What we’re about
https://KayakTripsAndTraining.com
Our group is for people who are interested in learning how to kayak but just do not know where to start. And for people who have a little experience but want to improve and get on the water more.
No boat? No problem, we have them. All necessary equipment is part of our package, We offer classes taught by American Canoe Association (ACA) certified instructors with an emphasis on having fun while staying safe. Our sessions are not in a class room but are taught under the trees and on the river in your own personal floating work station. (a kayak of course)
We also guide fun adventure trips on southern water ways. All trips are lead by certified guides.
There is no age limitation on this sport, people are kayaking across the country and around the world from age 4 to 80! We will also be offering guided trips on various rivers throughout the year for folks who do not have boats or who just do not feel ready to paddle on their own.
https://KayakTripsAndTraining.com
Thank you,
John Miller
678.549.4950
Upcoming events (4)
See all- "TUNNEL OF TERROR" on the Etowah.( Also known as the Gold Mine)The Varsity, Dawsonville, GA$80.00
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE SIGNING UP.
I have been taking groups thought the tunnel for about 15 years but we may lose the right to paddle this river soon.
***Our State Legislature is in the process of passing laws giving land owners by our rivers the right to block river access. If this makes you as angry as it does me, contact your representatives and senators and let them know they will be voted our of their cushy positions if they follow through with this madness. ***
In the meantime, come paddle with us before the river is closed to the pubic.
YOU MUST CLICK THIS LINK TO REGISTER FOR THIS TRIP!
This trip is water level dependent. If the levels hold between 150 and 350 CFS we will go. A decision is usually made the night before at approximately 6 pm so make sure to check your email the night before the trip and the morning of the trip for last minute changes.
This is NOT a beginner friendly trip. If you have taken our beginner class you will be fine. The last time we did this we had to get out of our boats and pull them over big river wide strainers several times. You must be able to get in and out of your boat and help get it over the strainers if we encounter them again. Even with the strainers and the work the trip is always worth it. (the strainers are not always there)
PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY TO THE END!!
This is a guided trip as opposed to a class. Nothing bigger than a class I rapid on this trip but the strainers can be a challenge. It is not for someone who HAS NEVER PADDLED BEFORE. You should be experienced enough to control your boat and negotiate small rapids and then climb over trees if necessary.
Spray skirts are optional, HELMETS ARE REQUIRED if you run the tunnel. I will have extra helmets.
Cost:
If you have your own boat the fee for the trip is $40.00. That includes the shuttle.If you need to rent a boat, the fee for the trip will be a total of $80.00. Rental boats will include a paddle, life jacket and helmet.
If you haven't paddled through the old Gold Mine Tunnel then you are in for a real treat. Normally it is a 2.5-3.5 minute ride through the tunnel and this may be one of the most exciting thing you do kayaking.
Getting to the tunnel. The tunnel is located 3.5 miles below Castleberry Bridge. When we get to the tunnel the river splits. At this point you have two choices, go through or go around. There is a small ledge just past where the river splits and then it is an easy ¾ mile ride around to where the tunnel rejoins the river.
Details of the tunnel. From your kayak seat you should see a small dot of light which is the other end of the tunnel. If you cannot see this light the tunnel may be blocked and we will not be going through.
The ride is absolutely thrilling. It is bumpy, noisy, dark and wet. Noisy and bumpy from the water and or your kayak bouncing on the rough bottom. As you enter the tunnel it gets darker and darker until all you can see is the dot of light at the end. Your kayak will rock and roll as you go through and take on water if you don't have a skirt. There is a drop-off inside the tunnel and part way through the downhill angle changes and the ride gets a little faster. Your paddle will be useless except for pushing yourself away from the wall.
Just before you exit there is a shaft above that leads straight up to open air.
Somewhere in the middle there is a bow in the tunnel on the right side. You probably won't, but if you end up in this bow you will not slow down but the light at the end of the tunnel will disappear for a second or two. These seconds will seem like eternity and your blood pressure will soar. Don't worry. You will be in the water flow and will keep going and the light will re-appear. It just scares the h---out of you so you have been fore-warned.
Bring a lunch and we'll find a place to eat.
If you are going to join me on this trip you will be expected to wear your LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES. If you plan on running the tunnel a Helmet is REQUIRED. I will have extra helmets. Spray skirts are optional.
This paddle is open to anything you feel comfortable paddling!
BE WARNED. WE GET OFF THE RIVER AT THE TAKEOUT FROM HELL. YOU MUST BE PREPARED TO GET OFF AT A STEEP BANK, THEN CARRY BOATS FOR A FEW HUNDRED YARDS OVER HUGH ROCKS. NOT FUN BUT THE PRICE WE PAY TO SEE THE TUNNEL. WE WORK AS A TEAM TO MAKE IT EASIER.
We will meet in the parking lot by the Varsity at 8:30 and organize equipment and our shuttle. We will leave as many cars as possible in this parking lot. Parking is EXTREMELY limited by the river.
YOU MUST CLICK ON THIS LINK TO REGISTER:
Questions to John Miller at 678-549-4950 or Dustin Miller at 770-715-4282 or email at kayakclassesga@gmail.com
- Spring in the Okefenokee Swamp, 3 Days of FUN.Stephen C Foster State Park, Fargo, GA$295.00
Respond on here, BUT YOU ARE NOT REGISTERED UNTIL YOU Click this link and complete the process: Click this link to register for the trip.
For those of you who have done a swamp trip with us in the past, we are changing things a bit. Instead of staying at the Eco Lodge in Fargo (18 miles from the park), we have 6 cabins reserved inside the park. (All six cabins have two bedrooms). This puts us closer to the action and will allow us to add some activities not available when we stay in Fargo. (Stay tuned, but one added event will be a twilight boat ride to see some gator eyes) We are also checking in on Friday instead of Thursday which will allow you to drive down Friday after work and get home Sunday before dark, if necessary. If you leave Sunday you just miss the optional paddle on the way home.
Come with us and witness the Swamp as she awakens from her winter nap. This time of year is magical.
Stephen C. Foster State Park is about a 5 hour drive from Atlanta.
We will see the swamp in its' spring glory. Hopefully WITHOUT THE MOSQUITOES!!!! And air conditioned cabins make the nights comfortable!!
The Okefenokee contains many types of habitat – islands, lakes, cypress forests, scrub-shrub areas and open ‘wet’ prairies. We might see sandhill cranes and bald eagles.
In May the swamp is really coming alive after waking from her "winter" nap. As we paddle through the swamp, keep a lookout for alligators, otters, racoons, deer, white ibis, herons, egrets and maybe even a black bear.
FRIDAY is check in, then happy hour and a catered meal.
SATURDAY we will all paddle from Stephen Foster State Park. We will be leaving the boats to explore some islands and have lunch on wooden decks. At days end, happy hour and a catered meal.
SUNDAY you will have a choice of paddling a different section of the swamp OR experiencing a short hike over a board walk and then seeing the swamp from a 3 story watch tower. After leaving the tower we will take a private guided motor boat tour which allows us to go father into the swamp than we can go in our kayaks. At days end, happy hour and a catered meal. If you opt for the guided boat tour the cost will be $35 per person.
MONDAY you will have an optional paddle on at a black water lake on the way back to Atlanta. We will get off the water early enough Monday for you to drive home before dark.
We will be sharing the cabins, but of course not sharing beds!
Since none of the cabins have single beds filling each of them is going to get tricky. I know many of you will be coming alone and will want to share a cabin so we will pair you up with a same sex roommate, each in a double bed.
Because of the bed situation we should have around 20 people on this trip. PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH ME AS WE TRY TO ASSIGN BEDS AND MAXIMIZE PARTICIPATION. If you want to join us on the trip and make your own arrangements to stay somewhere else, camping, hotel, etc., that is fine also. You will simply need to purchase an event ticket and let me know where you will be staying. Even if you stay off site, your evening meals are included.
VERY IMPORTANT: HOW MANY TICKETS DO YOU NEED?
1. Everyone needs an Event ticket regardless of where you are staying. This ticket includes three evening meals and three days of paddling.
2. If you are staying in the CABINS with us you will need a second ticket. This is just for your bed in a cabin.
3. If you need a rental boat you will need a third ticket.
4. If you are doing the optional guided boat tour you will need a fourth ticket.
Cost of the trip will be $295 per adult, $95 per child under 16. That fee will include a catered meal Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. You will be responsible for breakfast and lunch. The kitchens make that easy! (This fee does not include your cabin, kayak rental, or boat tour)
If you want a private bedroom with 1 double bed the cost is $395 for all 3 nights. Only two available (There will be other folks in the second bedroom)
If you want a private bedroom with 2 double beds the cost is $590 for all three nights. Four available. (There will be folks in the second bedroom)
If you are coming by yourself and want to be matched up with a room mate (same sex, separate beds) the cost will be $295 for three nights. If you have a preferred room mate let me know when you register and I will make sure you are paired up.
Tandem (2 person) sit on top kayaks will be available to rent for $125 for the weekend.
Single kayaks (sit inside) kayaks will be available to rent for $95 for the weekend.
Optional Sunday Guided Motor Boat tour is $35.00 per person.IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE CALL ME BEFORE SIGNING UP.
John Miller, 678-549-4950 - Safety/Intermediate class AND boat demo. What to do WHEN your boat turns over.Indian Springs State Park, Flovilla, GA$125.00
EVERYONE, EVERYONE is always moments from a swim. If you are near a bank in shallow water this is usually not a problem. When it happens in water over you head, it is a game changer.
If you paddle a kayak on any type of water, YOU NEED THIS CLASS! Does not matter how long you have been paddling.
If you still drag boats filled with water to the bank to empty them, YOU NEED THIS CLASS!!
If you are not comfortable falling out of your boat, YOU NEED THIS CLASS!
YOU WILL BE WET, VERY WET, MUCH OF THE DAY!
I have now introduced over 5000 people to paddling have seen lots of swimmers, even on very calm lakes.
We will review the basics of paddling but then we will learn several different ways to deal with a swamped kayak, both in still deep water and closer to shore. The more you know about self rescue, the safer things will be for you and your paddle partners.
This class is suitable for beginners. Heck, beginners need it the most!
By the end of the day you will know what to do, for you or your buddies, when that unexpected swim happens.
The cost of the class is $125.00 if you do not have a boat. $90.00 if you are bringing a boat.
Class will start on the side of the lake and then move into the water. The class will end at approximately 3:00 PM BUT we will have an assortment of different kayaks you can demo. We will stay until approximately 5:00 so you can all try the boats you are interested in.
Please respond on here if you plan to attend but you do not have a spot in the class until you follow this link to register:
Click this link to register for the class.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me.
John Miller
678-549-4950