Plenty of Paddling
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Paddling the Tallapoosa River, Lake Martin’s feeder creeks or the lake itself is now easier than ever, as new canoe/kayak rental options are available around the lake. Off the Beaten Path Alabama is now Tallapoosa Wilds and is owned by Craig Godwin and Elliott Jackson of Opelika, who have been fly fishing guides on the Tallapoosa River north of the lake for many seasons. “We’ve both had a history with the river since elementary school. Craig has been with East Alabama Fly Fishing for about nine years now. We’re on the river constantly. We have floated the whole 41 miles of the river route – probably 80 to a hundred times last year alone,” Jackson said. The pair used to take the Off the Beaten Path Alabama shuttle from their take-out point to a put-in point and when former owner Chuck Browne said he was thinking of selling his kayak rental and shuttle business, they leaped at the opportunity. “We are always looking for another side hustle,” Jackson said. “Chuck was happy it went to guys who knew the river and loved the area as much as he did. “It’s just easier if you get a shuttle. That way, you meet us at the take-out point and leave your car there,
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and we take you to the put-in. When you are finished with your day on the river, all you have to do is load up and go home. Your car is already at the take-out point.” There are some operational changes with the new ownership, which will officially launch on May 7. For now, rentals are available only on Saturdays and Sundays. The owners hope to extend their hours to include Fridays and possibly Thursdays. The entire administrative process can be handled online, from booking to paying. Group rates are available for bachelor’s parties and other events, so check out the website at tallapoosawilds.com. Email Jackson and Godwin at tallapoosawilds@gmail.com or call them at 256-609-7073. Float Alabama on U.S. Route 280 in Dadeville is focused on high quality inflatable float products, from kayaks and canoes to big rafts and standup paddleboards. The company was started this year by Alex Carter, who has spent most of his adult life in Alaska but moved to the area with his wife, Lauren, who is originally from Phoenix City. In addition to rentals, Carter sells what he rents and makes warranty repairs on the equipment. “You can buy anything you want on the internet these
MAY 2022
