Sign-up under way for kayak skills and safety classes

ATHENS — Interested in exploring Georgia’s wild rivers and paddling the state’s peaceful water trails? Georgia River Network has a series of kayak skills and water safety classes designed to build confidence and develop skills for paddlers of all levels.

Georgia River Network is a leader in introducing novice paddlers to kayak instruction and was recognized by the American Canoe Association as the top paddling club nationwide for training the most beginners in 2023. The 2024 kayak classes are intentionally structured for buildable education, from Intro to Kayaking in a lake, Intro to River Kayaking in moving water, and Rescue for Rec Boaters to master recovery skills.

“We believe that the best way to nurture the next generation of advocates for Georgia’s rivers is to get people out enjoying themselves on our wonderful waterways,” Georgia River Network Executive Director Rena Ann Peck said. “When people explore our water trails, they fall in love with those rivers. That’s when they take action to protect them.”

All Georgia River Network kayak and paddling safety classes are taught by certified ACA instructors according to national curriculum and teaching standards.

● Intro to Kayaking: April 27 (Savannah); May 4, May 5 and July 20 (Acworth) — This is a half-day, introductory-level class to get participants more familiar with the features of their boat and paddle and give more confidence on water adventures. By the end of the day, kayakers will feel like their boat is less tippy, know how to paddle all day without wearing out their arm muscles, know how to avoid tennis elbow, know how to help themselves or their friend in a capsize situation at the lake, and other basic information that will prepare them to be a better paddler or trip leaders for their families.

● Intro to River Kayaking: June 8, July 13, Aug. 11 or Aug. 17 — Held on the Lower Chestatee River in Dahlonega, this full-day class will introduce participants to the skills, hazards and fun to be had on Class I rivers! By the end of the day, kayakers will feel more in control of their boat, know how to paddle all day without wearing out their arm muscles, have some tips and tricks for reading the river and avoiding hazards, and be more confident about exploring Class I rivers with friends and family.

● Rescue for Rec Boaters: July 27-28 or Aug. 24-25 (one- or two-day options) — (Lake training held in Acworth; River training held in Lilburn.) Rescue for Rec Boaters is an entry-level safety and rescue class for paddlers who plan on paddling flat water lakes and slow-moving rivers. A comprehensive Safety & Rescue class for lake and Class I river paddlers is a rare offering in this region. This class is a game-changer for new and experienced paddlers alike. The curriculum is built from tried and true techniques utilized in higher-level training for sea kayakers and whitewater paddlers which has been dialed in to the most useful information and techniques for entry-level paddlers in Georgia. Sign up for lake day, river day or both days.

● Intro to Kayak Fishing: Aug. 18: This is an introductory class to get paddlers more comfortable using their kayak for fishing. This is one of the first places in the nation ACA-certified instructor-led courses are being offered in Kayak Fishing to help expand knowledge and skills and help participants become more proficient anglers.

Registration opened March 1 for all classes. More information can be found at www.garivers.org/events. Georgia River Network is a statewide river advocacy organization supporting state policies that protect Georgia’s rivers and promote river recreation through improved public access to state rivers and the establishment of water trails across the state. Learn more about their mission at garivers.org.

Special Photo: Georgia River NetworkSpecial Photo: Georgia River Network