On Saturday, April 23rd, join us on this remote, hidden gem stretch of the Wolf River in Fayette County with a seriously one-of-a-kind dude. He has his own brand centered around the type of environment you'll be paddling through, Swampy Supply Company. He also has some incredible paddlesports accomplishments under his belt - Paddle Down the Lost Swamp with Mike Womack!

Born and raised in north Louisiana, Mike grew up on the rivers, lakes, and bayous of his home state. In his teens, he and a friend were sponsored to canoe race in statewide events. After graduating with a degree in graphic design at Louisiana Tech University in 1989, Mike began his career with a large downtown ad agency in Memphis, Tennessee. Never losing interest in paddling, he signed up for a kayak roll class at Memphis State University. This was the beginning of a love affair with whitewater kayaking that would lead to nearly every weekend travelling great distances to find whitewater, and almost every summer family vacation spent on the banks of the Ocoee River in east Tennessee. He ended up teaching that roll class at the University, and over time, took multiple swiftwater rescue courses. His whitewater paddling highlight has been two 16-day private permit Grand Canyon kayak trips.

During those days, Mike’s passion for whitewater kayaking would often spill over to his profession as a graphic designer. In 1996 Mike designed the symbol for Dagger Kayaks. For years to come, he designed their boat logos, all for trade to keep him in the latest, greatest kayaks. Over the years he has also designed for Jackson Kayaks, Fluid Kayaks of South Africa, and American Whitewater. And more recently, he has designed promo materials and medals for paddle races after rekindling his love for competitive paddling. Mike’s most proud achievement is helping with the success of Chattajack, a 31 mile race through the Tennessee Gorge that starts in downtown Chattanooga. It has become one of the premiere races in the country, selling out in hours, and hosting paddlers from all over the world. He has also earned the coveted Chattajack belt buckle for competing in 5 consecutive races.

It was somewhere in this 30 year residency of the Memphis area that Mike discovered the Wolf River and it took him all the way back to his youth in Louisiana, where his love of paddling began. This past year, he took his love for the swamp and graphic design and started Swampy Supply Company. The t-shirt brand was created for those of us who love those swampy places like the Ghost Section of the Wolf River.

Mike’s other highlight in his life has been working for Drake Waterfowl Systems for the past 18 years. As the very first employee, he has created other in-house brands, Ol’ Tom Technical Turkey Gear, Non-Typical, and Drake Performance Fishing. But nothing matches the highlight of marrying his high school sweetheart and raising 2 amazing kids. Most summer weekends, you’ll find his wife, Carmen, sitting in the bow of his kayak, taking pictures on the Ghost.

We are thrilled to have Mike lead this tour.

*This tour is for experienced paddlers. All participants are encouraged to join the Wolf River Conservancy.

*The ticket purchase includes a solo sit-on-top kayak rental, paddle, pfd (life jacket), and guide. For those interested in reserving a canoe/tandem kayak or have questions regarding experience level, please call 901-485-1220.

*Ticket purchase is non-refundable, but a credit toward a tour on a future date can be arranged if cancellation occurs.

*For details and directions to where we meet the morning of the trip, please visit www.ghostriverrentals.com