Higher Pursuits, a female-owned business, started with a love of the Duck River and a passion for paddling. Building from there, Dawn Nelson and Jan Seufert have created a number of events on the river, including opportunities to enjoy the water as the sun is setting. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an upcoming Sunset Paddle on August 6, 2025.
The guided Sunset Paddle will begin a few hours before sunset so participants can enjoy the changes on the river as the sun sinks and the moon rises. Higher Pursuits provides a guide and lights for the boats.
Participants will arrive at 5:00 p.m. and leave base camp at 5:30 p.m. The group will paddle until near sunset and then stop to have a snack and watch the sunset. The trip is completed during twilight and early darkness and ends at about 9:30 p.m.
Cost for the trip is $75 per person, this includes rental of a kayak or canoe, a life jacket, oars and the guide. It is suggested that guests bring plenty of non-alcoholic beverages, preferably water or a sports drink, to stay hydrated. Tennis shoes or sandals that attach to the foot are suggested instead of flip flops which fall off and can get lost. Also, a light jacket and lightweight pants may be desired after sunset when the temperature drops.
Sunset Paddles do depend on the weather. A clear night is required to take advantage of the illumination of the moon, that is why the event takes place near a full moon.
The Duck River is rich in biological diversity, being home to more than 500 species of aquatic plants as well as 60 species of mussels, 151 types of fish, and 22 different kinds of snail. Bordered by thick forests, steep rock cliffs, and scenic pastoral lands, the activity along the river shifts as the sun fades below the horizon offering a view of the river that few see.
Nelson and Seufert founded Higher Pursuits initially to provide team-building experiences for businesses, schools and other organizations. Then in 2009, the economy shifted and they expanded their business plan to build a canoe basecamp and to provide kayak and canoe rentals, opening to the public a year later.
“Many of you have been with us since the beginning and have watched our operation grow from operating out of a tent to what you see today,” says the duo on their website. “We have been so fortunate to have a wonderful staff throughout the years and an even better group of loyal customers.”
For more information about this activity, visit the Higher Pursuits website at https://higherpursuits.com/ or make reservations at https://higherpursuits.com/guided-trips/sunset-paddle/.
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