By: Mike Gardner, OYC Kayak Coordinator
With spring now here, we are getting ready for another great kayaking season. With so many new residents, I am hoping to see some new faces this year.
Our trips are for all skill levels. We have 12 trips planned for this year at some great locations as well as a two-night campout in the fall at Merchants Millpond. We do two paddles every month except August. We generally are on the water for two hours and then have lunch at a local restaurant or pack a picnic lunch.
We paddle some of the most beautiful paddle trails in the state. On our trips we will see large and small cypress trees that are hundreds of years old. We will also see all kinds of wildlife, from many bird species to even an alligator!
The OYC owns two trailers with a capacity for 18 kayaks or canoes. We are always looking for volunteers to help pull one of the trailers. The trips are a team effort, with everyone helping each other load and unload our boats. We also help each other get in and out.
If you have never kayaked, we will help you get started. Safety is always our first concern. Everyone must wear a personal flotation device (PDF) at all times on the water. We can help you with paddle instructions as well as boat recommendations.
We plan two paddling dates in April: Tuesday, April 11, to Newbegun Creek/Sawmill Park and Saturday, April 29, to Sawyers Creek. We have put out a complete list of dates on the OYC site and will announce each trip every month. Be sure you have joined the OYC Group on Nabr to receive information about each kayak trip.
To participate you must be a member of the OYC. Trailer space is on a first-come reservation basis. Dates and locations are subject to change due to weather and condi-tions. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at mgarbna@gmail.com.