Safe fun for everyone!

Here at Smith Mountain Paddle Company, we take safety seriously. We also understand that some clients are brand new to paddleboarding and kayaking, therefore we have added some helpful tips and tricks to get you comfortable during your adventure!

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources set and govern kayaking and paddleboarding laws throughout the state. Its important to make yourself and your fellow adventureres aware of these laws before you begin. 

•  Virginia law considers kayaks and canoes to be manually propelled vessels.
•  Manually propelled kayaks and canoes are exempt from registration.
•  Non-motorized vessels do not require a license to operate in Virginia.
•  Virginia has an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) law that applies to all vessels. No person is allowed to operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other self-administered intoxicants. A person is operating illegally when their blood alcohol content is .08% or above. 
•  All canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards must have on board one USCG approved wearable PFD for each person on board. All persons 13 years of age or under are required to wear a PFD US Coast Guard approved life jacket the entirety of their time on the equipment. Smith Mountain Paddle Company, LLC Provides all equipment with the appropriate PFD. This is included in the price of your rental.