Summary
Join Georgia Conservancy for a River Kayaking Skills Workshop designed for paddlers interested in developing stronger river skills, and supporting future group paddling programs as safety boaters or paddle leaders. This course follows the American Canoe Association (ACA) Level 2: Essentials of River Kayaking framework and focuses on practical river kayaking techniques, safety systems, rescue concepts, and group management skills on moving water. Participants who successfully demonstrate the required competencies and pass the course skills assessments will receive an ACA Level 2 River Kayaking Skills Certificate.
Unlike a traditional paddle trip, this workshop is highly instructional and skill-focused. Participants should expect repeated stopping, coaching, demonstrations, rescue practice, and detailed discussion throughout the day rather than continuous downstream travel. The goal is to build comfort, judgment, and technical ability in a supportive learning environment.
The workshop takes place on a beginner-friendly section of the Chattahoochee River between Johnson Ferry and Paces Mill, a stretch well suited for instruction due to its mild current, eddies, beginner shoals, and multiple river access points.
Although this event is for any paddler interested in developing paddling skills, focus will mostly be given to conditions and situations encountered on Georgia Rivers. Note that participants in this program will be prioritized when seeking safety boaters for future Georgia Conservancy events.
Schedule & Activities
Meeting Location: Paces Mill Boat Ramp – 3444 Cobb Pkwy SE Atlanta, GA 30339
The day begins at Paces Mill for check-in, waiver verification, and gear organization before shuttling to Johnson Ferry launch. Participants bringing their own boats should drop boats at Johnson Ferry prior to arriving at Paces Mill.
The morning includes land-based instruction covering paddling safety, river hazards, rescue philosophy, equipment fitting, and stroke mechanics before launching onto the river. Once on the water, participants will rotate through a variety of river kayaking skills including ferrying, eddy turns, peel-outs, bracing, current management, swimmer support concepts, and river reading techniques.
Throughout the day we will make frequent stops for instruction, rescue demonstrations, skills repetition, and group discussion. Participants should expect extended periods sitting in kayaks as well as entering and exiting boats throughout the workshop. Swimming is required for your certificate. The day concludes back at Paces Mill with a group debrief and course wrap-up.
Plan Your Trip
Arrival Time: Please arrive at Paces Mill no later than 9:00 AM to allow time for gear organization, waivers, and shuttle logistics.
Participants bringing personal kayaks should drop boats at Johnson Ferry before arriving at Paces Mill.
What Should I Pack:
- BYO Lunch and snacks
- 2 liters of water minimum
- Quick-dry clothing (DO NOT WEAR COTTON)
- Closed-toe water shoes or sandals with heel strap
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Waterproof bag or dry bag for personal items
- Towel and change of clothes for after the workshop
- Optional comfort items, gloves, or personal paddling equipment
How Long Is the Paddle?
This is a skills-development workshop rather than a distance-focused paddle. The river route is approximately 6 miles, but progress downstream will intentionally be slow due to repeated instructional stops and skills practice throughout the day.
Accessibility & Terrain:
Participants should be comfortable entering and exiting kayaks repeatedly, sitting in a kayak for extended periods, and navigating uneven riverbank terrain. This workshop takes place on moving water with mild current, beginner shoals, and changing river conditions. While beginner-friendly in terms of whitewater difficulty, the course is physically and mentally more demanding than a casual recreational paddle due to the repeated skills practice and rescue instruction.