2023 Issue 5 Sept/Oct Focus - Mid-South Magazine

Kayaking with the
Wolf River Conservancy
Kids enjoying their adventure with the
Wolf River Conservancy
as part of their focus on
safety. Demetriou says, “We
want to be able to reach
out to people who may be
a little bit uneasy about
getting out on the water
and make them feel a little
bit safer.” Blues City Kayaks
also offer river kayaking
skills courses for those who
want to improve skills and
learn safety techniques.
Demetriou says he would be
remiss not to offer one last
bit of safety advice—always
wear a life jacket.
Currents in Memphis’
crown jewel, the mighty
Mississippi, have always
made it tricky to paddle,
but one new outfitter has
figured it out. Mississippi
River Expeditions is an
exciting and novel way of
seeing the Mississippi River
in 30-foot custom-made
sailing canoes that hold
10 to 12 people. Started
in 2021, owner Matthew
Burdine says he wanted to
bring a little of the Grand
Canyon rafting experience
to the Mississippi. The
group is based at Mud
lsland Marina with several
trips offered ranging from
one to three hours, half
day, full day, and multi-day
camping expeditions. Some
trips might include crossing
the river to Loosahatchie
Island, a swim in the calmer
western waters, and
charcuterie on a sandbar.
Each canoe comes with an
experienced guide. These
are privately chartered
trips with just your group,
no experience necessary.
Burdine says the most
popular outings are sunset
cruises. These put in at
the marina, head upriver
to the mouth of the Wolf,
paddle across and set up
charcuterie, and afterward
begin the paddle back
toward downtown with the
sunset in view. He says these
paddles show Memphians
a whole new perspective
of themselves. With these
canoes Burdine says he
is able to do what Native
Americans were doing on
the Lower Mississippi for
about 10,000 years.
This fall and winter
commune, connect, and
rejuvenate in the waters
in and around Memphis.
If you look for the water
(and paddling buddies on
Facebook groups), you can
find it.
A bridge on the Wolf River Greenway.
photo courtesy of Wolf River Conservancy
18 Go! | Sept+Oct 2023 | focuslgbt.com