Coal River Kayak Rentals now open for Business!
CRG's 2023 Interns, from left to right, Alyson Shepherd, Kellen Currey, and Katie Gray are on board and trained to safely transport you and your rented kayak upriver to Lock 4 in Alum Creek, for your relaxing float back to Meadowood Park. Go to our Kayak Rentals page for all the information that you need to have a memorable day on the Coal River!
News Release, Date: 6/1/2023
Subject: Coal River Kayak Rentals - NOW OPEN
The Non-profit Coal River Group announced the opening of its 2023 Kayak Rental services.
The organization has provided Kayak and Paddleboard rentals for over nine years during the summer season.
“We wanted to provide Kayaks to serve the public during the Summers season and now after nine years later we continue to offer full-service rentals to the public,” said Bill Currey, Chairman of the non-profit.
The CRG Kayak Rental Service is designed to not only provide the public with great rental Kayak units, but the program serves as a training opportunity for college students and young folks that want to learn to be entrepreneurs.
“We just love bringing in young students and helping them learn the basics of how to run a business. The experience over nine years for our 40 interns has been excellent. Some of our summer interns have gone on and started their own businesses and most have excelled in their field of education. Many of our former interns have become leaders in business, engineering, sales, and education.”
The kayak business for 2023 has three great participants serving the business. Kellen Currey, the manager of the Kayak business this year, is back for his third summer. As manager he oversees the overall operation of the rental program, scheduling, and marketing.
Alyson Shepherd, a Senior Parks and Recreation Major from Marshall University, is enrolled in that school’s intensive Internship program and will gain credits toward her degree upon completion of this summer’s program. Katie Gray is also a returning staff member. Katy will be utilizing her two years of experience helping customers by setting up trips, driving the bus, and serving with overall support for the program.
Andy Spradling, the Coal River Group’s Assistant Manager, will oversee these operations and assist with all aspects of the program.
Many new innovations will be attempted to boost the Paddlers’ experience when renting for the CRG. One new offering is a complete fishing kit that includes live bait. The CRG will be offering these packages to all rental customers.
The proceeds from the Kayak Rentals are used by the Coal River Group to help support its wide variety of clean ups, summer education programs, and to maintain its various Conservation Preserves.
“It’s time to hit the water,” said Currey. “Call us today to reserve your Kayak for a trip down the old Coal Rivers. More information can be found on the group’s website at www.coalriverwatertrail.com and on Facebook at Coal River Kayak Rentals ####
Subject: Coal River Kayak Rentals - NOW OPEN
The Non-profit Coal River Group announced the opening of its 2023 Kayak Rental services.
The organization has provided Kayak and Paddleboard rentals for over nine years during the summer season.
“We wanted to provide Kayaks to serve the public during the Summers season and now after nine years later we continue to offer full-service rentals to the public,” said Bill Currey, Chairman of the non-profit.
The CRG Kayak Rental Service is designed to not only provide the public with great rental Kayak units, but the program serves as a training opportunity for college students and young folks that want to learn to be entrepreneurs.
“We just love bringing in young students and helping them learn the basics of how to run a business. The experience over nine years for our 40 interns has been excellent. Some of our summer interns have gone on and started their own businesses and most have excelled in their field of education. Many of our former interns have become leaders in business, engineering, sales, and education.”
The kayak business for 2023 has three great participants serving the business. Kellen Currey, the manager of the Kayak business this year, is back for his third summer. As manager he oversees the overall operation of the rental program, scheduling, and marketing.
Alyson Shepherd, a Senior Parks and Recreation Major from Marshall University, is enrolled in that school’s intensive Internship program and will gain credits toward her degree upon completion of this summer’s program. Katie Gray is also a returning staff member. Katy will be utilizing her two years of experience helping customers by setting up trips, driving the bus, and serving with overall support for the program.
Andy Spradling, the Coal River Group’s Assistant Manager, will oversee these operations and assist with all aspects of the program.
Many new innovations will be attempted to boost the Paddlers’ experience when renting for the CRG. One new offering is a complete fishing kit that includes live bait. The CRG will be offering these packages to all rental customers.
The proceeds from the Kayak Rentals are used by the Coal River Group to help support its wide variety of clean ups, summer education programs, and to maintain its various Conservation Preserves.
“It’s time to hit the water,” said Currey. “Call us today to reserve your Kayak for a trip down the old Coal Rivers. More information can be found on the group’s website at www.coalriverwatertrail.com and on Facebook at Coal River Kayak Rentals ####
St. Albans voted one of Forbes' Top Destinations in '23
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West Virginia Tourism Day at the West Virginia State Capitol

L-R; George Levitsky, Marion County; Bill Currey, Coal River Group Chairman; Virgil Helton, CRG Board Member; Amanda Pitzer, Cheat River; Andy Spradling, CRG Assistant Manager
CRG Chairman Bill Currey, St. Albans Mayor Scott James, CRG longtime Board Member Virgil Helton at WV Tourism Day
