You can’t put kayakers in a box. Not all of them wear velcro sandals—or brewery sticker-studded helmets. Just as many chase the zen of relaxation as they do the thrill of whitewater.
Within this one sport, the range of different interests, enthusiasts, and ways to enjoy the water are as vast as the beautiful natural waterways that weave across the Upstate.
Take one look at the topography of our region alone, and it’s no surprise that one of the most influential kayak manufacturers in the world is based right here in Greenville, South Carolina.
Confluence Outdoor—better known by the cult-favorite brands it represents, like Wilderness Systems and Dagger—traces its history back to 1986. Although recently acquired by Canadian company Pelican International, it still operates and innovates just south of downtown.
Over the past three decades, Confluence has seen both the kayaking industry and interest in the sport navigate calm seas and turbulent waters—and the pandemic was no exception. “Without a doubt, the pandemic forced more people outdoors, and we saw demand increase,” says Wayne Feasby, vice president and general manager at Confluence Outdoor. “It brought an influx of new people into the sport, which is great.”
Feasby is quick to point out that there’s no better time or place to start kayaking, especially with technologies like twin-sheet thermoforming and rotational molding, which are both expanding gear options while enhancing performance.
It hasn’t been a charmed journey for the international manufacturer, however. “At the start of COVID, part of our initial pivot was taking the appropriate steps to protect our team members—temporarily shutting down our manufacturing. However, it didn’t take long to see the parallel increase in demand for kayaks,” Feasby adds.
The company’s focus then shifted to finding safe ways to continue to operate to meet the public’s increasing appetite for outdoor recreation. “Production turned back on and we sold all of our inventory very quickly. Fortunately, we have a very action-oriented culture, and a team that rises to meet spikes in demand.”
From the Research, Development & Engineering Lab to the colorful production floor, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a giant toy shop for paddlers at Confluence. “As you can imagine, we have a high percent of kayak enthusiasts here,” admits Feasby with a grin.
“Everything we do is for the enjoyment of other people, and when you make products that bring people joy, it creates a rewarding and fun culture.” They feed that passion for the water internally, too: “We coordinate group adventure opportunities, we have boats that staff can reserve and take out for a weekend, and we have family-and-friends sales just for our team, too.”
If the word kayak only brings to mind the clunky boats of summer camp, gear up to broaden your horizons—there’s a world of innovation all around you in the Upstate.
“We’re constantly bringing new products to market that have better features, better price points, better ideas . . . and all because of our employees. They’re out on the water every day, in different environments, seeking out new solutions and improvements—and what they dream up, we figure out how to apply to new and existing products,” says Feasby. “We have multiple brands, but our Dagger brand in particular has a team of enthusiasts, extremists, and professionals called Team Dagger who use our products in whitewater kayaking competitions, and then provides feedback as we develop and refine new products.”
In fact, the next time you visit the Charlotte Whitewater Center, “you might even spot some of the team testing new kayaks,” hints Feasby.
From new hybrids that are a combination of kayak and stand-up paddleboard to solar-powered models, the sport is exploding in new ways to leave dry land behind. “As interest has grown in kayaking, we’ve seen that more and more people want to get out on the water, but they don’t want to traverse miles and miles. They just want to kick back and enjoy the lake or their environment. We’re developing products that allow them to enjoy their on-water experience the way they want to,” Feasby explains.
Hands down, the Upstate is a fantastic area if you’re a kayak enthusiast,” adds Feasby. His team is well-known throughout the community, too, thanks to annual sponsorship of the Green River Race and Little White Salmon Race, or rolling up their sleeves for Reedy River Clean-ups. While some of their favorite local spots do have water ramps for access—like lakes Jocassee and Robinson—you don’t always need them. “That’s the great thing about kayaking—you don’t need a boat ramp to slide into the water, step into your kayak, and get going.
You can certainly find your own place to launch your own adventure.”
Guide to Kayaks
Guide to KayaksWhat Kayak is Right For You?
When Fun Comes First: RECREATIONAL
If relaxing on the water is what you’re after, you’ll want an ergonomic recreational model that is built for fun, maneuverability, and short distances. For families, a flexible kayak-paddle board hybrid is the Perception Hi Life (for adults) and the Perception Hi Five (for kids). Want to buddy-up and combine your paddling efforts? Check out the Tribe Tandem (2-person) kayak—it has rave reviews for a reason.
Another solid choice is the leading sit-on-top model, the Perception Pescador. You’ll spot these in use at local outfitters year-round. If you’d like a little more stability and comfort, the Wilderness Systems Pungo is a great sit-inside choice. The Pungo is so iconic, it’s often recognized more by its cult-favorite product name than its brand name.
Going the Distance: TOURING
Touring kayaks are designed for longer distances, with a more streamlined approach that takes less paddling and overall effort. Think of these models as the cruise control of the kayaking world. The Confluence team leads the industry with sleek, colorful options for all levels in the Wilderness Systems Tsunami and Wilderness Systems Tempest.
Hooked on Casting: FISHING & ANGLING
As more and more fishing enthusiasts look to trade big boats and crowded coves for quieter, nimble craft that can infiltrate prime fishing flats, kayak designers like Confluence have stepped up to revolutionize personalized fishing “machines”—and you’ll see the results of that thinking in the Perception Showdown and the Wilderness Systems Recon.
For the Adrenaline Junkie: WHITEWATER
Looking for a leading edge in the water? Confluence’s Dagger brand has two new prototypes out in the wild and on show: the Dagger Nova and Dagger Supernova, designed with a low-volume bow and stern that enhances carving, slicing, and spinning. For faster access to tried-and-tested models that won’t fail to conquer the rapids, check out bestsellers the Dagger Phantom and Dagger Rewind.
Space-Saving Travelers: KAYAK ALTERNATIVES
Low on storage space, high on adventure? You’ve got more options than ever due to innovations in both tough, easy-to-use inflatable kayaks and lightweight, streamlined stand-up paddleboards. Advanced Elements makes an eye-popping line of inflatable kayaks diverse in size and function, and among the industry’s best SUPs are the Boardworks Triton 11’6 (a rigid board with beautiful graphics) and the Boardworks Lunr 10’4 (an inflatable board that offers huge value and comes with everything you need to get started).
Places to Kayak
Places to KayakLaid-Back Paddling
- Lake Robinson | A calm, small, sun-warmed oasis ideal for lazy days, located just northwest of the city of Greer.
- Upper Saluda River | Ideal for both beginners and advanced paddlers, with 120+ miles of pristine waterways winding through Upstate South Carolina.
- Lake Jocassee | 7,500 acres of cool, clear water in northwest South Carolina, packed with trout and perfect for families.
- Table Rock State Park | Features multiple peaceful spots to paddle off Highway 11, including mist-shrouded mornings on Lake Oolenoy.
Whitewater Action
- Nantahala Outdoor Center | A North Carolina go-to, the NOC offers whitewater classes, guided trips, a full-service resort, and more.
- The Chattooga River | Curling along the South Carolina/Georgia border, this stunning river offers beginner-friendly Class I and II rapids.
- The Green River | Go solo or with a local outfitter to tackle Class I and II rapids at the upper and lower sections of this river.
- U.S. National Whitewater Center | Located in Charlotte, this celebrated facility boasts whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, rappelling, and rock climbing.
