Ten Miles Down the Tar: Paddle the Current, Then Toast at Tarboro Brewing

TARBORO KAYAK FIELD GUIDE

Ten Miles Down the Tar: Paddle the Current, Then Toast at Tarboro Brewing

A two-hour downstream paddle on the Tar River that finishes with a complimentary craft beer or non‑alcoholic drink—this guide lays out logistics, gear, and what to expect.

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Ten Miles Down the Tar: Paddle the Current, Then Toast at Tarboro Brewing.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Tarboro
Operator
Knee Deep Adventures
Category
Kayak
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Paddles & Pints pairs a calm, downstream run on the Tar River with a post-paddle stop at Tarboro Brewing Company. Participants launch from Bells Bridge Boating Access Area, float roughly 10 miles with the current, finish at Riverfront Park, and return to the brewery for a complimentary drink—an event that blends a morning on the water with an afternoon of low-key socializing.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE RIVER

A 10-mile downstream paddle on the Tar

The route covers about 10 miles downstream from the Bells Bridge launch to Riverfront Park, with the current carrying paddlers the whole way—an extended float that rewards steady pacing and time on the water.

THE BREW

A brewery stop with a drink ticket included

The event partners with Tarboro Brewing Company and includes one complimentary craft beer or a non‑alcoholic beverage with registration, making the finishline a local taproom reward.

THE KIT

Equipment and support provided

Knee Deep Adventures supplies kayaks or SUPs, paddles, life jackets and a dry box; organizers handle shuttling so paddlers can focus on the river and the beer afterward.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

The morning begins with a group meet-up at Bells Bridge Boating Access Area; from there the current does much of the work as the group moves downstream toward Riverfront Park. After completing the approximately 10‑mile stretch—an easy-to-moderate distance when moving with the flow—participants are shuttled back to Tarboro Brewing Company to relax with the included drink and swap stories from the river.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this event suits—and who may want to reconsider.

1
Active paddlersA good fit for paddlers comfortable covering an extended distance on flatwater, since the outing spans roughly 10 miles downstream.
2
Weekend socializersAppeals to people who want a morning on the river followed by a relaxed brewery stop; one complimentary beverage is included with registration.
3
BYO kayakersIf you prefer to bring your own craft you can still join the group for the social and shuttle for a reduced fee.
4
Beginners or low‑mobility guestsNot ideal for those unwilling or unable to cover the route distance; participants should be prepared for the roughly 10-mile downstream paddle.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring water or Gatorade, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and clothes/shoes that can get wet.

What’s Included

Registration provides one drink ticket plus kayak or SUP, paddle, life jacket and a dry box.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the paddle?

The paddle covers around 10 miles downstream and the event duration is listed as 2 hours.

Where and when do we meet?

The group meets at 9am at Bells Bridge Boating Access Area (3001 St. Andrew Street, Tarboro, NC 27886).

Where does the paddle end?

The paddling segment finishes at Riverfront Park (100 River Road, Tarboro, NC 27886).

Is a drink included?

Yes—one complimentary craft beer or non-alcoholic drink ticket is provided with registration.

What equipment is supplied?

Organizers provide a kayak or SUP, paddle, life jacket and a dry box as part of the event.

Can I bring my own kayak?

Yes—bringing your own kayak is an option and there is a reduced fee to join the group while using your own craft.