Paddle Georgia Spring on the Satilla, a two-day, 21-mile canoe and kayak adventure on the blackwater river, is set for April 6-7. Online registration opens Dec. 26 at 8 a.m.: https://garivers.org/spring-on-the-satilla/ Spaces are limited to the first 120 registrants.
The event includes on-river camping, two full days of paddling, educational programs, catered breakfasts, lunches and dinners, opportunities to learn chemical water monitoring as well as games and other activities.
“This is a great trip for individuals or families that have always dreamed of doing an overnight canoe/kayak trip but weren’t quite sure how to go about it,” said Paddle Georgia Coordinator, Joe Cook. “We’ve taken the guesswork out of the logistics of vehicle shuttles, meals, and camping, and the flatwater paddling is an easy introduction to canoeing and kayaking for first timers.”
Organizers say the purpose of the trip is to engage citizens in protecting the Satilla and Georgia’s other rivers while raising money to help protect these waterways. The event will also highlight Satilla Riverkeeper’s efforts to establish a recreational boating trail on the river.
Satilla Riverkeeper has been instrumental in organizing the Satilla River Water Trail with intensive technical assistance from Georgia River Network. The Satilla River Water Trail is a recreational boating trail with designated public access points along a 175-mile stretch of the river.
The water trail was officially established in Fall 2016 with the development of signage, brochures, maps, a website and more.
“The water trail not only serves as an important source of tourism and economic development for local communities but also a way to bring attention to the river as a valuable resource that needs protection,” said Gwyneth Moody, GRN’s Director of Programs and Outreach.
Participants on Spring on the Satilla will see this work firsthand
Registration fees range $120-$235 per person and include all meals for the weekend, tent campsite shuttles to the river and all education programs.
For those without their own boats, canoe and kayak rentals will be offered through event sponsor, Southeast Adventure Outfitters in St. Simons.
Georgia River Network is a statewide organization working to ensure a clean water legacy by engaging and empowering Georgians to protect, restore and enjoy our rivers from the mountains to the coast.
Satilla Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect, restore, and educate about the ecological values and unique beauty of the Satilla River. The organization works to ensure adequate quality and quantity of water in the Satilla River for all uses.
Sponsors of Spring on the Satilla include Hennessy Land Rover Centres; Southeast Adventure Outfitters; Cedar Creek RV and Outdoor Center; Nomadic Flow Outfitters; Cary Baxter, CPA; CYA Agency, Inc.; Oglethorpe Power; StreamTechs; Terry Pate, PC, CPA; China Clay Producers Association; Georgia Mining Association; Storm Water Systems; The Rain Barrel Depot; Patagonia; EarthShare of Georgia; Len Foote Hike Inn; and Friends of Georgia State Parks. Partners include American Canoe Association, Café Campesino, Georgia Canoe Association, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream and Project WET.
