Kayak the Chestatee (Silent) - Sun, Sep 23 2012

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 Chestatee (Silent)


The Basics:
Event Type:Water
Event Location: Dahlonega, GA   Water: Kayak the Chestatee (Silent)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Sep 23 2012  10:45 am >> Sun, Sep 23 2012 3:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:45 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Sep 11 2012 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Sep 20 2012 12:00 pm
Event Duration:4 Hours 15 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:6 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Lauren
Allston
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$30.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:19
Minimum Group Size:12
Number Registered So Far: 20 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

So I said the last kayaking trip was the last kayaking trip of the year. Not the case - it's too much fun to stop. Allston and I are throwing in a little twist; we're going to incorporate 30 minutes of silent paddling or drifting in to the trip. It's just quiet time to reflect and listen to nature. One of the prettiest stretches is the part between Big Bend Beach (our lunch spot) and the first set of small rapids. The silent portion will start after lunch and end once we hit that set of rapids. Thank you Eva for letting us "steal" your silent hike idea - we're trying it out on a water event now.

This is a very scenic trip and the water does most of the work for you!  The trip is suitable for beginners and averages 2 - 3 hours and it is 6 miles long. We will be using their sit on top kayaks (see below if you want to bring your own kayak). The Outfitter will provide shuttle, kayak, PFD (personal flotation device) and paddles.

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 afterwards. 

We'll stop about halfway through on Big Bend and get out and stretch our legs and have a snack. We will also stop for lunch afterwards on the way back to the carpool. Please make sure you work this out with the carpool driver before leaving the carpool location.

Late lunch will be at Big D's BBQ in Dawsonville. It's on 400 and on the way back to the carpool. 6566 Hwy 53 E  Dawsonville, GA 30534

http://www.bigdsbarbeque.com/


While this trip is rated for beginners, 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.

Bring your own kayak - we will allow up to three personal kayaks for a fee of $14. If you plan to bring your own kayak, the first three people who sign up and send an email to Lauren indicating they will BYOK will be able to bring their own kayak. If you do bring your own kayak and plan to carpool, I would plan on being one of the drivers. Do not pay yet via paypal until you get a confirmation from me saying you can BYOK.

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. Allston and I are 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

 

My best guess on a timeline:

9:45 carpool departure

10:45 carpool arrives, meet at events folks arrive, sign/collect waivers and tips

11:00 safety briefing, get ready to hit the water

11:15 in the water

3:15 (approximate) we're done and shuttling back to Outfitters

3:45 clean, changed and ready to either go eat or return to carpool


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. Chose 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: 9:45 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:$30.00/Person
Cost Includes:

kayak rental, paddle, PFD and shuttle

Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Thu, Sep 20 2012.
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 are paying using a method other than PayPal, email your Trip Leaders as soon as you sign up. If you cancel on or before Sept 19th, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund beginning Sept 20th 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 Sept 19th but can make no promises.

No partial payment for partial attendance.