River Canyon Adventures owner Ray Gorrell drives his pontoon boat on the Tennessee River. River Canyon Adventures is a local kayak and paddle board business and with over 26 kayaks.

• Name: River Canyon Adventures

• Owners: Jesse Gaylor and Ray Gorrell

• Location: 21726 River Canyon Road

• Opened: 2012

• Service: This riverside business rents kayaks and stand-up paddle boards and offers tours on the Tennessee River. River Canyon Adventures maintains a fleet of 26 single kayaks, five double kayaks and six paddle boards. The site has gas grills and a pavilion for customers, and the river route includes a rope swing and a volleyball net.

• Prices: $35 for three hours, plus $10 per person for a boat pickup

• Staff: Three

• How it got started: College student Jesse Gaylor started the business with his father as a way to make some money during the summer months. Last year, the team put about 880 people on the water and decided to invest in a larger fleet for this season.

• Initial investment: $6,000

• Two-year goal: The team plans to keep the business up and running at least until Gaylor finishes college in two years. In the meantime, they'd like to start a downtown location in addition to their site on River Canyon Road.

• Website: rivercanyonadventure.com

• Phone number: 423-987-1711 or 423-488-1345

-- Compiled by Shelly Bradbury, who may be reached at 757-6525 or at sbradbury@timesfreepress.com