Get your feet wet with the Ogeechee Riverkeeper's Canoochee Paddle Race
Ready to jump into your favorite kayak or trusty canoe and splash fast into spring? You can, when Ogeechee Riverkeeper hosts its annual Canoochee Paddle Race, an action-packed afternoon of multi-generational and family-friendly fun celebrating the beauty of the unique Ogeechee River ecosystem.
The event kicks off noon on Saturday, April 13, with a 7-mile paddle on the Canoochee River near Claxton, Georgia, about an hour west of Savannah. The good water vibes begin at Brewton Bridge and roll on to the Rocks River Bridge landing where food trucks, live music and an award ceremony await. The celebration concludes at 5 p.m.
Tickets to paddle are $50 per person, though finish line revelers may attend at no cost. All proceeds support Ogeechee Riverkeeper’s mission of conservation and education within the watershed.
According to Meaghan Walsh Gerard, communications director for ORK, the designated river section takes most participants between two and two-and-a-half hours to complete. Last year’s winning racer finished in just an hour-and-a-half, of course garnering a first-place trophy. But the event doesn’t solely encourage swiftness. Racers can win prizes in a range of categories.
“Last year about 70 people paddled in the event, and some won awards for things like “Funkiest Costume,” “Best in Show,” and “Most Creative Boat,” explained Walsh Gerard. “The last person to cross the finish line even gets a trophy, the “Lazy River” award. We encourage friends and family to come cheer for the racers and enjoy a day out by the river. This year we are delighted to have Chris Stalcup performing. With a tune named ‘Ogeechee River,’ we knew he’d be a great fit.”
Though Stalcup, lives in Acworth, Georgia, the country singer-songwriter knows the state’s rivers well. From his home near the banks of the Etowah River, Stalcup often takes inspiration from the abundant nature near him, and when he’s performing close to Savannah, he takes time to admire the Ogeechee River.
“That song I wrote about the Ogeechee became more a story about life as revealed through that river in particular,” reflected Stalcup. “I wrote it on the edge of the Ogeechee with birds chirping and moss dripping from the trees, and the tune became about life and how we all have our own journey. As far as the fundraiser, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s excitement around these waterways. It really is inspiring that a song can be a part of larger aspirations for conservation in Georgia.”
This event marks Stalcup’s first time working with the nonprofit, and though he usually tours the Southeast with a full band, for the paddle race he’s performing as a “stripped down folk duo” with a keyboardist who contributes backing vocals and some percussion.
In addition to Stalcup’s smooth music, food and drinks will also be awaiting racers at the finish line. Food trucks featuring tacos and south-of-the-border fare, rotisserie chicken and sweet treats will be lined up at Rocks River Bridge Landing. Norburg Chiropractic will offer free massages, and ORK will have an information table to answer questions about the work of the nonprofit.
The Ogeechee River watershed covers roughly 5,540 square miles and is home to vibrant wetlands, waterways and abundant recreational opportunities. The blackwater Ogeechee, with primary tributaries Canoochee River, Bear River and Big Creek, flows 290 miles before joining the Atlantic Ocean and is one of Georgia’s few remaining free-flowing rivers.
“By raising awareness and supporting conservation initiatives, the Canoochee Paddle Race aims to protect and preserve this natural treasure for generations to come,” said Damon Mullis, riverkeeper executive director. "We believe that events like the Canoochee Paddle Race play a crucial role in fostering appreciation for our environment and inspiring stewardship. Through this event, we hope to empower individuals to take action and make a positive impact on the health of our rivers and waterways."
If You Go >>
What: Canoochee Paddle Race—a Celebration of Community and Conservation
When: Noon to 5 p.m., April 13
Where: Event begins at Brewton Bridge, Claxton
Cost: $50 per paddler; free for non-paddlers.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Ogeechee Riverkeeper to host Canoochee Paddle Race in Claxton
