This Sunday mild whitewater trip on Saluda River from zoo to Cayce Riverfront Park at amphitheater. Approximately 3 hour trip including shuttle. Meet in zoo parking lot far right side at 1 pm Sunday. Contact trip leader Dennis Catoe at 730-1856 or Riverrunnersc@aol.com. If you are an experienced paddler and plan to go, please contact Dennis so he can have sufficient safety personnel. This is a trip for intro to whitewater paddlers. Low water level. Water running 600 cfs this week. One or two class II rapids at this level. For all boats except fiberglass due to numerous rocks. Shorter boats are better due to numerous turns but all boats can handle route. Bring water and sun protection. PFDs and helmets required. Any questions, contact Dennis.

Join all of your Palmetto Paddler friends on the banks of GIBSON POND.

Bring your boats and fishing poles...come as early as you like (Park opens at 7 AM). NO SWIMMING ALLOWED! Pond appears to be large [approximately three (3) + acres].

We have the large shelter reserved until late in the afternoon.

The official time for the Annual Picnic will be from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Safety Information and Rescue Practice for Flatwater Paddlers, Picnic and Camaraderie

We will be having the Spring Fling again this year. This is an opportunity to test your paddling equipment and practice and learn rescue/self rescue skills in a safe, fun environment with other members. The practice is for flat water boats: sea kayaks, recreational boats and canoes. It is not a roll clinic or a first aid class. All members are welcome and it is a great opportunity for new paddlers to learn some rescue skills and become more comfortable on (and in) the water and for long time paddlers to recheck equipment and accomplish their yearly rescue practice. This event is by members, for members and everyone gets to get wet and participate. Wear your water clothes, bring sun protection and your boats and whatever safety gear you have, including your spray skirt. (No need to buy anything for this practice; see what is useful before you buy.) Be sure to put your name on your gear. You’ll also need a good sense of humor and a willingness to try new things. The goal of this event is to help us all be safer on the water. We will probably end up with a lake paddle, for those that still have some energy after the main event! And maybe a bonfire with tall tales and stories.

Due to releases in excess of 2,700 cfs at the dam as of eight o'clock this morning, it will not be safe for beginner paddlers to paddle the Saluda River today so the official trip is canceled. Please try to attend on the first Sunday of July. If you know anyone who was planning on coming that does not have email, please call them.

It is a gorgeous section of river from Claudes Landing to Bobcat Landing at highway 601 just above Bamberg, SC. There is very little development along this section of the river and the wild life should be out in abundance. We've seen snakes, all types of birds, alligators and deer on some of the previous trips on this section.