RELEASE: ORK revives popular Canoochee Paddle Race

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02/16/2023
Contact: Meaghan Walsh Gerard
Communications and Administrative Director
meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org


OGEECHEE RIVERKEEPER REVIVES CANOOCHEE PADDLE RACE
The popular event returns to Evans County

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) will host the Canoochee Paddle Race on Saturday, April 22, 2023 in Evans County, Georgia. The race will begin at 9 a.m., with fun paddlers to follow.

The race will take place along approximately seven miles of the Canoochee River, from Brewton Bridge to Rocks River Bridge landing. Rocks River Bridge landing will also serve as the headquarters for the awards presentation, winners circle, food vendors, and entertainment. Everyone is welcome to come cheer for the racers and enjoy a day out by the river.

Paddlers of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes are welcome to compete. Non-racing paddlers are also welcome to follow the route after racers have started. Entrants will receive a vessel identifier, map, and official race t-shirt. Registrants will receive packet pick-up information via email. Entry is $50 per vessel, regardless of racing status.

ORK does not provide vessels or equipment. Personal flotation devices are required for each participant. Entry is limited to 100 participants and pre-registration is required. The deadline to register is Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at noon.

Where: Canoochee River, Evans County
Rocks River Bridge Landing: GPS 32.184196, -81.889276
When: Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: $50 per vessel; $30 for student paddlers; Free to cheer for the paddlers
Details and registration: https://www.ogeecheeriverkeeper.org/events/canoochee-paddle-race/


About Ogeechee Riverkeeper: Ogeechee Riverkeeper 501(c)(3) works to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of the Ogeechee River basin, which includes all of the streams flowing out to Ossabaw Sound and St. Catherine’s Sound. The Canoochee River is about 108 miles long and the Ogeechee River itself is approximately 245 miles long. The Ogeechee River system drains more than 5,500 square miles across 21 counties in Georgia. More at ogeecheeriverkeeper.org.

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Canoochee Paddle Race

Ogeechee Riverkeeper (ORK) will host the Canoochee Paddle Race on Saturday, April 22, 2023 in Evans County, Georgia. The racers will begin at 9 a.m., with fun paddlers to follow.

The race will take place along approximately seven miles of the Canoochee River, from Brewton Bridge to Rocks River Bridge Landing.

Rocks River Bridge Landing will also serve as the headquarters for the winners circle, awards presentation, food vendors, and entertainment. Everyone is welcome to come cheer for the racers and enjoy a day out by the river.

Paddlers of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes are welcome to compete. Non-racing paddlers are also welcome to follow the route after racers have started.

Entrants will receive a vessel identifier, map and official race t-shirt. Registrants will receive packet pick-up information via email. 

ORK does not provide vessels or equipment. Personal flotation devices are required for each participant. Entry is limited and pre-registration is required

Entry is $50 per vessel, with a discount for students.

There is no cost to come to come cheer for the paddlers and enjoy a day out by the river.


Start Line:
Brewton Bridge Landing on HWY 169: 32.202245, -81.953692
Finish Line:
Rocks River Landing on HWY 301: 32.184196, -81.889276

FAQs:

– Do I have to pay if I’m a “fun” paddler and not racing?

Yes. The fee pays for one official race shirt, safety personnel, and other costs associated with putting on the event. A limited number of additional shirts will be available for purchase at the event as well. Full-price registrations also include one-year of a household membership with ORK!

– How will I get back to my car after the race?

If you don’t have a friend to move your car to the finish line, there will be shuttles for the paddlers.

– What do the winners get?

In addition to the fastest singles, tandems, and canoes, there will be awards for best dressed paddler, most creative boat, best paddling duo, and the last place finisher.


Thanks to 

Evans County Commissioners
Evans County Sheriff’s Office
Evans County Board of Education
Claxton Poultry
Student Volunteers of Georgia Southern University