Kayak the Upper Etowah - Sun, May 15 2016

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Kayak the Upper Etowah


The Basics:
Event Type:Water
Event Location: Dahlonega, GA   Water: Kayak the Upper Etowah  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, May 15 2016  8:30 am >> Sun, May 15 2016 2:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Mon, Apr 11 2016 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, May 8 2016 7:00 pm
Event Duration:6 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:8 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Allston
Lauren
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$40.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:12
Number Registered So Far: 18 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Please read the information below carefully, particularly about the payment requirements!

This is not a beginner kayaking trip. There are some Class 2 rapids so prior kayaking experience is a must. This part of the river is only navigable/open to kayaking until late Spring/early Summer because after that the water levels drop too low and you end up scraping over too many rocks, which  just isn't fun. 

We've done this trip before and it is an absolutely gorgeous stretch of river. This time of year the mountain laurel if often in bloom, which makes it even prettier. The trip is about 8 miles long and includes one location where we have to get out and portage (carry our kayaks) around a waterfall. It should take about 3 1/2 hours to finish the paddle.

Please be comfortable enough around moving/swift water to take care of yourself and possibly swim. If you fall out of your boat you need to be able to take care of yourself while waiting on assistance from someone else to retrieve your boat and/or paddle and/or help you back in your kayak. Take this from your Trip Leader, who had to swim downstream one year after her own kayak at one point!  It was still such a fun and beautiful trip, though, that I came back for more.

That said, please note again that this trip is not suitable for beginners. We will be using the Outfitters' sit on top kayaks (see below if you want to bring your own kayak). The Outfitter will provide the shuttles, kayak, PFD (personal flotation device) and paddles. We will meet at the Outfitters (directions below) and they will shuttle us and our boats/gear to the put in location and then pick us back up at the take out location.

We leave from the Outfitter's "home base" and from there we will float/drift/paddle to the takeout spot. We'll take a shuttle back to the "home base". There are nice changing areas and maintained porta potties for us to use while at the "home base".  There are no restroom facilities at the put in or take out location.

The plan is to stop as a group about halfway through the trip, at the portage location. Here we will take a break to enjoy the view and have a snack while we move our boats around a large waterfall. 

After we complete our trip, we may also decide to grab a late lunch on the way home, either in nearby Dahlonega or at Big D's BBQ on the way back. We'll take a vote that day to decide. Please make sure you work this out with the carpool driver before leaving the carpool location.

Contigency plan: If we cannot do the Upper Etowah due to low water, we will do the Chestatee River. The Chestatee trip is more of a beginner trip but it gets us out on the water. This trip is about 7 miles and takes a little less time. If we go this route, I will let you know a few days ahead of time.

Bring your own kayak - we will allow up to five personal kayaks for a fee of $16 (to cover your shuttle cost). If you plan to bring your own kayak, the first people who sign up and send an email to Allston indicating they will BYOK will be able to bring their own kayak. If you do bring your own kayak, and intend to meet at the carpool, please plan on being one of the drivers since you'll be taking your vehicle and boat anyway. Inflatable kayaks are not recommended for this trip.

Payment is due within 48 hours of your signing up. If you don't pay within 48 hours of signing up, you will be automatically moved to the waiting list regardless of what your Paypal banner says. Don't expect a reminder email about payment being due. See Cancellation Policy below for more details. If you are paying using a method other than PayPal, email your Trip Leaders as soon as you sign up.

No partial payment for partial attendance.

The dudes that run this place are great. They work hard schlepping these kayaks around and work mostly for tips. Please bring a few bucks to tip them. I'm happy to collect tips and give them to the guys at the end. These guys are my favorite Outfitter because they do everything for you - they don't ask you to carry your kayak. 

Please print, complete and sign the waiver and bring it to the event:

http://www.canoegeorgia.c om/waiver.pdf

 


Required Items to Bring:

See below for recommended items. Technically, nothing is required.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • On the river wear clothing you don't mind getting wet or dirty. Bring a change of clothes for after your trip.
  • Wear something on your feet for protection - old running shoes, sandals or river shoes - NOT Flip-Flops!
  • Food or snacks in unbreakable containers. Bring plenty to drink on hot days.
  • Dress according to the weather. Shorts, bathing suit and t-shirts are great for hot days and wind breakers, wool or nylon shirts for cool days.
  • Sun protection, sunblock, hat and sunglasses.
  • Waterproof watch.
  • Leave all unneeded items like wallets, keys, pagers, etc. behind. We have a safe place to leave car keys at the outpost while you're on the river.

 

DO NOT BRING:

  • Alcoholic beverages.
  • Large coolers, styrofoam coolers, glass bottles.
  • Radios, non-waterproof cameras.

 


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

It's best to use the coordinates below and customize directions from your departure point. Go to maps.google.com and paste the bold text in to the search bar. Choose Satellite view and it will show you the parking lot of the Outfitter:

34.50760, -83.97404

2084 South Chestatee, Dahlonega, GA

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):82Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $32.80 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$40.00/Person
Cost Includes:

Kayak rental, paddle, PFD and shuttle. Does NOT include tips!

Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Sun, May 8 2016.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

Payment is due within 48 hours of your signing up. If you don't pay within 48 hours of signing up, you will be automatically moved to the waiting list. Don't expect a reminder email about payment being due. See Cancellation Policy below for more details. If you cancel on or before 7 May, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund beginning 8 May unless someone replaces you and pays in full, then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. The Trip Leaders will make a reasonable effort to replace your spot after 8 May but can make no promises. PayPal is the only accepted method of payment.

This event is rain or shine unless extreme weather is forecast.

No partial payment for partial attendance.