Paddlers to find way to Augusta

Paddle Georgia's annual canoe trek will be held on the Savannah River this year, bringing 350 paddlers to Augusta.

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Michael Holahan/Staff

Representatives of the Georgia River Network give a kayaking and canoeing demonstration on the Savannah River in Augusta.

"It's cheaper than Disney World - and a whole lot more fun," said Joe Cook, the coordinator of the annual event that will be held June 19-25.

Last year, the educational canoe and kayak journey meandered 92 miles along North Georgia's Coosawattee and Oostanaula rivers - from Ellijay to Rome.

This year's 82-mile voyage will begin near Franklin Springs and follow the Broad River for 55 miles, then shift to the Savannah River lakes and eventually into the river channel below Thurmond Dam.

The final nine-mile segment includes the Savannah River shoals before ending in downtown Augusta.

So far, about 150 people have registered for the event, including some paddlers who have participated in previous trips.

"We have all kinds of people every year," Cook said. "Some of them have never paddled before and want to learn about the river, and we also have people who paddle every chance they get."

One of the advantages of the event, he said, is that there is safety in large numbers. "We can also take care of all the logistics."

The event is in its sixth year and is a project of the Georgia River Network.

Proceeds from sign-up fees - $215 for adults and $130 for kids - help fund river protection programs and conservation groups such as Savannah Riverkeeper.

Cook said the trips are modeled after the annual Bicycle Ride Across Georgia and include - in addition to paddling and camping - a series of programs and tours on the culture, history and environment of the areas traveled, along with entertainment.

All paddling will occur during the day, with camping each night at venues such as local high schools.

The final night of the trip will include a dinner and entertainment at the Augusta camp, which will be along the river between The Boathouse and the marina warehouse.

During the past five years, the trip has directly introduced more than 1,500 people to Georgia's rivers and generated $65,000 for river protection efforts in Georgia.

For more details on the trip, or to make reservations, visit www.garivers.org.