Rookie needs new place to paddle
Hi all,
My name is Melissa and I am very new to kayaking but I find that I really enjoy it. I have a couple friends coming down from Charlotte the weekend of Apr 21st. Normally we just rent a few kayaks from Saluda Shoals and paddle up to the dam and back but we are all itching for a change. I personally am terrified of rapids. One of my group is an experienced whitewater paddler, and the other is adventerous but inexperienced. Any suggestions for places to paddle or ways to get over my fear would be greatly appreciated.
Another Option
You may also want to think about paddling Cedar Creek. A lovely flatwater paddle. Launch at the end of Old Cedar Creek Road (AKA S-1288) off of SC 48, and paddle down to the Congaree River...and back. Around five miles in total. Just be sure to pay attention to where you've been, in order to find your way back.
Andy
cheers mel!
have a tour/river boat, no white stuff, except ocean, for me. i was in ur boat/situ 2 years ago(jus moved). still am as far as paddling around local w/o a buddy. lake not much fun. never been up de saluda. would luv 2 go 4 a show n go paddle. can go during week also. know where 2 go,got maps, jus cant always go w/ club. on a budget$. wish I cld go to kayak fair on jim isle(hm), have lots of tshirts already. call o mail if yall like. have truck w/ rack will travle. peace out! islandgirl173@sc.rr.com
Tam Hicks
173 Fairhaven Way
Chapin SC 29036
803-429-0433
How do I start out?
I have only once done this and would luv to know how to get started in this sport. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Patrick
Kayaking and Canoeing
Patrick,
You're in luck - Tuesday, April 24 is the Monthly Palmetto Paddlers meeting at the Luther Lee Building at 7:00PM.
Come hear one of our most experienced paddlers give a talk on Safety.
I'll ask for visitors to introduce themselves, or if you come to me before the meeting, I'll introduce you. Everyone likes to talk about paddling and will be glad to answer any of your questions.
Rock Garick, President, Palmetto Paddlers
Paddling around Columbia
Hi Melissa,
I do a lot of flatwater paddling on Lake Murray, Wateree, and Monticello. I paddle several times each week and would love for you and your friends to join me. I have been kayaking for about 2-3 years and do mostly flatwater paddling in NC and SC. I don't have a great deal of whitewater experience but the point is that there are a lot of flatwater options around the area.
Sherry
Paddle buddy
My paddle buddy recently relocated out of state. I am in Northeast Cola. I am off all summer. Also have truck with rack and a rec./touring type kayak.
Sherry
I have a little daytime
I have a little daytime schedule flexibility. I'm in Sumter. I just have to get better at lifting my boat onto my roof rack before I can get out to meet someone. :)
Daytime flexibility
Just let me know when you want to give it a try.
Sherry
free time for paddle buddies.
Tam Hicks
173 Fairhaven Way
Chapin SC 29036
803-429-0433
Hi Sherry & Melissa,
Live very near lake murray and local landing. Can paddle during the day time during the week. Also have a touring/rec kayak and truck with rack.Would Like to paddle on the lake or the Saluda from the park to the radio towers. Have a saluda shoals park pass. Just need some buddies to go with. Please call or email. islandgirl173@sc.rr.com. 803-429-0433
cheers! Tam
Paddling this summer
Hello all, I too am off for the summer and would like to get on the water as much as possible. If anyone would like to come along you can contact me at altmankyle@aol.com.
SYOTW, Kyle
Would like to paddle this coming Sunday on Lake Murray
Melissa and/or Tam, Would you be interested in paddling this coming weekend, May 27 around 10:30?
Sherry
Sherry
Hi Sherry,
Yes, Sunday May 27th sounds good to me. When and where. Please email me at islandgirl173@sc.rr.com. or call 803-429-0433
so we can decide where to meet. Thanks bunches!!! Tam
Tam Hicks
173 Fairhaven Way
Chapin SC 29036
803-429-0433
sunday paddle
Sherry,melissa,
please call or email islandgirl173@aol.com so we can talk. Eptings landing is better than dreher. smaller, only 1$ donation, closer to town, drive right up to the water, soft beach. also, free paddle thursday at 6pm with get your gear. meet at zoo parking lot. use their gear.
Tam Hicks
173 Fairhaven Way
Chapin SC 29036
803-429-0433
Rooking needs new place to paddle
Hi Melissa,
I live in Columbia and try to kayak the Saluda 2-3 times per week/weekend. I'd love to tell you where some of the better sections are. There are definitely more challening sections. Let me know the next time you are going out and I'll be glad to join you.
It's good to check the SCE&G.com website and click on community. You can click on operations and see what the water level will be that day, blue (low), yellow (2000 cfs and up) and red - high - roaring water.
Alicia
aaafreeman@bellsouth.net
FREE TIME TO KAYAK?
I read your message to Sherry & Melissa. I am new to Paddlers and I love to Kayak. I go to the Saluda a couple of times a week. Please include me in your kayaking trips. I don't work out of the home so I have a good bit of free time but am short on kayak buddies. I live in Columbia. 803-787-6802.
Thanks,
Alicia
Kayaking this Sunday, May 27th
I'd love to join you guys. I live in Columbia. Call me to let me know where you are putting in. Thanks, Alicia 803-787-6802.
Paddle this Sunday
Lets plan to paddle on Sunday around 10. How about putting in at Dreher Island?
Sherry
Will call you tomorrow
Eptings landing sounds good to me. I will call you guys (Tam and Alicia) on Friday afternoon to finalize plans.
Sherry
Paddling Tuesday
Hey Tam,
Give me a call, if you still want to paddle on Tuesday.
Sherry
Paddling Tuesday
I wish I could join you for paddling today. I'm old. I went to the Ocoee and Nantahalla this weekend with Lee Olson and others. I'll be ready to go by Thursday.
Ali
Only as old as you feel
I have the entire summer, so just let me know. Tam has my number.
Sherry
Lake Kayaking Today
Sherry,
I received a call from a women that has just joined the group. She lives at the Yacht Cove and asked me to email you and invite you to join us this afternoon at 5:00 on the Lake. She lives right at the dock. If you can make it call me and I'll give directions, etc. I called Tam and she's not going to make it. 787-6802.
Ali
Can't do it today. Free most
Can't do it today. Free most of next week. Call me @ 803-238-3476.
Sherry
Melissa--the Congaree River
Hey Melissa. Try the Congaree River (the Saluda joins the Broad and forms the Congaree). We are really blessed, river wise, here in Columbia!
Anyway, it's a pretty big river with a little excitement at the put ins located on either side of the Gervais Street bridge. Rocky to start out, but once you hit the fall line it smooths out, seems to move pretty fast the whole trip usually.
These are some suggestions from the Columbia4Kids website-- http://www.columbia4kids.com/outdoors/rivers.php (Hey don't laugh, Google sent me here!)
"There are currently three public access points on the Congaree River. (There are actually 4, including the landing on the W. Columbia side of the Gervais Street bridge--it's actually the more exciting put in compared to the Senate Street landing.)
Senate St. Landing (located on the Columbia side, near the Gervais St. Bridge)
Jordan Memorial Boat Landing (Rosewood Drive will dead end into this boat landing)
Cayce Landing (follow Old State Rd, turn just before water treatment plant)
This is a great beginner river - rocky in the beginning but straight forward. After passing the railroad trusses move to river right and pass through the Cayce locks.
If you plan to venture past the Cayce Landing be warned - it's a long way to the next take-out which is the 601 bridge (about 45 miles from Columbia)."
If you haven't gone on a trip with the Paddler's, try that. There a great bunch of people, always ready to help out a beginner (they certainly offered me plenty of help when I joined a few years ago!). Good luck Melissa.
Greg