Paddlers to explore Georgia

Aiken resident Tom Cofer loves to paddle.

He'd better. Next month he will embark on a 92-mile, seven-day canoe/kayak adventure on North Georgia's Coosawattee and Oostanaula rivers. The trip will take him and many other paddlers from Ellijay to Rome.

It's Paddle Georgia 2009, a project of the Georgia River Network.

"They take as many as 300 people," Cofer said. "They feed you, move your equipment and plan the trip. They make it fun."

Cofer has been a paddler for roughly seven years now. He took it up when he retired.

"I was looking for an activity that I could do," he said. "As a part of the population with a lot more leisure time grows, they're interested in activities. Kayaking is one of the fastest growing adult activities."

But you don't have to be an adult to participate in Paddle Georgia. All ages are welcome.

From June 20-26, participants will paddle an average of 13 miles a day through whitewater, flatwater and small shoals alike.

According to Paddle Georgia, off-river paddlers will have opportunities to learn about the rivers and regions they're navigating through water monitoring activities, tours of area attractions and industrial facilities and nightly activities at campsites that will include entertainment, games and programs highlighting the river's cultural and natural heritage.

For instance, on day four, after the 14-mile paddle, participants have the option of exploring the historic Cherokee Indian capital of New Echota. On day five, keen eyes can spot at least seven different species of freshwater mussels where the Conasauga River joins the Coosawattee River and the Oostanaula River begins.

Paddle Georgia utilizes different rivers each year, and Cofer said paddlers will put in each day in little country towns they have never heard of.

"You get a lot out of the state," he said. "You come in contact with the local people."

School buses typically pick up paddlers and transport them to a school gymnasium for the night. Local organizations like fire departments or garden clubs cook dinner and breakfast.

Spots are still open for Paddle Georgia 2009. Through-paddler fees are $195 for adults, $170 for seniors and students, $130 for children 8 to 17 and children 7 and under are free.

Participants provide their own canoe or kayak, paddles, life jackets, tents and sleeping bags.

Paddlers may register online at www.garivers.org/paddle_georgia/pghome.html or call (706) 549-4508.