River Kayaking 101: Skills Workshop (National Safe Boating Week)

River Kayaking 101: Skills Workshop (National Safe Boating Week)

Georgia Conservancy is offering a discounted River Kayaking Skills Workshop and Boat Rental for beginner paddlers in celebration of National Safe Boating Week. We will be paddling the Chattahoochee River, launching from New RiverLands Park in Palmetto, GA.  

Thanks to core partners: Georgia Canoeing Association (GCA), American Canoe Association (ACA) Georgia, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Allatoona Lake, and Cross Currents Leadership.... the cost for participating in this event is $15/person (includes gear rental). 

Official registration for this event is hosted here: https://tinyurl.com/RiverKayak101.

We are co-promoting it here for more visibility.

This beginner-friendly course is part of a coordinated, statewide effort to make paddling more accessible while improving safety and confidence for new recreators. Across Georgia, paddlesports leaders are offering low-cost training opportunities designed specifically for first-time kayakers.

Over 95% of recreational boating fatalities are primarily linked to a lack of experience, safety awareness, and proper equipment use. Programs like this directly address those risks by equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to safely enjoy rivers and waterways.

This course focuses specifically on river kayaking fundamentals, including boat control, moving water awareness, and essential safety techniques. Participants will spend the day learning both on land and on the water, building a strong foundation for future paddling experiences.

This is a special, once-a-year opportunity offered at a significantly reduced cost thanks to volunteer instructors and partner support. The $15 registration fee includes kayak rental, paddle, PFD, and full-day instruction. Note that this training opportunity typically costs $100–$150. 

Schedule & Activities

Meeting Location: New RiverLands Park - 8661 Campbellton Redwine Rd., Palmetto, GA

• 10:00a: Check-in and welcome
• 10:15a: Orientation and safety overview
• 10:30a-1p: On-land instruction (Boats & Equipment, Accessories, Safety Principles, Trip Leadership, Paddling Mechanics). Includes a working lunch
• 1p-3:30p: On-Water skills session (Paddle strokes, boat control basics, and river awareness). We will paddle approximately 5 miles on river.
• 4:00p: Program concludes
• Note: This program runs rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe. Schedule adjustments will be made to accommodate weather.

Plan Your Trip

Arrival Time:

Please arrive no later than 9:50 AM to allow time for check-in and gear fitting before the program begins.

What Should I Pack:

• BYO Lunch, snacks, and water (1–2 liters recommended)
• Clothing: Do not wear cotton; Wear athletic or quick-dry clothing; Closed-toe water shoes or sandals with a heel strap
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Waterproof bag for personal items
• You may also bring a towel and change of clothes for after the program

How Long Is the Paddle?

4-5 miles. But note that this is a skills-based workshop, not a distance paddle. Participants will spend time practicing in a controlled river setting rather than traveling long distances.

Accessibility & Terrain:

Participants should expect repeated entry/exit from kayaks. The program involves both standing and time on the water. While beginner-friendly, it requires basic mobility and comfort around water.