Palmetto Outdoor Center is one of the most-successful examples of eco-tourism in South Carolina.

Hundreds who want to get into nature, rush to the cool, clear waters of the Saluda, Broad and Congaree Rivers (3RR-Three Rivers Region) for a ride through the rapids, ending up at West Columbia’s Riverwalk Park.

Palmetto Outdoor Center is now the largest kayaking and tubing outfitter in South Carolina, and possibly the highest volume provider in the Southeast. Michael Mayo established Palmetto Outdoor in 2006 with a handful of tubes and a desire to get families outside and interacting with nature. Now, groups from all over the country come to explore the Three Rivers Region, or the 3RR.

West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton said using the river as a draw, as Palmetto Outdoor does, is also a chance to show visitors West Columbia’s restaurants, antique stores and other great businesses, so the benefit is multiplied. And things are going well.

“We’re having a good summer, said Mayo. He said groups have come to West Columbia from New York, Connecticut, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland and many other states. There have even been visitors to the river from Wisconsin.

One group of about 50 came on a day trip from Orlando, Fla. on a large tour bus, Mayo said. “Normally they may go to North Carolina or Georgia, but they chose us instead.”

Mayo said visitors do not leave unsatisfied. He gets lots of encouraging feedback from river riders. Included below is some of the correspondence Palmetto Outdoor Center has received.

This should be the No. 1 thing to do – especially on a hot day. My teen daughter, brother-in-law, and I went while my wife and son were at USC. It was a great way to spend 3.5 hours. We went in late June, it was a nice mix of mild rapids and calm water. I brought a small cooler with some drinks, no issues in doing so. Water temp was about 65 degrees. Colder than expected, but refreshing on a hot day. Plenty of animals to see. Ducks swimming around us and turtles sunning on logs. My tip – splurge for the deluxe tube, I think it was $5 extra, but the material was much more comfortable, and it has a mesh bottom to hold things. My second tip – be careful if you bring your phone. My brother-in-law fell in at the first set of rapids, and luckily decided at the last minute to leave his phone in the car. He was the only one who fell in among all tubers we saw, and he’s a bit of a clutz.- Name withheld.

Hi there: I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you all for the wonderful experience my family and I had this past weekend. My family and I live in Augusta, GA and frequently visit the area in the summer due to the different recreational river activities that are offered. From the hospitality of the staff, to the river experience, everything was amazing! Keep doing what you’re doing! – Amanda Rohdy

The tubing trip was tons of fun. Sign-in was efficient even though there were several people registering and staff is friendly. The bus to the drop-off doesn’t have AC but the ride is not long. Floating down the river is relaxing and the scenery is unexpectedly beautiful – great activity for a hot day. It gets a bit exciting when you go over the small rapids, but it’s nothing to worry about, just a chance for a few splashes and some laughs. Would definitely do this again. – Name withheld.

As a business owner I have to congratulate you on having an employee like Celina. Any opportunity to extend her services she was happy and kind in doing so. Good employees are hard to come by, awesome people that want to be great employees are very few. Congratulations on making her experience as an employee great so we, your consumers, can enjoy your business.
Four years ago I with four other girlfriends decided to experience the Saluda River tubing experience and have made the ‘float’ every year since. Because Palmetto Outdoor was such an ease, I have brought my best friend and our teenagers to experience the tubing of the Saluda. I am thankful for this experience with my kids and for Palmetto Outdoor being there to help me to share in this adventure with them. – Thanks for all you do! Stephenie Hawkins

In addition to trips down the river, Mayo said Palmetto Outdoor is promoting relocation. Recreational assets are a reason to move to be close to the river, he said.

Mayo said the idea is to market “Waterside Recreation” as a part of the local lifestyle that incorporates the river. He said some have move to the 3RR for that reason.

Mayo also said it is important to get children down to the water, but not necessarily in the river. He said biking and walking along the riverside are ways to utilize the beauty of the river. He conducts walking tour along Riverwalk, too

The river is just one more opportunity to experience more of what West Columbia has to offer.