By Pam Takesh
We’ve all been waiting and the time is finally here! Trinity River Kayak Company has launched its first boats in the Elm Fork of the Trinity River as kayak and canoe enthusiasts cruise along on this urban adventure.
Trinity River Kayak Company is the brain child of Jeff and Pam Varnell of Coppell. Outdoor lovers themselves, they saw an opportunity waiting in the old Coppell bait shop located at 1601 E. Sandy Lake Road. Having the only public access to the Trinity River in their hometown, Jeff and Pam purchased the property in June of 2012 with the vision of turning it into a kayak and canoe rental location offering water lovers the chance to choose from several different river adventures.
Being very involved in the Coppell community, the Varnells wanted to develop this hidden gem to be an asset to the city. Special attention has been given to details from property aesthetics such as building remodeling to fencing, boat housing and parking. They also planted 17 live oaks on the property line between the neighbor’s home and their land.
Visitors will find the old bait shop has been re-opened as a convenience store where they can buy their fishing and hunting licenses, fishing equipment, tackle and bait, as well as snacks, beer, wine, ice, lottery tickets and various tobacco products. Souvenir gear can be purchased that proudly displays Coppell, TX in the middle of the Trinity River Kayak Company logo. The location also offers kayaks and canoes for sale with a "try before you buy demonstration" option.
The property has been designed to hold over 100 rental boats and can park almost 70 cars. Three 15-passenger vans with kayak haulers have been purchased to transport passengers and their boats back to the Sandy Lake property when their adventure is complete.
A trained crew is ready to assist from the time you arrive at the property to the time you leave. Upon arrival, check-in can be made at the free standing rental hut where your online reservation is waiting for activation. You then proceed to the boat storage area where staff will help you select the best sit-in, sit-on-top, kayak or canoe that will make your trip enjoyable, including life jackets and paddles. Safety instructions are reviewed and assistance carrying your boat is given as you proceed down the natural ramp to the river. Boaters should be prepared for their shoes to get wet and to travel light, as a sandy exit at the public boat ramp is likely.
Trinity River Kayak Company has defined four shuttled Adventures on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Each Adventure has predefined put-in and take-out points on the river. From the Lewisville Lake Dam to California Crossing in Irving, you can select your Adventure based on river miles and float times.
All Adventures begin at the Sandy Lake location on the river in Coppell at scheduled times. If you choose an adventure starting in Lewisville you will be shuttled to that launch site. At the end of your trip, the crew will be there to help you exit the water and return you to the Sandy Lake location. If you’ve forgotten any essentials for the trip — sunscreen, water, etc., you can pick these up at the convenience store before you begin your trip.
To schedule your trip visit www.trinityriverkayak.com and book your online reservation. Trinity River Kayak Company is located at 1601 E. Sandy Lake Rd., Coppell, TX 75019 where you will find beer, bait and boats. For more information call (214) 513-0649.