Canoochee Paddle Race

Ogeechee Riverkeeper has made the decision to cancel the 2024 Canoochee Paddle Race.

High water levels are forecasted to flood Rocks River landing, the location for the finish line event area. NOAA river gauges indicate that the Canoochee could rise as high as 10.6 feet at the time of the race.

ORK is disappointed to not be able to celebrate with paddlers and friends this weekend. The event was slated to be a celebration on the river for area residents.

ORK will automatically refund registration fees. ORK will explore options for new date soon.

Staff and volunteers have already put in a great deal of effort to prepare. ORK is grateful for the partners helping to organize and enhance the event.

Thanks to:

Evans County Commissioners, Evans County Sheriff’s Office, Evans County Board of Education, Southeast Adventures, Chris Stalcup, Janet Strozzo Anderson, Picho’s Taco Truck, Road-Tisserie, Norburg Chiropractic, Southeastern Sanitation, and Claxton Poultry

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.

Race registration is now closed.

View detailed information email sent to participants

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
Student Volunteers of Trinity Christian School
Student Volunteers of Georgia Southern University
Food Fresh
Publix
Office Depot
Three Tree Coffee Roasters
Braydon Williams & Anna Bucklar
Ethan Cave & School of Rock
Claxton Poultry
Southern Adventures


Raffle item donors

You can win a giant prize package including a kayak fishing kit from Bass Pro Shops, a membership to Botanic Garden at Georgia Southern University, goodies from Claxton Fruit Cake, a cooler from Creek and Coast Outfitters, a pass from Kindred Yoga, swag from Knockaround Sunglasses, a membership from Ogeechee Audubon, a performance shirt from RJ Pope Mens and Ladies Apparel, water bottles from Southern Adventures of CRI, and whole bean coffee from Three Tree Coffee Roasters!