Whether it’s placid paddles or a more challenging stretch with some rapids, Augusta area waterways have plenty to offer local kayakers. Over the past year, more people have taken to the water.
Cole Watkins started his Cole Watkins Tours kayak business nearly 10 years ago. He created the concept for a class he was taking at Augusta University.
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“Nobody was doing it then,” he said. “Now, it’s jam-packed, especially this past year.”
With COVID-19 imposed restrictions, people have been looking for ways to safely get out of the house, he said.
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Watkins offers tours which are great for beginners; he also rents kayaks for those who may have more experience on the water. Cole Watkins Tours is one of several places to rent kayaks or charter tours in the area.
Ron Turner of Aiken has his own kayak and spends a lot of time in the out-of-doors, hiking and camping.
Betty’s Branch is a great place for people just starting out because “it’s a long loop,” said Turner. “You put in and take out at the same location.”
Because it’s easy-in and easy-out, it’s a popular place for area kayakers, he said.
Another spot for beginners to try is at Mistletoe State Park at Clarks Hill Lake.
About once a month, the park staff offers a guided paddle.
“We do them mid-spring into the fall,” said Jana Ashing, a naturalist at the park and one of the tour guides. “Usually, we do one a month.”
The first paddle of the season was held on March 20. The paddle takes about 90 minutes and goes along Cliatt and Boulder Creeks.
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The cost is $20 per person and includes equipment. The next paddle is scheduled for April 2. To make a reservation, call (706) 541-0321.
For people with a little more experience, a trip near Stallings Island is an option, Watkins said.
“Stallings Island is not a good place to learn kayaking as there is a mild current that leads into the head gates of the Augusta Canal that we have to avoid,” Watkins said. “We do not take any first timers on this route. Most first timers that request this route are happy to first learn kayaking at Betty’s Branch, then come paddle Stallings when they are more comfortable.”
Kayakers can feed the donkeys at Stallings Island. Photo courtesy of Cole Watkins Tours. Donkeys greet kayakers as they slow down. Photo Courtesy of Cole Watkins Tours.
Stallings Island is a national landmark, so people can’t get out of the kayak and go on the island, he said; however, they can get close enough to meet the island’s inhabitants. Goats and donkeys live there.
He said kayakers can get close enough to feed the animals fruit, and they are very friendly.
For those who want a little more of a challenge, Turner suggested the Savannah River.
“I prefer fast-moving rivers,” said Turner, who spends a lot of time on the Savannah River. He’s used to the more challenging Class IV and Class V rapids, which can’t be found near Augusta, but the Savannah does have some Class I and Class II rapids.
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Another good spot for people who want more of a challenge and have their own kayaks is the Edisto River in South Carolina, according to Turner. The Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce offers free shuttle services for its monthly canoe and kayak trips April through October. The first trip is scheduled for April 17.
For more information, visit bambergcountychamber.org.
To learn more about Cole Watkins Tours, visit colewatkinstours.com or call (706) 840-0433.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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