Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know
If you’ve never used Tippy River Adventures before, we want to make it easy for you to get all of your questions answered before you arrive. If you don’t see the answer to your question below, please reach out to us at 574-376-2528 or by using our contact page.
Do you rent both kayaks and canoes? If so, what’s the difference?
Yes. Kayaks are $50 for 2 hours and Canoes are $65 for 2 hours. Transportation costs are included in the rental price or are $25 if you bring your own equipment.
Single Kayaks are 10’ or 12’ in length, suitable for adults or teens, and rated for 275 lbs. All Canoes are poly/fiberglass, 15’ 6” in length, and rated for 700lbs plus.
For canoes we also allow children under 70lbs to ride in the middle seat/floor of the canoe at no extra charge.
Do you host any special events?
Want to schedule an educational event, team event, team building, or club outing? Reach out and we will create a river float package that will make your trip memorable and those in your group proud to be part of the experience.
Looking for a promotional tool that will give your customers an experience they will use to bring customers through your front door? Give us a call to set up a one-of-a-kind river adventure!
You can also stop by our Tippy River Adventures booth during Third Friday celebrations each month in Warsaw, IN.
What additional services do you offer?
We offer a livery service that includes both rental and transportation of kayaks and canoes from disembarkment to embarkment locations.
We also provide merchandise and items available to purchase to make your river adventure trip more enjoyable.
Are life jackets required?
A life jacket is required for each person on the watercraft. It must be worn at all times by anyone age 18 or younger.
What happens if you need to quit before you get to the disembarkment location while you’re on the water?
If there is an emergency, get to safe solid ground. Ensure your party is safe. Then call us from your boat. We do not own the land on either side of the water or underneath it. We will either guide you to a proper dis-embarkment location or come get you.
Is there a cancellation policy?
In order to get a full refund cancel 24hrs in advance.
What if I bring an extra person?
Great! The more the merrier. We will get them signed up with your party, have them complete the necessary waiver, and on the water with you.
Do you accept walk-ins?
Schedule appointments 24hrs in advance. We will allow people to come out on the same day if trips have been scheduled if there are spots available. To find out, message us on our Facebook page or call the phone number on our website.
Do you have tips for paddling?
- Always wear your life jacket!
- Leave your valuables at home so you don’t lose them in the river. (such as rings, wallets, necklaces, and expensive eyeglasses)
- Use a strap to secure eyeglasses or sunglasses.
- Wear shoes that can get wet.
- Don’t tie canoes together or grab other canoes.
- Do not throw trash in the river or on the river bank.
- We have mesh reusable trash bags available for use. We also recycle plastic bottles, and aluminum cans and have trash receptacles available for your trash at the end of the day.
- Do not bring GLASS BOTTLES. Glass bottles will sink to the bottom of the river, create a hazard if broken, and will never decompose.
- We strongly recommend that you do not consume alcohol on the river (more details below).
- Respect private property
What should I bring?
- Water, Gatorade, or other beverages to keep you hydrated.
- Shoes that can get wet. We recommend tennis shoes or water shoes. Flip-flops generally do not stay on your feet and end up floating down the river.
- Dry clothes and towel. We recommend that you leave these in your car, so you have something dry to change into after your trip is over.
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Hat and sunglasses
- Snack
- Trash Bag
- Comfortable clothing that can get wet and dry quickly.
- For your convenience, we have a small store that sells water, sodas, snacks, ice cream, and other items you may have forgotten to bring with you.
Is alcohol allowed?
- State law does allow for paddlers to consume alcohol while on the river, but in 2016 a new regulation was passed by TWRA. This regulation prohibits the consumption of alcohol while on the gravel bars.
- You can possess alcohol but not consume it while on land.
- Tippy River Adventures recommends that you do not consume alcohol while paddling, but if you or your group choose to drink alcohol we ask that you drink in moderation, designate a non-drinking driver, and be respectful of other paddlers and the river.
- Please do not litter.
- State law does not allow the consumption of alcohol at any of the boat ramps.
- Tippy River Adventures does not allow the consumption of alcohol on our property or in our vehicles.
- If you choose to drink, drink responsibly, but again we recommend that you not drink while on the river.
Are dogs allowed?
We recommend that you not bring your dog. The river can be overwhelming for your pet. Hot temperatures, moving water, and wildlife can create challenges for both you and your dog. If you decide you want to bring your dog, there are a few things we ask you to consider:
- Please keep your dog on a leash at all times when at the canoe base.
- Even dogs need a lifejacket. Yes, most dogs can swim but only for short periods of time and they may not be able to overcome a stronger current. We have a limited number of dog life jackets available if you do not own one.
- Is your dog an indoor dog most of the time? If so, a 90-degree day on the river in the middle of summer may not be the best day to bring your pet.
- Have they ever been in a canoe or kayak? If this is also your first time in a canoe or kayak, consider getting yourself comfortable in a kayak first then taking your dog another time when you feel more confident.
- Does your dog listen to basic commands? There may be other dogs at the canoe base, kids, and other people. Please ensure that you have control over your dog.
- Having a dog with you may delay your departure or pick-up if other groups are not comfortable riding in the vehicle with your dog.
What is the minimum age for paddling?
The minimum age for paddling solo (alone in a vessel) is 13 years old. Children below the age of 13 will need to ride with someone in a tandem kayak or canoe.
Our minimum age for being accompanied on the river in a vessel of any kind is 3 years old. However, some children older than three years old may not be ready to join you for a day on the river. Before deciding to bring a child canoeing or kayaking we ask that you consider the following:
- Is your child comfortable in the water?
- Do they know how to swim?
- Do they enjoy swimming, are they comfortable going underwater?
- Is it going to be too hot, too cold, too windy, or just too sunny for a young child (are they heat tolerant)?
- Do you feel confident that you can manage yourself, your boat, and your child if your boat tips over?
- As of 2020, the law states that all minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a person at least 18 years of age.