Watersports

LOCAL LAKE OUTFITTERS

• Summersville Lake Marina – If you plan to splash around Summersville Lake this summer, make a stop by the Summersville Lake Marina. Here, you can rent a pontoon or boat to explore “The Little Bahamas of the East” — another name for the beloved Summersville Lake. While you’re at this full-service marina, go ahead and stock up on ice, food, overnight slips and fuel.
• Sarge’s Dive Shop – If you want to dive a bit deeper, take a trip over to Sarge’s Dive Shop. This facility provides air, rental gear, scuba sales and repair services— all the things you need to safely navigate the 300-foot depth of this lake. This summer, embark on one of their swimming, snorkeling or diving charters for an adventure like no other.
• Summersville Lake Retreat – Explore the ins and outs of all that Summersville Lake has to offer by renting a pontoon boat from Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse. After a full day of exploration, extend your stay in Summersville by camping on the property or cozying up in one of their fully equipped cabins.
• Marina at Stonewall Resort – With a boat launch, marina shop, gasoline sales and various boat slips, the Marina at Stonewall Resort is your one-stop shop for exploring Stonewall Lake. Venture out onto the water with one of their pontoon boats or CraigCats for a fun-filled day with friends. What’s more, you can even get a boxed lunch to go.
• Stonewall Resort’s Recreation Center – If you want to explore the lake at your own pace, Stonewall Resort offers kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for overnight guests and day visitors alike. Kayak half the day away and paddleboard the other. At Stonewall Jackson Lake, it’s all up to you.
• Beech Fork Lake Marina – Retreating to Beech Fork Lake for a peaceful day on the water is made easy when you stop by Beech Fork Lake Marina. Here, you can rent pontoon boats, kayaks or canoes for up to 8 hours— ample time to soak in the beauty and serenity of Almost Heaven’s surreal scenery.

NEW RIVER & GAULEY RIVER

Winding through these Appalachian Mountains and forging their own paths, the New River and Gauley River boast sheer adventure and breathtaking beauty. Explorers from near and far trek to these rivers to enjoy distinctive whitewater rapids and rushing waters, and you can too. During the summer months, the New and Gauley Rivers are the perfect place to beat the heat and get your fair share of adrenaline.

• Adventures on the Gorge Resort – With unbelievable beauty around you and the rushing rapids before you, a whitewater rafting trip with Adventures on the Gorge Resort will offer an explanation as to why the New River and Gauley Rivers are world-famous. Spend a day— or two— exploring the ins and outs of these rivers with AOTG.
• ACE Adventure Resort – Nestled in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, ACE Adventure Resort provides direct access to the New — as the locals call it. Embark on one of their whitewater rafting excursions on the Upper or Lower New River to experience pure exhilaration. If you’re a seasoned river runner, you can also take a kayak through the towering rapids. Either way, lifelong memories await you at New River and Gauley River.
• River Expeditions – Whether you’d like to embark on an exhilarating ride or take a leisurely float, River Expeditions has just what you need for a perfect day on the water. With plenty of options for beginners and experienced rafters alike, the New and Gauley Rivers are for everyone who wants to experience the adventure of a lifetime.
• Cantrell Ultimate Rafting – Explore all the Upper and Lower New River and Gauley River have to offer with Cantrell Ultimate Rafting. Whether you’re looking to get your feet wet or you’re an experienced paddler, you’ll find a rafting trip suited for you. So, grab a lifejacket, paddle and helmet for the ride of a lifetime.

COAL RIVER

LOCAL OUTFITTERS

• Coal River Kayak and Canoe Rental – A relaxing canoe trip or kayaking excursion on the river comes easy when you make a stop at Coal River Kayak and Canoe Rental. Hit the water by kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, and on the way, take a quick swim. Memories of a lifetime with family and friends await you on the Coal River.
• Big Earl’s Campground – Located on the Coal River, Big Earl’s Campground offers its guests direct access to both the excitement and beauty of a day spent on the water. While staying in one of its cabins, you can rent a kayak or rafts that sit one, two or four people. Float the day away and cozy up at the campground by night.

Discover More of West Virginia's Rushing Rivers

To get in on some of the most exhilarating white water adventures, make your way to Gauley River in the fall for rapids that are simply like no other.