Chris Lockhart is the own/operator of Capital City Kayaks, based in Jackson. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Before the sun reaches its searing height in the day, Chris Lockhart, 33, owner and operator of Capital City Kayakers, is out at Crystal Lake in Flowood, unloading kayaks and other gear from his colorful bus in preparation for a group he and friend Justin Henderson will guide in and around the oxbow lake.

Lockhart and Henderson begin by wiping down every piece of equipment with disinfectant — kayaks, life jackets and paddles. Excitement is in the air, and Lockhart is all smiles in anticipation of the arrival of his morning adventurers.

Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart unloads gear before adventurers arrive for a paddle at Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Justin Henderson (left) and Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart, unload kayaks and other gear at Crystal Lake in preparation for arriving clients. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart preps his kayaks before a group of adventurers arrive for a paddle at Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

The air is warm, but not oppressive, and filled with birds singing, the endless screech of cicadas and the distant hum of occasional traffic along U.S. 80 and Flowood Drive.

“I started Capital City Kayaks around 2014, after I graduated from Mississippi State and I moved back to Jackson,” said Lockhart. “I had a kayak and so I’d go to different spots around the area. I really love being outdoors. I was one of those kids, ya know, who was always out exploring, riding my bike and I actually loved going to summer camp. Summer camp is where I had my first kayaking experience. I was hooked.”

Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart with a group of adventurers ready to explore Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

The morning’s group consists of nine paddlers, varying in experience and ages. There’s chatter and laughter as everyone grabs a paddle, a life jacket, and chooses a kayak. Lockhart assembles everyone for a safety check and paddling tips.

Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart demonstrates proper hand placement for paddling shortly before the group heads out to explore Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Adventure begins as kayakers head out to explore Crystal Lake for a few hours. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Once on the water, one inexperienced kayaker admits to not being a very good swimmer and asks, “What happens if I tip this thing over?”

Knowing a demonstration was more believable than words, Lockhart scoots up and out of his kayak and into the water, saying, “Just stand up! The water isn’t very deep.”

The inexperienced kayaker is tickled, her nerves calmed as she paddles away with more confidence.

Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart offers a guiding hand to a client while paddling Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Exploring Crystal Lake in Flowood on a beautiful day. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

A kayaker explores the small island at Crystal Lake. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

“People began asking me about my dip spots,” said Lockhart. “I’d mention the Rez, Mayes Lake at LeFleur’s Bluff and here at Crystal Lake, and they’re thinking I’m out of state. I’d laugh and say, no, I’m just down the street. Even my home boys wanted to join me, and I thought, yeah, that’s cool. I’ll just buy one extra boat. And you know what? A lot of people started to express interest. So I sat down one day and decided to crunch some numbers.”

“That number crunching turned into seven kayaks I used to haul around in my ’86 El Camino. As business started to grow, I went from my El Camino to a pickup truck. Now I have three buses and a couple of guys that work with me.”

“Primarily, a lot of my business are Black females. I’d say about 70% are, and they tend to bring family members, friends and partners. Being in Mississippi, especially central Mississippi and in a metropolitan area like Jackson, a lot of us can’t swim. And that’s the biggest fear that can keep people away.”

A Great Blue Heron takes flight after being startled by kayakers at Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

“Many are like, “Now look, I’m about to get in this little boat in this deep water out here with all this wildlife. Who’s going to save me?” Or it’s their apprehension that they are in a little boat in this water by themselves. So one thing I like to offer is peace of mind, knowing there’s somebody out here with you. That you don’t have to worry about all the extra variables like rough waters or unsuitable conditions. I’m here with folks every step of the way from when they check in to getting them in the boat and pointing out nature.”

A young alligator watches kayakers cruise past at Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Kayakers paddle the waters of Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

“I’m letting them know that, hey, you have reassurance that there’s nothing that’s going to happen to you. That your drive over here was more dangerous than what you’re about to do on this water. Out here, it’s calm, peaceful.”

Justin Henderson with Capital City Kayaks and clients take a break from the heat on the shores of Crystal Lake. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

A kayaker paddles the calm waters of Crystal Lake during an excursion provided by Capital City Kayakers. All are welcome no matter ecperience level. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

“Out here on Crystal Lake is a hidden gem, a stone’s throw from downtown Jackson, not somewhere where you have to drive miles away or go to another state. And that’s a beautiful thing. So come on out, y’all. Let’s explore.”

Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart offers kayaking tours of Crystal Lake in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Capital City Kayaks owner Chris Lockhart calls it a day after exploring Crystal Lake with clients in Flowood. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today

Book your paddling adventure with Capital City Kayaks by contacting:

www.CapitalCityKayaks.com
[email protected]
(601) 953-7615

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Read original article by clicking here.

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