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- Basic River Kayak Class!CRNRA Johnson Ferry North, Marietta, GA$149.00
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR THIS CLASS.
We watch the weather and the Dam release schedules very closely. Sometimes we do have to reschedule. The decision is usually made the night before the class around 6 pm. It is imperative that you check your email late the night before or first thing in the morning of the class for any last minute changes.
IF THE WATER LEVELS ARE TOO HIGH AT CRNRA JOHNSON FERRY WE WILL MOVE THE CLASS TO CRNRA SETTLES BRIDGE IN SUWANEE.
We need a minimum of 5 students or the class will be rescheduled.
RESPONDING ON HERE DOES NOT GET YOU A SPOT IN THE CLASS. PLEASE DO RESPOND ON HERE BUT THEN FOLLOW THIS LINK TO REGISTER:
Click this link to register for the class.If you have never paddled before, this class is for you.
If you have been paddling a while but want to improve, this class is for you.
If you think you are ready for some white water action, this class if for you.
We always have at least two instructor so we can help each of you with what you need.
If you want to use a gift certificate for this class, respond on here here then contact me and I will add you to the class.
The class we teach is the "Essentials of River Kayak" as approved by the American Canoe Association (ACA). Classes will be taught by an experienced ACA certified instructor.
We provide a boat, life jacket (PFD) and paddle unless you indicate that you have your own boat. (This is not a 'roll' class) The cost of the course is $145.00. There is a $45 discount if you bring your own boat.
Class ending time varies, however, we typically are done between 4:00-5:00 pm.
BRING: lunch (no coolers except small soft shell ones), plenty of water, a snack/protein bar, and sunscreen.
What do we do: equipment and safety overview, stoke/paddling technique/boat control practice, learn to 'read the river' and use its currents to your advantage, get WET...most importantly, we have FUN!
What to WEAR: water shoes (no flip flops), quick-dry clothing (not cotton or denim), hat (optional).Course Description: THIS IS AN ALL DAY CLASS. WE NORMALLY GET BACK TO THE CARS BETWEEN 4:00 AND 5:00. We spend a day on the Hooch teaching basic kayaking skills. The class begins at CRNRA Johnson Ferry North where we discuss river safety and paddling principles. We cover basic paddle strokes and boat control before moving down the river.
This is an introductory class in which you will learn the skills needed to become a competent recreational paddler on lakes and easy rivers. This is for brand new paddlers or paddlers with a little experience that want to take their skills to the next level. After mastering these skills, transitioning to white water paddling becomes much easier if you decide to follow that route.
We stop for lunch by the river so eat a good breakfast and maybe bring a granola bar to keep you going.
After lunch it is back to the water where we continue to practice our skills. You will be learning boat control in class I and I+ rapids. Our take out point will be the CRNRA Paces Mill.
At the end of the course, you should feel comfortable paddling rivers with Class I rapids. Expect to spend approximately 1.5 hours in a riverside class, then approximately 4-5 hours on the river.
Dress to get wet. Cotton and denim are the two worst things you can wear. If you have a light weight rain jacket, it is always a good idea to have it with you. Good water shoes are recommended. FLIP FLOPS ARE NOT ALLOWED! Shoes without laces are best. Sunglasses should be on a safety cord. Assume that everything you bring to the river will get wet. ZIPLOC bags are not water proof. Your instructor will have water proof bags for any items that might get damaged by water. Be sure to bring water and a lunch.
We do not teach the kayak roll in this class.
Please do respond yes on here if you plan to attend be you are not registered until you follow this link:
If you have any questions please call or email John Miller at 678-549-4950 or Dustin Miller at 770-715-4282 or email at kayakclassesga@gmail.com
- Spring Float on the Etowah River through Dawson ForestEtowah Scenic River Park, Dawsonville, GA$80.00
THIS IS OUR FIRST PUBLIC TRIP THROUGH DAWSON FORSEST THIS YEAR. It is always a fun trip.
You must follow this link to register and pay for the trip:
TRIP REGISTRATION LINKOver the past 15 years this has been our most popular day trip. Join us and see why!
Did you know the government used to operate a TOP SECRET Nuclear testing facility near Dawsonville? Come see what's left!!
If you have never done this before, don't wait any longer. If you have done it before come on back. We would love to see you.
This trip is both beginner and kid friendly.
Let's paddle and then hike to the water falls. Maybe even try the rope swing. This is a beginner and kid friendly trip for sure.
We watch the weather and river levels very carefully. The decision to go or cancel due to weather is made the night before at approximately 6:00 pm so check your email for updates the night before and before you leave your house on trip morning.
If you have your own boat the cost of the guided trip is $40.00 per person. If you need a rental boat the cost is $80.00.
Please do respond on this site but you are not registered until you complete your sign up on this link: TRIP REGISTRATION LINK
BRING: lunch (no hard sided coolers, soft 6 pack size works fine if using a rental boat), plenty of water, a snack/protein bar, and sunscreen.
What to WEAR: water shoes (no flip flops), quick-dry clothing (not cotton or denim), hat (optional). DRESS FOR THE WEATHER!!!!! A light weight rain jacket will keep you dry and warm even if it does not rain.
All GLASSES/Sunglasses should be secured by a cord. There is a possibility of loss.
...Keep reading to ensure you have all the information necessary to enjoy the trip...
This 9-mile paddle on the Etowah run takes you through Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area and past Shoal Creek, the proposed site of a massive dam & reservoir project that would impact flows on the Etowah and habitat for endangered fish species. We will paddle from Hwy 9 to the Kelly Bridge takeout.
For those that have not paddled this section, it is beautiful and suitable for beginners. Do not be surprised if we have to dodge a few strainers.
We will stop by a cool water fall. A true "Kodak moment".
This is not a race. We will be moving slow, playing in eddies, watching for wildlife, picnicking by the river, etc., etc.
Please arrive at The River Park NO LATER than 8:30 am. If you have a boat to unload, you need to be unloaded NO LATER than 8:30 am. We will organize our shuttle arrangements at that time and plan on being out of the parking lot by 8:45. We normally get off the river between 4:00 and 5:00.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
To enjoy your trip more, Google Nuclear Testing in Dawson Forest. Read some of the articles, watch some of the videos. This is a part of Georgia history that most people have never heard of.OR If you'd like to learn more about the history of Dawson Forest watch this video, "Secret Forest" at: Secret Forest
Interesting stuff!
'Sharon Collins, of GPB's Georgia Outdoors, ventures to the northern foothills to unlock the mysteries surrounding the Dawson Forest. Peer through the barbed wire to catch a glimpse of the forest's Cold War history!'More info will come in an email once you sign up for this trip.
Questions? Call John Miller 678-549-4950 or Dustin Miller 770-715-4282 or kayakclassesga@gmail.com
- "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