My wife and I did the quick trip on the Neuse, in a tandem. Nice trip and friendly helpful staff. The river is a little shallow in places. I had it get out and push 3 times but maybe I just picked the wrong path in those spots. We saw dozens of turtles, a few fish and a heron. The only surprise was the sort of rough handling of the kayaks at the put in spot. There was only one person there to unload and stage 2 eighty pound tandem kayaks. So they got dropped and dragged on the pavement. It’s a testament to the quality of Jackson kayaks to stand up to this sort of punishment.
Rented four single kayaks on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Everything was top notch, from the easy to use website, the accommodations for the dog that was with us, to the equipment. Oh and the river was quite nice, too! I should take away one star, because everyone in my party saw otters but me (kidding). Excellent afternoon!
Me, my husband and little boy went to Paddle Creek this past weekend. This was our first time kayaking. We loved it! We took the 1.5 hour tour. It was perfect for first timers like us. The river was calm, we just drifted along only having to paddle to steer. It was very simple to make the reservations and sign the waivers online. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I was worried about getting into and out if the kayak but the staff is right there to help and make it easy and keep you dry. We are ready to go back, but next time we will do the 4 hour tour. I highly recommend Paddle Creek!
These guys were awesome! We went to the Robertson Millpond and rented a tandem kayak and it was so cool! The Millpond is so beautiful. Its so peaceful and relaxing being in such a beautiful place. Paddle creek made it super easy to rent from them. The website is super easy to use, especially for signing waivers, which makes it all convenient. They knew my name even before I got there and were expecting me. They gave us a quick rundown of everything we needed to know, helped us put on life vests, and quickly got us launched off. After we had a great time exploring the millpond they got us quickly out of the water and were very friendly checking in with us on our experience. Ive used Paddle Creek before for a Nuese River trip and I have to say they have not only great customer service but so far very consistent great customer service. Im looking forward to another trip with them.
It was a warm/hot Sunday morning. It was a great time to be on the river playing with the kids. They loved splashing each other and making a game of collecting trash in the river.Make sure you actually read the driving directions in the email. I didnt and we sat in a parking lot for 20 minutes wondering where everyone was.
What a great experience! I have been on several outings with Paddle creek. Each time, the experience has been enjoyable. We have gone with the whole family, even with young kids and everyone had a blast. It is also a great opportunity to team building. My colleagues at Blue Water Spa had a very fun and memorable experience. The trip is easy, fun and so beautiful. The people at Paddle creek make everything so easy. I cant wait to go again.
We wanted to book last minute and even though they had scheduled maintenance for their vans, they decided to let us come anyway! The staff members came to work on their days off to accommodate us. We really appreciate it, and had a great time doing the Long Trip. Saw some cool wildlife, and had a wonderful day!
Took advantage of end of season half price promotion. On line registration inclusive of waiver easy and efficient. On site staff professional, friendly and knowledgeable. Be sure to check water levels river was low for my paddle but outfitter cant control the water. If you like to paddle an urban river they can help you.
Great experience. Staff was nice, welcoming, informative and straightforward. Got us going quickly to enjoy the water and experience with my family. Definitely will visit again!
Me and my husband went to paddle creek this weekend for our anniversary! Beautiful. I enjoyed every minute of it. Awesome staff! Made sure we were comfortable and very helpful. Will definitely be returning!
We went on the four hour paddle trip yesterday. The weather was perfect. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The trip down the river is leisurely and laid back. There is ample time to stop along the way and enjoy nature. We saw osprey, hawks, turtles, and a snake.
Have floated twice renting from Paddle Creek (one short/quick trip, and recently the long trip). Absolutely zero problems each time, very fun, staff is friendly, supportive, and hospitable. An example: we completed the long trip (which is estimated at 4 hours) in just over 2.5. A quick call to the put-in site and within 30 minutes, we were picked up and returned!As a result of the positive experience, we are toying with the idea of acquiring our own equipment, utilizing Paddle Creek for their parking and transportation, and floating more frequently.
Smooth trip. Glad I went. Perfect for novices but still engaging for the more experienced. The water was shallow the day we went and we got stuck a couple of times, but easy enough to correct. Self-guided, but no worries...you cant exactly get off track. Just need to know when to dock. The gal in charge was together and pleasant. She gave us a brief education on how to find our take out point. Other employees on site were more relaxed but less attentive to customer needs. Entry/signage a bit difficult to see/find. (How about some brightly colored oversized paddles mounted atop the sign?!)
Great experience. Rented a tandem. Best way to go kayaking if you have never been before. Thanks!
Most fun Ive ever had.... Very relaxing and enjoyable ... My kids and wife had a blast.. Love the laid back energy from the staff... Differently recommend this to everyone
Good experience renting a paddle board for 4 days. Due to things that came up,, I had to change my plans more than one time but paddle creek was flexiable and accommodating. Friendly staff and equipment was as advertised. Highly recommend.
We had a relaxing, enjoyable time on our tandem kayak on the Neuse River. Paddle Creek staff was helpful and friendly. The kayak was easy to maneuver and could float in water less than a foot deep, and we never ran aground. It is very sunny in June, so dont forget the sunscreen and a towel to cover your legs. Watching the wildlife was a highlight --- we saw turtles, hawks, herons, osprey, and swifts, which build clay nests under the bridges. We highly recommend going for a quick trip down the river to ease your downtown blues!
Our family of four had a blast (two adults two kids). It’s such a fun and relaxing trip. The staff are super friendly and helpful! One kid review was “it was amazing!!!” The other said, “best kayak trip ever!”We will definitely be back!
Had a great time on The Neuse today. Staff was helpful & friendly. Recommend this trip to all!
Last minute reservation with my daughter. Paddle Creek website & staff made the experience easy. Staff was super nice!
Such a great day on the water! Very manageable for beginners, quality equipment, easy reservation process.
Went on the quick 1.5 hour trip down the Neuse and would definitely recommend! Didn’t have much experience kayaking and it turned out pretty great!
Boyfriend and I had a great time on the twilight paddle. The sun hadnt quite set by the time we got back to the starting point but it was fun and romantic nevertheless! We thought the employees were all very friendly.
So much fun! We went in a group of 5 with one 5 year old child. We saw LOTS of turtles and even a beaver! We also found rope swings along the river! Highly recommend.
Had a great time kayaking the Neuse. The staff was polite, professional and knowledgeable. They made a novice like myself feel at ease. However, I felt really bad for their staff when we returned. Not only did they have to help pull my fat ass out of tje river, they had to deal with a large group of very intoxicated people on floats just as we were returning. It appeared that they were not customers of Paddle Creek but rather just chose to end their float at Paddle Creek and use their private dock area to exit. When the staff allowed them to use their private exit however asked them to exit quickly and make way for the paying customers, this intoxicated appearing group became verbally abusive of the staff. I felt so embarrassed for these people as I was sure once they sobered up, they were going to feel awful for their behavior. Then as we were packing up to leave, these same intoxicated appearing people realized their cars had been towed. They apparently had parked illegally at Paddle Creek. Thank God that karma was very good today and looking out for children and fools as these people appeared to have no business behind the wheel of any vehicle. The poor staff and manage just seemed to take a beating but yet handled it far better than I would have. I would give this company 10 stars for today if I could!
Went here when we bought a Groupon. So worth it! Took a tandem kayak out on the water for about 3 hours. They picked us up, dropped us off up stream and made it very easy to figure out where to go and when to get out of the water. Great staff, solid kayaks and a beautiful day.
5 stars! Good customer service. As advertised. Such a nice peaceful float down a nice calm river. Saw birds, fish and a couple deer. If youre looking for something to do in Raleigh, this is it!
Always a great experience. Staff is friendly and helpful. The hour-and-a-half short trip is a perfect wait to spend a summer morning.
We have done this twice - did the half day trip the first time and the full day trip the second time. And we were very happy with both trips. They started on time and were well organized. The very friendly staff explained the details of the trip clearly. And we loved kayaking the Neuse - the half day took us about an hour though several people took much longer.The full day trip took about 2.5 hours for us to complete, paddling continuously. Some others in our party took 3.5 hours to finish it. We should have brought sunscreen, PB+J to enjoy along the way, and maybe a cooler for some other snacks.But Paddle Creek is great - couldnt have improved on the trip in any way!
Loved it!! River was low today but it was a gentle trip and simply beautiful. Great crew helped us and were great to talk to.
Kayaking down the Neuse is a great way to spend your Labor Day!
I went SUP with my 10 year old daughter last summer. The equipment was great and the folks working there were nice. However, we felt very UNSAFE on the river. The Kayaking group went before us, so we were on our own. We passed a group of middle school kids, 10 -15 of them, using foul language and making inappropriate comments about us. Then we passed under a bridge, where high school kids were jumping off into the water. I would not do that trip again.
I enjoyed the Millpond paddle, definitely a cool experience slipping between the trees. An hour is plenty of time. One star off because I wasnt given much instruction (not that its really needed)
Went kayaking with a group of friends. We had an awesome time. The staff of Paddle Creek were helpful and friendly. I would recommend this activity and this outfitter to anyone: adults and families with children.
It was such a nice relaxing trip down a true gift from nature. The perfect mothers day trip. Thank you guys.
Liesurely paddle down Neuse River. Nice staff. Efficient on line bookings. A bit expensive.
We had a wonderful kayaking trip! It was so easy to make reservations online and sign the waivers. Its so close to raleigh but you feel out of the city. The swamp is very different from anywhere else you can go in raleigh to be outside. The staff was very friendly as well. Just perfect.
They are receiving a 1 star because I cannot give 0 stars.We have been floating down the river for 4 years and this year they either changed management or staff and they have some truly concerning internal issues.We had a relaxing great time on the river this weekend and before we even got out of the river, we were getting screamed at by one of the workers. We diligently got our tubes out as fast as we could and proceeded to follow their instructions being yelled at us to move down the road to deflate. In this process, a young guy that worked there decided to begin cursing at me and threatening to call the cops on us as we were moving to where they told us to go.A few moments later, the same guy that was cursing at me was then driving the van with a trailer. He was waiting for someone to unlock the chain to drive through but was yelling at a girl in our group that he would run her over. He peeled out and the trailer was about 2 inches away from running her over.The lady that owns the place stated that she has no control over her employees and knows that that guy is exactly like that and he would do exactly what he did. She then called the cops on us.In this time, we realized that she also had 3 cars illegally towed as they were not on her property line at all.The cops were extremely helpful in getting a solution as they owner quickly was informed she was in the wrong. The tow company was also misled by this owner and agreed to let us pick up our cars for free as they should have never been towed as we were not parked on her property at all.All in all, if you do ever decide to park your car at this location, just make sure to park on the side of the ditch closest for US-1 as this is not her property and she is unable to tow you. You also wont be charged an obscene amount of $15 for one day to park your car.If she does threaten to call the cops, let her. They now are aware of the situation and are extremely helpful in correcting her wrong doing.
Excellent. The river was slow but had obstacles. Which was good for us because we had first timers and some with experience in our group.
Had a great time on the Neuse! Took the 4.5 hr trip in a two seater kayak. Our only complaint was some people in the party SOMEHOW were unawares that there would be snakes.
The staff was pleasant and helpful. Equipment used was great. The location is a little hidden. But overall great experience!
Staff was great, friendly and professional. Had so much fun and highly recommend.
Had a great time. There were a few times in had to reschedule due to weather and personal conflicts; however, the staff helped in every way and were very attentive.
Kayaking on the Neuse River was awesome!! Staff is very friendly and equipment is well maintained!! Very good time, will be back!--Kate C.
This place provided the perfect experience for me and my wife. The staff was great, very friendly and knowledgeable. We cant wait to go again.
Great service! Organized, efficient and friendly staff
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Enjoyed the trip! Would definitely recommend.
This was a totally relaxing experience. I am super glad that Groupon had this available. For all those that have never used Groupon before you guys need to check it out they have some really cool things to do right here in your neighborhood.
Great fun for the family. Book online, just dont show up
Had a great time thanks paddle creek for the new hobby.... We will be back real soon .... Great people PADDLE CREEK
Had a great time. Cool views. Nice easy stroll.
The staff is really awesome and helpful. 4 hours perfect for ultimate beginners like me and the pricing is reasonable too.
Just got off of the river on the long trip and my son and I had a blast.Syaff was knowledgeable and very friendly.Iwill be going on another trip soon.
Well run operation. The scenery of the Neuse makes it hard to believe youre within Raleigh city limits.
Staff was friendly but they could do a lot better with website for directions and other information.
Fun way to spend time with kids paddling down Neuse river. Selection of canoe and paddle boards for rent
They provide great service in a timely fashion. I highly recommend Paddle Creek for a fun and relaxing time!
We had an awesome time. Very helpful staff and good equipment.
Love the peaceful kayak ride with my 5years old son.
Fun paddling! Staff was very helpful.
Well as excited as my daughter was that she was able to find Paddle Boards that we could rent and take off site for our get away for 3 days didnt turn out to be such a great thing.My daughter went paddle boarding with some friends last year and she loved the experience.That being said, she is a beginner at the sport and I was clueless of the equipment other than the obvious Paddle Boards, Life Jackets and Paddles.When my wife called ahead and paid for the equipment (245.00) I researched Paddle Creek and all reviews were great.Now I was excited to give the sport a try myself.So this past Monday we arrived at Paddle Creek assuming we were in good hands of knowledgeable staff that would make sure we received all equipment we needed for our trip.The staff at Paddle Creek helped load the equipment into my pickup but seemed a little unsure or apprehensive of what he was doing.Although was very nice and pleasant.Once we arrived at our destination and got settled in, off to the lake with the Paddle Boards.Again we are beginners!Once in the water I could tell my daughter was getting very frustrated because thing werent going as good as she remembered from her experience a year ago.She and her friend seemed to only go in circles and or wherever the wind and current took them.She had such high hopes and wanted to show us the fun and how good she was at Paddle Boarding.They gave up as I thought it must have been too much wind or rough water to Paddle Board.The next day...same thing with calm conditions.I tried myself and was able to get the board to go but it was taking all I had switching left, right, left, right with the paddle.Now I understand their frustrations and that was it. Paddle Boarding was over for the remainder of our get away.We returned the boards Thursday afternoon and when the obviously more knowledgeable gentleman checked in the rented equipment, he ask...Where are the fins? I replied...WHAT FINS?He stated, The fins that attach to the bottom of the board to assist the boarder in keeping the board moving forward instead of in circlesNeed I say more!!!A lot of monies, frustrations and now feel as if I were taken.NOTE: A Company is only as good as its worst employee.Please train them all on what equipment goes with any rental.As some of us do not know and rely on their expertise as part of the services we pay for.Steve Coates Timberlake, NCI wrote the above review earlier today not realizing my wife had already contacted Paddle Creek about our experience.I had given 1 star before and now rating 5 stars.At dinner tonight she informed me that the owner of Paddle Creek was as unhappy about the situation as we were and has said he would refund our entire rental cost back to us.This is an outstanding and correct way to do business and we understand that things happen from time to time.We do appreciate the refund and will use Paddle Creek again if the occasion arises, but with a little more knowledge on our behalf next time.Thank you Mr. Davis for your prompt response to us and the kind gesture of understanding and the refund.Steve Coates, Timberlake, NC
Pros: Overall, it was a great time. The staff were courteous, the kayaks and paddles were in great shape. Also, the length of the trip (Quick Trip) was nice- I thought 1.5 hours would be too short, but it ended up being the perfect amount of time for a novice kayaker. We also lucked out by going on a gorgeous day, which improved the experience greatly.Cons: The crew werent prompt, which they said in their reservation email was important because of the # of trips they make in one day. So, all us kayakers were left waiting 20 mins past the start time. Also, the life vests could do with an occasional bleaching.
I purchased a Groupon voucher for a 1.5 hour trip. The group had to wait on two people who showed up after the scheduled 1:30 departure so that was a little frustrating. Just FYI - the dry bags are A LOT bigger than I imagined. When we got to the river, there was no tutorial on kayaking (i.e. paddle left to steer right). I had only been kayaking once previously and my two friends had never been, but after a little bit we got the hang of things. The river was shallow that day and we got stuck in a couple places (which the guide warned us about). Overall, I enjoyed the experience. It was relaxing and a nice tour of the Neuse River. Perfect self-guided tour for a beginner. Definitely would go again!
Had a great time on the river, will try the Millpond soon
Fun Sunday morning trip. No experience necessary.
I am not a client of this company, however I did have an experience with them. I was biking with my girlfriend on the Neuse River Greenway as we come up upon a group of customers bringing their kayaks across the trail. Unfortunately, there was no supervision for bikers or runners and an accident occurred. Customers came out onto the trail without looking, I stopped, but my gf couldnt- crashing into me and then onto the trail. Her hand was cut up, the handles bars went out of alignment, and they need to be rewrapped. Im not sure if it was the employee or customer who came to help, but there werent any apologies.After calling and talking to the supervisor, who was also the employee, he didnt see to take on the responsibility, but blamed it on the busy weekend. If safety is not first and foremost, then there is a problem. Hopefully this is the only issue that the company has and that this is a wake up call for them.
Like many, we purchased the buy one get one free 1.5 hour self-guided Paddle Creek Neuse River Paddle. After checking in at Paddle Creek, we boarded a van for our quick trip from the Paddle Creek HQ to where our kayaks were put in the Neuse for us. We brought along our own paddles and PFDs. Others on the excursion were issued their own. After listening to the disclaimers, we were on our way down the river. The kayaks were in average condition. Being at the end of the season, that was understandable. My boat was missing the seat bottom cushion.We enjoyed the paddle (our first on the Neuse River) and soon we were at the take out location where the Paddle Creek team loaded our boats for our short drive back to the Paddle Creek store.If you are looking for a self-guided, easy paddle down the Neuse River, Paddle Creek does a nice job arranging and coordinating the paddle.
Awesome time on the river! Thank you to the staff!
It was great but tiring.
Awesome experience ! Thanks guys
Good trip...
Great staff, friendly, accommodating, and helpful.
Great folks, amazing trip
Its good
Get a gate code and paddle whenever you want!
Great staff
Fun!