ATHENS – The Georgia River Network announces sign up is now open kayak skills and safety classes to help paddlers of all skill levels.
Release:
Interested in exploring Georgia’s wild rivers and paddling our state’s peaceful water trails? Georgia River
Network has a series of kayak skills and water safety classes designed to build confidence and develop
skills for paddlers of all levels.
Georgia River Network is a leader in introducing novice paddlers to kayak instruction and was recognized
by the American Canoe Association as the top paddling club nationwide for training the most beginners
in 2023. The 2024 kayak classes are intentionally structured for buildable education, from Intro to
Kayaking in a lake, Intro to River Kayaking in moving water, and Rescue for Rec Boaters to master
recovery skills.
“We believe that the best way to nurture the next generation of advocates for Georgia’s rivers is to get
people out enjoying themselves on our wonderful waterways,” said Rena Ann Peck, Georgia River
Network executive director. “When people explore our water trails, they fall in love with those rivers.
That’s when they take action to protect them.”
All Georgia River Network kayak and paddling safety classes are taught by certified ACA instructors
according to national curriculum and teaching standards.
● Intro to Kayaking, April 27 (Savannah); May 4, May 5, and July 20 (Acworth): This is a half day,
introductory level class to get you more familiar with the features of your boat and paddle and
give you more confidence on your adventures. By the end of the day you will feel like your boat
is less tippy, know how to paddle all day without wearing out your arm muscles, know how to
avoid tennis elbow, know how to help yourself or your friend in a capsize situation at the lake,
and other basic information that will prepare you to be a better paddler or trip leader for your
family.
● Intro to River Kayaking, June 8, July 13, August 11 or August 17: held on the Lower Chestatee
River in Dahlonega, GA, this full day class will introduce you to the skills, hazards and fun to be
had on class I rivers! By the end of the day you will feel more in control of your boat, know how
to paddle all day without wearing out your arm muscles, have some tips and tricks for reading
the river and avoiding hazards, and be more confident about exploring class I rivers with your
friends and family.
● Rescue for Rec Boaters, July 27-28 or August 24-25 (one- or two-day options): (Lake training
held in Acworth; River training held in Lilburn.) Rescue for Rec Boaters is an entry-level safety
and rescue class for paddlers who plan on paddling flat water lakes and slow moving rivers. A
comprehensive Safety & Rescue class for lake and class I river paddlers is a rare offering in this
region, so we are excited to offer it to you! This class is a game changer for new and experienced
paddlers alike. The curriculum is built from tried and true techniques utilized in higher level
training for sea kayakers and whitewater paddlers which has been dialed in to the most useful
information and techniques for entry level paddlers in Georgia. Sign up for lake day, river day, or
both days!
● Intro to Kayak Fishing, August 18: This is an introductory class to get you more comfortable
using your kayak for fishing. This is one of the first places in the nation ACA certified
instructor-led courses are being offered in Kayak Fishing to help you leverage your kayak, expand
your knowledge and skills, and become a more proficient angler.
Registration opens March 1 for all classes. More information can be found at www.garivers.org/events.
Georgia River Network is a statewide river advocacy organization supporting state policies that protect
Georgia’s rivers and promote river recreation through improved public access to our rivers and the
establishment of water trails across the state. Learn more about their mission at garivers.org.
