AtlantaOutdoorClub
sponsor
Print-Friendly Version
Add this event to your calendar (Outlook, iCalendar)
Add REGISTRATION REMINDER to your calendar


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 Paddle on Yahoola Creek and the Chestatee




The Basics:
Event Type:Water
Event Location: Dahlonega, GA   Water: Kayak Paddle on Yahoola Creek and the Chestatee  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 30 2016  8:30 am >> Sat, Apr 30 2016 4:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Mar 31 2016 7:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Apr 23 2016 11:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:8.5 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:$36.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:18
Minimum Group Size:10
Number Registered So Far: 17 / 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 the payment requirements!

Wrap up the month, and the weekend, by enjoying the spring weather. We're going to kayak the beautiful, shaded Yahoola Creek, planning to get on the water around 10:00am, followed by the Chestatee, finishing up around 2:00. Our favorite Outfitter is running this trip and we will be using their sit-on-top kayaks (see below if you want to bring your own kayak).

This is a very scenic trip. The first part, on Yahoola Creek, is lovely and secluded, but also much narrower and with some obstacles, which requires some experience and knowledge in how to navigate a kayak in tight quarters. As a result, we recommend that only those with some paddling experience sign up for this particular trip.  This first leg will take approximately an hour to complete and is quite remote and lovely, eventually emptying into the larger, faster-moving Chestatee.

PLEASE NOTE: the Yahoola Creek stretch is only available dependent on a high enough water level in the river. Otherwise, we'll be scraping along vs. floating, which is not fun.  As such, I will check with the Outfitter a few days ahead of time to see how conditions are looking for our trip. If it appears to be too low, we'll plan to just run the Chestatee instead. If that happens, there are two key changes: the cost will be reduced and I'll add more attendees from the wait list.  

Once we enter the Chestatee, the water does most of the work for you! We'll probably stop about halfway through the Chestatee portion on "Big Bend" and get out to swim, stretch our legs and have a snack.

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 will also have the option to stop for food on the way back to the carpool. Please make sure you work this out with the carpool driver before leaving the carpool location.

While this trip only includes Class I rapids, 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 two personal kayaks for a fee of $11.00 each. 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 plan to carpool, please plan on being one of the drivers. 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.

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

http://www.canoegeorgia.com/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. 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: 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:$36.00/Person
Cost Includes:

Kayak rental, paddle, PFD and shuttle

Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Sat, Apr 23 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 and your PayPal banner may not reflect your 48 hour window. See Cancellation Policy below for more details. If you cancel on or before April 22nd, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund beginning April 23rd 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 April 23rd but can make no promises. PayPal is the only accepted method of payment. Anyone moved from the Waiting List after April 23rd is expected to pay the same day via PayPal.

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