Prattville Powersports

Almost died on the Autauga creek today! We had a group of 7 rent from Prattville Powersport and most of us were beginners. Our kayaks kept capsizing every time we hit trees and struggled to hold on to our kayaks. We struggled mostly because the water level was too high and the current was really strong!
Most of us got out in some guy’s backyard around mile marker 4. The rest of us made it all the way down to the Alabama River because we were looking for the BIG SIGN that was supposed to tell us where to get out of the water but missed it since it was apparently washed away! We ended up paddling back UPRIVER for 2 miles where the Police shooting range is. We are pretty upset with the lack of warning, signage, training and safety precautions.
Not sure why this is the ONLY place that offers kayak/​canoe service because I think these guys are just way too complacent. Now I understand that the concept of time is a bit different here in the south, but there are just a few ways to improve efficiency for their kayak service. For one, When making reservations, it’d be nice to have them have all the gear prepped and ready when they know they’ve got people reserved for the day. Instead we had to wait 1.5 hours just to get all the stuff loaded, sign the paperwork, AND have to wait for some goober who got lost to arrive holding up the rest of our party.
I really think they should’ve worked with the city folks to check the water levels to make sure it was even safe to decide to even get into the water. On top of that, we should’ve been briefed better on what to expect and what to look out for. I mean, if I were a much weaker/​older person trying to do this, we’d probably still be floating downriver towards Florida somewhere by now getting rescued by the police or Coast Guard.
Anyway, one of our folks lost our paddles and were charged $ 35. Considering how this place put our lives in danger, we shouldn’t have had to pay for that. I understand that they were short staffed today but that’s no excuse for people’s safety!