While kayaking can be done in the Augusta area most of the year, Outdoor Augusta has some added events to draw people out to the water.
Betty’s Fork and Paddle will be May 7, according to Amy Colbert, who owns Outdoor Augusta with her husband, Andy.
“We typically do this in the fall,” she said.
COVID-19 nixed that in October 2020, so the event was pushed to spring.
Betty’s Fork and Paddle is sponsored by Beer Me Augusta. The event begins with a paddle tour on the Savannah River with Outdoor Augusta, followed by dinner from Barrel Fever BBQ and live music with Tom Reed. An assortment of local craft beer will be available, and one free beer voucher comes with each ticket.
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Colbert said Beer Me Augusta will set up tables near the Outdoor Augusta space at 25 Dolphin Way in Evans.
Check-in is from 5 to 6:15 p.m. with the paddle starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the guided tour and dinner if your bring your own kayak or $40 to include a kayak rental. Tickets are available at https://beer-me-augusta.square.site/ The deadline to purchase tickets is May 5.
A full moon paddle is slated for May 26. Those typically sell out, she said.
“They are super fun. They roughly start around 9 p.m. and are super dreamy,” she said.
The Betty’s Bash 2021 Paddle Race and Musical Festival begins at 9 a.m. June 26.
Sponsored by Columbia County Parks and Recreation, the race will begin at 9 a.m. with the music festival portion starting at 5 p.m.
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“There will be paddle races, and anyone can enter,” she said.
Kayaks can be rented, or if people own a kayak, they can use theirs to participate.
The music festival will include local bands The Mason Jars, The Acostas and Coach.
While Outdoor Augusta is involved in some special programs, the business has regular kayak rentals and weekly paddleboard yoga classes at 10 a.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Monday.
“Taylor Watts teaches the class. It’s great for all levels. She does a lot of core exercises,” she said.
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Those exercises keep people close to their boards and don’t rely on a great deal of balance, but Colbert said they have the classes starting in May because the water is not as cold if someone does fall in.
Classes are $15.
Signup for summer camp is underway as well. Colbert said they are open for kids although adults often say they wish there were camps for them, too.
For more information, visit oariverside.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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