05/11/2026
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Allatoona Lake and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are joining the Georgia chapter of the American Canoe Association (ACA Georgia) and other stakeholders, to offer low-cost kayaking instruction at multiple locations across Georgia on May 16 to kick off National Safe Boating Week.
Register here:
https://www.gapaddle.com/calendar/ #!event/register/2026/5/16/kayaking-101-class-in-various-locations-around-georgia-on-may-16
“We love being able to rally the local paddling experts across Georgia to partner on this event every year,” Ranger Rusty Simmons, Chief Ranger of Park Operations at Allatoona Lake, said. “Being able to mobilize this many nationally certified ACA instructors to help beginners is a very powerful way for the community to come together to reinforce safety while we are having fun.”
Participating Locations
* Allatoona Lake: Kellogg Creek Day Use Area
* Allatoona Lake: Upper Stamp Creek Day Use Area
* Chattahoochee River, Azalea Park, Roswell, GA
* Oconee Lake, Lawrence Shoals Campground, Eatonton, GA
* Bull Sluice Lake, Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Sandy Springs, GA
* Chattahoochee River, New RiverLands Park, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
* Lanier, Shady Grove Campground, Cu***ng, GA
* Skidaway Island, Rodney Hall Boat Ramp, Savannah, GA
* Chattahoochee River, Whitewater Express, Columbus, GA
Register here:
https://www.gapaddle.com/calendar/ #!event/register/2026/5/16/kayaking-101-class-in-various-locations-around-georgia-on-may-16
All classes will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine.
In addition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Allatoona Lake, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and ACA Georgia, supporting organizations include: Cross Currents Leadership, Georgia Canoeing Association, Georgia Power, Trust for Public Land/Chattahoochee RiverLands, Forsyth County Parks & Recreation, Nantahala Outdoor Center, City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, Moon River Kayak Tours, Middle GA Kayaking, Miller Kayak Trips and Training, Whitewater Express, Columbus GA, Festive Water Paddlesports, Cherokee County Special Olympics, The Georgia Conservancy, Southeast Paddle Sports, Murph's Surf, Self Preservation Society, University of North Georgia Outdoor Adventures, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Westbrook Supply Co., Catalyst Sports, Refugee Women's Network, Waves of Color, and Georgia Rivers.
Class Information
Each class costs just $15 per person, including kayak rental and all necessary gear - to receive training that typically costs between $75 and $150. Each park’s session is limited to 15 participants.
Instructors are American Canoe Association (ACA)-certified Georgia volunteers backed by experienced safety teams. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary representatives will be present at select sites to reinforce paddlecraft safety and awareness.
For the first time, an Adaptive Kayaking 101 class will be offered at Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs in partnership with Catalyst Sports, offering specialized gear and instruction for individuals with physical disabilities.
Also for the first time this year, this event will include Kayak Fishing 101 at Allatoona Lake in partnership with Georgia Rivers: Upper Stamp Creek Day Use Area. Participants will need to have a valid Georgia Fishing License to participate.
Register here:
https://www.gapaddle.com/calendar/ #!event/register/2026/5/16/kayaking-101-class-in-various-locations-around-georgia-on-may-16
This is the fifth year for this multi-state initiative and the third year Georgia is participating, helping hundreds of Georgians safely dip their paddles into kayaking for the first time. Last year, 75 students received training at the coordinated “Kayaking 101” event across Georgia. In 2024, the perennial, multi-state volunteer-led effort was recognized with the National Safe Boating Council’s Communications Community Impact Award. This year, volunteers are offering Kayaking 101 classes to the public on Saturday in 40+ locations across 8 states.
Register here:
https://www.gapaddle.com/calendar/ #!event/register/2026/5/16/kayaking-101-class-in-various-locations-around-georgia-on-may-16
