June 8th, 2019 marks the 6th Annual Elk River Summer Float held annually in Sutton, West Virginia. Kayak or canoe the flatwater and mild rapids of the Elk River between the Sutton Dam and the Elk River Camp and RV. Register for this five-mile float at http://www.braxtonwv.org/elkfloat. Registration is $15 a person and includes an event t-shirt and shuttle services. To guarantee an event shirt, pre-register before May 18th. Day-of registration will be available at the Sutton Dam starting 9 AM.
The Elk River is perfect for newcomers to kayaking to equant themselves with the activity. The river is relatively calm and slow moving with occasional small rapids. A five-mile float is a good length for beginners as well as for groups with mixed experience levels. The trip should last between two to three hours; however, some participants choose to take their time and make a whole day of it by fishing, swimming, or taking in the scenery.
The Elk River Summer Float coincides with West Virginia’s “Free Fishing Weekend,” which means fishing without a permit is allowed, making this the perfect opportunity for out-of-state fishing enthusiasts to test themselves against the musky, walleye and smallmouth bass of the Elk River.
Those attending the float should arrive at the Sutton Dam at 9 AM. Once there, drop off gear and passengers. If pre-registered, one person from each group can check in their whole group. If registering that day, all adults must register at check in. Once gear and passengers are unloaded and registration is in order, drive vehicles to the Elk River Camp and RV. There, participants will park and board waiting shuttles which will bring them back to the Sutton Dam where they can begin the float.
The Elk River Water Trail is sponsored by TransCanada Pipeline, MonPower, and West Virginia American Water.