Spring on the Satilla 2020

Georgia River Network’s Spring on the Satilla
is now September on the Satilla Sept. 4-6

Join Georgia River Network for a voyage down the Satilla River.

Following recommendations of the U.S. Center for Disease Control regarding the coronavirus, Georgia River Network has rescheduled Spring on the Satilla April 3-5 for Sept. 4-6. 

this event is currently sold out! If you’d like to be placed on the wait list, e-mail joe cook at joe@garivers.org

CLICK HERE FOR THE PARTICIPANT INFORMATION PAGE

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, September on the Satilla will be unique in the annals of Georgia River Network’s Satilla River adventures. First, in an effort to minimize the chances of spreading the disease, there will be no shuttle bus rides; all trips will start at Satilla Lodge, utilizing the prevailing tides to carry us up and down the river for exploration of the Satilla and its enchanting tributaries (while most paddling will be with the tides and current, you can expect to paddle against tide or current at some point during the event). As always, we will camp at rustic Satilla Lodge overlooking the river. Educational programs, catered meals, campfires and camaraderie round out a weekend of leisurely paddling and first-rate camping.

Beer for Saturday Night Low Country Boil! 

Thanks to support from St Marys’ Brackish Beer Company we’ll enjoy some locally brewed Brackyard Ale during our Saturday meal and camp. It’ll be a perfect pairing for the low-country boil we will partake of that evening! Click here to learn more about Brackish Beer Company in St. Marys. 

Registration

Registration opened Dec. 27; only  70 spaces will be available!
Fees : $235 Adults, $185 Children (8-17), $120 (7 & Under)
Your Spring on the Satilla registration includes all meals, shuttle services and campsites as well as a T-shirt, boat decals, maps and river descriptions, a year’s membership to Georgia River Network, entertainment, activities, and educational programs.

Once open, registration will continue until all spaces are filled! Limit: 80 participants. Registration closes Aug. 21 or when sold out. No refunds will be issued after Aug. 21. 

Boat Rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people participate? Due to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis, we are limiting participation in this event to just 80 registrants. Like our other Paddle Georgia events, participants will range in age from 4 to 84 and come from all walks of life. But, they all have one thing in common—they love to paddle and they love Georgia rivers!

How much does it cost? It costs enough to help Georgia River Network save our rivers! Registration fees are $235 for adults, $185 for children 8-17 and $115 for children 7 and under. These fees include six meals: two hot breakfasts and dinners and two sack lunches to take on the river. Participants can also paddle for FREE. Simply raise at least $460 in the Paddle Georgia Canoe-a-thon and you may request to have your registration fees reimbursed. All proceeds from Spring on the Satilla are used to support Georgia River Network and Satilla Riverkeeper programs to protect the Satilla and Georgia’s other rivers.

What’s a Canoe-A-Thon? Like a walk-a-thon, Paddle Georgia’s 2020 Canoe-A-Thon which began Aug. 1, 2019 will raise money for Georgia River Network. Each participant is asked to solicit donations on a per-mile basis. Those participants generating more than $460 may choose to have their Spring on the Satilla registration fee reimbursed. Click here for more details. Canoe-A-Thoners compete for gifts and prizes, including new canoes and kayaks and other great goods from Outside World Outfitters and our many other sponsors. These prizes will be awarded at Paddle Georgia 2020 (Canoe-a-thon participants do not need to present to win these prizes). Participants can sign-up and start raising funds immediately!

How will Spring on the Satilla be different from other Paddle Georgia events? First, it’s on the breathtaking Satilla, a true south Georgia blackwater beauty that wanders between cypress and tupelo-lined banks. For two days we will camp at rustic Satilla Lodge, a privately-owned retreat that overlooks the river. Camping is tent camping only with limited access to indoor facilities, showers and toilets. Since our campsite remains the same both nights, there’s no need to carry your gear in your boat…or load up to move camp! Catered meals will be provided, and at the end of each day’s paddle, you will always have access to your vehicle. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 health crisis, all trips will originate from Satilla Lodge, using the incoming and outgoing tides to explore sections of the river upstream and downstream from the lodge. 

Do I need to be an experienced paddler? You don’t need to be an expert, but a little experience wouldn’t hurt. If you are new to paddling, we ask that you take a basic canoeing or kayaking instruction class offered through the Georgia Canoe Association or other instructors. Please note, the second day of the journey will involve paddling against an incoming tide–the equivalent of paddling upstream–for a portion of the trip. It can be done, but it can be strenuous. It can also be avoided entirely by delaying your launch on that day until about 11 a.m. 

What do I need to bring? You are responsible for bringing a canoe or kayak, paddles and a personal floatation device. Paddle Georgia does not supply or rent boats. Southeast Adventure Outfitters serves as our official canoe and kayak rental facility for Spring on the Satilla (see link above) and can deliver your boat rental to our initial launch site and pick it up at the end of the trip. All paddlers should bring standard camping gear including a tent and personal items. Your boat should be of a size and weight that you and another person can carry.

Where do I leave my car? All cars will be parked at our campsite, Satilla Lodge. Transportation will be provided to and from launch sites and take out sites.

How do I get my boat to the river? Before the paddle begins, you will drop your boat at our initial launch site. Your boat will remain at the river throughout the trip. Overnight security will be provided for the boats. The trip ends at Satilla Lodge so once you complete your paddle, you’ll simply load up your boat and motor back home.

Can I fish during Spring on the Satilla? Yes, but you are responsible for obtaining appropriate licenses and understanding and following the proper rules and regulations.

Paddle Georgia Policies

1. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed
2. All participants must attend the pre-launch safety briefing. Participants must adhere to the safety guidelines presented.
3. Participants must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device at all times on the river.
4. Participants under age 18 are the responsibility of, and must be accompanied by, a parent or guardian.
5. Sorry, no pets allowed.
6. All participants must sign a Medical and Emergency Contact Information sheet and a Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability form. Parents must sign for children under the age of 18. (These forms will be sent in the information packet.
7. Person-powered watercraft only.
8. All participants must respect private property along the river.
9. All participants must possess basic paddling skills and be capable of self-rescue in the water.
10. No more than 2 children under the age of 12 per adult guardian.
11. All children must have a designated seat in the vessel in which they are traveling. (no children on decks of kayaks or as “passengers” in cockpits of solo kayaks)
12. Georgia River Network is not responsible for any personal property that may be lost, damaged, or stolen during the trip.

Violations of these policies can result in the participant being removed from the event without refund.

Refund Policy

Registration and meal fees may be reimbursed prior to Aug. 21. Refunds will deduct a 10% processing fee.

Liability Waiver Forms

Very Important! You Must Sign These Forms to Participate!

All participants must sign a liability waiver. Click on the links below and sign the form online. Once submitted, you will receive an e-mail. YOU MUST RESPOND TO THAT E-MAIL TO COMPLETE THE LIABILITY WAIVER PROCESS.

 CLICK HERE TO SIGN WAIVER FOR ADULTS 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN WAVIER FOR MINORS