We plan the details, assemble a shuttle plan, and you simply RSVP to join. Paddle opportunities are delivered through email. Click here to sign up for our newsletter or see the Event Calendar to enroll. Enrollment opens 6 weeks in advance and no earlier.

Beginner Wednesdays and River Events

Join our staff and Kaw River Guides for Beginner Wednesdays. Participants enjoy a guided river paddle experience. If this is your first paddle, thank you for joining the only organization with over 30 years of experience on the Kansas River. We love being part of your first journey on the Kansas River. Paddlers receive instructions and paired with a Kaw River Guide. We will explore the river and pause on the sandbar for an educational talk. Bring water to stay cool and hydrated.

Rental includes kayak/canoe, paddle, and lifejacket.

  • $40 Single Kayak
  • $60 Double Kayak
  • $80 Canoe
  • No children age 5 and under.
  • Children ages 6-12 are positioned as a passenger and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. If you feel your child should be in a paddle position, please discuss with the Kansas Riverkeeper to make accommodations.
  • Children ages 13-18 can paddle in a single/double kayak or canoe and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
  • FOK does not rent kayaks/canoes separate from our paddle trips.

See More Paddle Information below.

Student Paddles with Education Professionals

Student paddles are private paddle trips with students, teacher(s), FOK staff, and Kaw River Guides only. Contact Kim Bellemere, Director of Programming & Outreach, via email: kim.bellemere@kansasriver.org

Corporate Paddles and Corporate River Cleanups

Is your company looking for a retreat on the river? Or maybe you want volunteer opportunities for great team building opportunity with meaningful outcomes for the whole community!

  • Corporate Paddles are private paddle trips with employees, FOK staff, and Kaw River Guides only.
  • Corporate River Cleanups are private cleanups with employees and FOK staff.

Contact Jane Liebert, Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving, via email: jane.liebert@kansasriver.org

More Paddle Information

  • Paddles and cleanups can be rescheduled due to inclement weather.
  • Kaw River Guides are experienced volunteer paddlers ready to assist.
  • We pledge FOK Members are THE FIRST to know about paddle and cleanup opportunities delivered through email. Check out the Event Calendar to enroll. Enrollment opens 6 weeks in advance and no earlier.
  • A detailed email will be sent to participants 48 hours before each event. No communication will arrive until that time because of possible changes in the weather and/or river conditions.
  • View our video “Know Before You Go” to learn what to expect on a paddle.
  • Bring water to stay cool and hydrated.
  • No alcohol.
  • No pets.
  • To rent a kayak/canoe for your own paddle, click for our picks.

Events

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

FOK is proud to host the film festival locally. We think the films are just too good, and the messages too powerful to keep to ourselves. Watch and see for yourself!

Purchase a ticket to attend, start/renew your membership, and participate in our special Members-Only kayak raffle. Learn more about our Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL), in 2003 and has evolved into the largest environmental film festival in the nation. The event kicks off nationwide each January in Nevada City, CA, touring over 140 cities, and Lawrence, KS is one of them. Learn more about the national Wild & Scenic Film Festival.

Beers of the Kaw

Beers of the Kaw is a beer tasting of the breweries in the Kansas River watershed. Ticket price includes entrance to the event, a beer tasting glass, and access to all beer brewers for tasting. You’ll receive a “beer bingo” card. Complete the card by visiting all the brewers (you don’t have to drink it all), then add your bingo card to our drawing for tons of door prizes at the end of the night. Food vendors on site, but the cost for food is not included in your ticket price. Outdoor patio with lovely view of the Kansas River! We also have a silent auction stacked with wonderful items. Learn more about Beers of the Kaw.