Located within the residences it may seem to go unnoticed for the average person, the Tailrace Marina was worth the trip out. Thinking I'd want more than a 2 hour outing on the river north of Lake Wylie and glad I didn't book More than the minimum allotted time we had a great time and quite a workout. Since moving to the area I was hard pressed to find a kayak rental place and it's perfect for both the avid and casual kayaker, the friendly staff was helpful as well and it was plus they adjusted our time accordingly prior to time/ticket purchase. It is dog friendly so that made my day read more

Tailrace Marina - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

the women at the marina, the blonde old looking women is so incredibly rude. she came out screaming at my husband and I for putting our canoe into the river with the nastiest attitude. we literally have put our canoe into the river 100 times no issue but today Apprantly it was. if we aren't allowed to do that, she could've said something in a polite way but instead screamed and yelled at us. horrible customer service and we frequented this marina a lot and she ruined it for us read more

Very poor experience. Made an online reservation to rent a pontoon for my family to celebrate Father's Day, as we had family and friends flying in from out of town. We are new to the area and actually in the market to buy a boat. I thought what a perfect way to check out the waterway and give my dad a great day. Unfortunately upon checking in at the marina for my online booking, I was told our boat had no gas (fuel is included with rental fyi), something this marina does not have available for its patrons. I would think there are daily protocols to ensure all boats are ready for the next day of rentals. But alas, we were left without a pontoon. I was told by the lady that someone would be reaching out to correct and make it right, but it's been a week and nothing. I think they also could've brought another boat down from their other marina or gas to at least get us to a marina to fill up properly. (Literally a gas station a mile away) They told me maybe two hours to get some gas, but our day was already scheduled out due to flights and such. I don't appreciate poor service, especially when this could've been avoided entirely. I did receive a full refund, but that doesn't cover my dad's disappointment. And while I prefer to support locally, I think I need to explore other marinas. read more

Rented a double kayak and paddleboard online while eating lunch at the nearby bar&grill. Easy checkout and waiver process. Pickup and return was very chill. One nice thing is they have a submerged grate on the dock that makes it very easy to get into / out of the kayaks. My 80+ yo mom was able to do it! read more

The Tailrace Marina is a hidden gem in the Charlotte area. A fantastic facility, easy parking, lots of equipment for kayaking and paddle boarding, super friendly staff. You can reserve ahead online, and when you get there, one of the friendly staff will get you in the water! It's beautiful and to me, easier and more accessible than the White Water Center. Love it. Try it out! read more

Lovely spot on the water. However when my company went here and rented the place out, two years in a row they acted like they were surprised to see us. Nobody was there, the water wasn't turned on, and nobody seemed to know we were coming. This is despite the fact that we paid to be there. They finally got the bathrooms unlocked and the water turned on, and we really enjoyed the facilities, but it shouldn't be like pulling teeth to open up a place you paid for. They do have great kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and pontoon boats for rent. They also have some nice picnic tables in the shade that we made good use of. read more

Tailrace Marina - View from the water - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

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Great spot to enter the river and paddle up stream to the sand bar. Rentals are available!

This is a hidden gem! It is a great little spot to rent a boat or kayak. The staff are so friendly and helpful. I can call down and ask if it's a good day to go on the water and they are always 100% honest with me. So great and not money hungry. It's also a beautiful spot. It's essentially right across the water from the White Water Center but such a more relaxing atmosphere. Great prices. Would 10/10 recommend to anyone looking to get out on the water. read more

Tailrace Marina - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

I have been coming here for several years and it is one of the best kept secret's on the river. Excellent staff, friendly courteous and extremely helpful. The location of the marina could not be any better for getting into the river. Note it is located directly across from the Whitewater Center location on the Catawba River. Services available is kayak and boat rentals. Also located on the same property is an excellent restaurant that has patio as well as indoor dining, not sure if it's any affiliation with the marina read more

I'm surprised not to see more reviews of Tailrace. It's a bit hidden (one exit up from the Whitewater Center) turn right off the exit and right onto Tuskegee Rd. and you are there, but an awesome place for a relaxing day. Or an active day. But I'm someone who sits down on stand up paddle boards so there is that. I've been coming here for years and always been impressed with the friendly service and quality of rentals. You can rent most any water related item here: paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, boats etc. Prices are super reasonable and cheaper than the Whitewater Center + parking is FREE here. Their dock is just across the river from that other place so it's the same water y'all. I don't want to ruin it for everyone but I'm never been hassled about how long I've kept a rental out so don't stress. They also have picnic tables and porch swings and you can grab ice cream or beer. They sell both so pick your poison. This is where I head most any Sunday afternoon in the summer, reservations are only for larger parties but I'm usually able to grab my choice of paddle board or canoe depending on my plans for that day. Pups are welcome on leash too and this may be my dog's favorite place in the world. If you see a little spaniel paddling his little heart out say hi. Would love if they offered some sort of annual or summer pass, I would be all over that. read more

My first time here, I mentioned that to Cohen, and he hooked it up, with a super sweet deal! They have a great selection to choose from, for whatever floats your boat. They have restrooms which is always appreciated. The water itself is pretty awesome, even saw a pelican and an eagles nest. Great scenery, big selection and friendly personnel, definitely recommend. I went on a Saturday afternoon, and it was not crowded at all, very spacious, especially for someone that likes to just float on her kayak. Saw people on kayaks, paddle boards, jet-ski's, and those awesome boats that fit upward 8 people! I would def. consider one of those for a fun get together with family or friends! read more

The best staff there is! My husband and I were stranded on the river with an old boat that wouldn't go into gear without shutting down. We are not the more experienced boaters, so panic set in. I called tailrace marina where we rent a slip. Bob answered the phone and told me not to worry that he was on his way to rescue us!!!!! Tailrace Marina doesn't offer towing, but out of the goodness in his heart, he towed us in. I tried to pay him and he refused stating, "we want to make sure our customers are taking care of." You just don't find customer service like that any where!!!!! Thanks Bob! read more

The woman who works at the Marina office and says she owns it is not only very unhelpful but incredibly rude. Thank goodness there was a sweet man who helped me out but i definitely do not think it's worth $50 to deal with such a poor attitude when there is plenty other surrounding marinas with helpful employeees. read more

Spent the day on paddle boards with my husband and teenaged son. Quick service all around. Clean life jackets, without usual smells that a lot of rental places have. We were allowed to take our dog, which a lot of places don't allow. Definitely will be back! read more

Tailrace Marina - My son teaching the pup to paddle board - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

We went to the counter to rent two tandem kayaks and a single kayak. The woman behind the counter said she didn't know if they had any left and would have to radio down to the dock. 'Please do." After confirming that they had two, they took our money, thus guaranteeing us those kayaks (as anyone would expect after forking over their money). So why when we went to the dock a few minutes later were there no tandem kayaks? Did they over sell (not being able to count to 5...their entire inventory of tandem kayaks)? Or was it that they let two people "upgrade dockside" without verifying inventory or paying the difference for tandems so their dogs would be more comfortable? Either way, it's no way to run a business. Yes, thanks for offering to refund part of our money (no theft occurred). Simply know and track your inventory. We are not talking abut a Walmart number of transactions. My 9 year old can track 30 boats. On the other hand, the river is wonderful!! Don't let our experience keep you away. The marina itself will work itself out. They'll either learn from their failures and get better. Maybe hire a manager who can run the place. Or someone who knows how to run a business will buy it. Until then, if going to Trail Race Marina, verify, verify and verify again before handing over your money. And most importantly enjoy the water!!! (Now I've been going here since 2013. I've rented enough times to own one or two of those kayaks. the people who ran the place. Unfortunately the current management / ownership is not up to the task.) read more

Great spot for paddleboarding or kayaking! Restaurant there and pontoon boat rental as well. It's close to Whitewater Center but less crowded and less expensive too! Relaxing afternoon, great find, owners are super nice too. We will be back!!! read more

My husband and I tried to rent kayaks and we were initially told nothing (canoes, paddle boards included) was available but if we waited a few minutes, more kayaks would be coming in. We waited. Then we were told that once the big group in front of us got situated, that we would be set up with kayaks. "I'll come back up and get you," a staff member said. We waited patiently on the porch. As we waited we saw numerous kayaks being pulled from the water (there appeared to be plenty). We also saw people who came after us get set up with paddle boards. After waiting well over an hour total, a completely different staff member came and unapologetically said "I know you've been waited a long time, but all of our kayaks are booked this afternoon." I explained what we had been ensured kayaks, but he said the other staff member "was confused." He didn't even apologize. We found their service to be deceiving and rude read more