Kayak at Latta Nature Preserve

Update March 22, 2025:

The early afternoon session Sunday has two to three openings. The late afternoon “sunset” session has 5 openings. Sign up and message host if you’re interested In going. Confirm whether you intend to participate during the early afternoon session, late afternoon session or both sessions. There may be more availability than the site suggests depending on the time you want to go. No one has indicated a need for a rental. Rentals may still be possible. Just message your need and I will follow up.

Ladies and gentlemen, kayaking on Sunday March 23rd at Latta Preserve is a GO. It looks like there will be some clouds, but overall it will be a warm and sunny day!!! Welcome Spring of 2025 North Carolina!!!

There is still a 3-5% chance of showers based on different websites. You might bring along a poncho for that unlikely eventuality. Bring water, a snack and any other items you may want to have with you, like toilet paper, first aid, sunscreen, binoculars, water sandals, towel, blanket, whistle, walkie talkie, waterproof bag, waterproof phone case, waterproof camera/case, etc.

I did change the launch location to the Gar Creek -Kayak only- launch site. There will be plenty of parking and a porta potty available on site.

You can find the launch site below:

Latta's Gar Creek Kayak Launch Coordinates:

35.34951900, -80.92423500

Copy and paste coordinates into your web browser and select “map” to get a map and directions to the exact location.

You can pull up this link for a map of Latta Preserve:

https://izbnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Latta-NP-Brochure-and-Map-small.pdf

Once you turn onto Sample Rd. off Beatties Ford Rd., you will pass North Canoe Access Rd. on your right and you should prepare to turn left down the road onto Gar Creek Access Rd. Follow Gar Creek Access Rd. into the parking lot at the launch location. When you arrive, look out for a Honda Civic with a Charlotte 49ers sports flag proudly extending from a window. I should be nearby with my orange kayak, or out on the water if you’re early for the second session. If there are multiple vehicles waving a Charlotte 49ers team flag, I appologize for the confusion. As great as that sounds, it’s a highly unlikely scenario; but thank you to any paddler who makes my day! The love I carry for my alma mater and their sports teams runs deep, but is haunted by misplaced expectations and deep disappointment. Go Niners!

Plan to arrive with plenty of time to be ready to launch at 1:30pm and/or 4pm depending on which part of the journey you plan to take. We will kayak back to the launch site by roughly 3:30 to 3:40 to allow for a bathroom break for those staying and to let those leaving get on the road. Those arriving for the second half can join us as we launch back out at 4pm. The plan is to push off from shore at 1:30 and again at 4pm, so please plan accordingly. Sunset will be at 7:38pm.

For anyone staying into the early evening, I will have 7 kayak light kits for your use that can strap onto a bungee cord or small bar/handle on your kayak. The lights make your kayak visible to others and legal after dusk. The sunsets at Latta Preserve are gorgeous and especially stunning from your kayak. We should be on the road within 40 minutes after sunset and must be out of the park between 60 and 90 minutes after sunset. The gate will close around dusk, but it opens from the inside when your car approaches to exit. I did speak to a park representative who confirmed all this. They just don't want any campers. There are several restaurants around the area to fill-up afterward. We can discuss grabbing a bite and your favorite tasty beverage among those paddlers who stay ‘till the end.

Feel free to start a discussion or email me with any suggestions or concerns. I'm very much looking forward to getting out on the water with everyone! It's shaping up to be a gorgeous time to paddle.

Frank

Disclaimer: By participating in this voluntary group you expressly waive any and all claims that could arise from any of the activities planned to include travel to and from and during the trip and to understand the organizer and assistant organizer or event host do not assume liability for personal injuries, death, destruction or loss of personal property. When you RSVP yes to attend an event, or participate in the group, you and your guests expressly waive any and all such claims against each and every other member in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizer or assistant organizers or event hosts.