Kayak Trips and Training

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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.

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) Cost of the class 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).

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.

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 Settles Bridge Park where we discuss river safety and paddling principles. We cover basic paddle strokes and boat control before moving down the river.

We stop for lunch somewhere down stream around 1-1:30 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 takeout point will be the McGinnis Ferry Boat Ramp.

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 lightweight 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 waterproof. Your instructor will have waterproof bags for any items that might get damaged by water. Be sure to bring water and a lunch.

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We do not teach the kayak roll in this class.

If you have any questions, please call or email John Miller at: 678-549-4950 or kayakclassesga@gmail.com

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Over the past 17 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 waterfalls. 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.

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 lightweight 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 waterfall. 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.

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Questions? Call John Miller 678-549-4950 or Dustin Miller 770-715-4282 or kayakclassesga@gmail.com

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This weekend is for both paddlers and NON-PADDLERS.

There are a lot of activities in the area for non-paddlers.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE read this event description ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE so you'll know what our rules and recommendations are. ******** READ BEFORE PAYING----------THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION***

This is a Class 2 river, but it is a great beginner class 2. The rapids all have great recovery pools below them in case of a swim.

If you are comfortable on Class 1, and think you are ready to move up then this is the ideal trip to try that. We do have a few sit on top whitewater boats if you don't think you are ready for a spray skirt. Check with me if you have any doubts about doing this trip. The outfitters also rent rafts and inflatable kayaks.

We are staying in a three-level house that has 7 bedrooms and 4 baths. Depending on registrations, you may be sharing a room, but NOT A BED. (Of course, couples will be in a private room.)

Cost is for the weekend. That includes a bed for Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, breakfast and Dinner Saturday, Breakfast and Dinner Sunday and breakfast on Monday. I will also have makings for sandwiches for lunch Saturday, Sunday and Monday. So that gets you three nights in the house plus 5 meals (and 3 lunches). Trust me, that is cheaper than staying in a local hotel and then driving down the road and eating in one of the local spots, and our food is better! If we get any rain, there is a large, covered porch. It really is a nice place to hang out with our tribe.

There are several price options
1st. Couple in a private room, king bed. $950.00 (1 available)
2nd. Couple in private room, queen bed. $900.00 (3 available)
3rd. Single, sleeping on bottom bed of bunkbed, $400.00 (3 available)
4th. Single, sleeping on upper bed of bunkbed, $350.00 (3 available)

THIS IS A CLASS II RIVER. PLEASE DO NOT PLAN TO PADDLE A HARD KAYAK IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE PADDLING AT THIS LEVEL. YOU CAN PADDLE A REC BOAT IF YOU PREFER BUT HELMETS AND SPRAY SKIRTS ARE REQUIRED. I have extra helmets. Sit on tops boats are also fine on this river. We do have some non-paddlers who plan to take either rubber ducks or rafts down the river. If you have no interest in paddling, there is a lot to do in the area. Beautiful hiking and a winery you can check out.

THIS IS A FUN GUIDED TRIP, NOT A CLASS! We will be paddling Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Trips will be led by qualified guides.

Rental boats available. Contact us for details.

Do respond on here but you do not have a spot until you follow this link and register:
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

If you have any questions, feel free to call me or Dustin.
John Miller, 678-549-4950 Dustin Miller, 770-715-4282