“I always point out exposed oyster reefs. “Going south, we see more seashells, sea turtle nests in the summer, sometimes dolphins or a manatee swimming alongside us, and shorebirds like plovers, terns, gulls and skimmers,” Johnson says. Low tide leads to heading south on open waters lined by marshes and beaches. Kids and parents love that, and it gives me a chance to talk about how so much of the seafood we eat comes from these coastal waters.” … If I rub my paddle on the river bottom in the right places, explosions of shrimp all jump at once. “Ospreys perching on treetops, pelicans flying in formation, egrets wading.
“In the marsh, we see so many birds,” Johnson says. High tide usually means heading north, where narrow paths through mazes of tidal grasslands become more accessible. “We see tide changes of up to 9.5 feet here, making a big difference in where we paddle on any given trip.” “If the ramp to the floating dock is straight out, that’s high tide, and if it’s a steep slant down, that’s low tide,” Johnson explains. There’s so much to see, so much to learn.”įor groups leaving from the Rainbow Island Water Sports Center for two-hour tours, the tide determines their kayaking route. “For our kayaking members and guests, we use every opportunity to talk about wildlife and tides and the natural world. “It’s like this all the time out here, nature putting on a show,” says Johnson, who enthusiastically narrates such marvels as they happen. Or you could see a lone mullet leap, quiver briefly in midair and splash back down. A mother-and-calf pair of bottlenose dolphins may the surface in sleek gray arcs. A pair of American oystercatchers might swoop past, wingtips flapping just above the saltwater, and disappear beyond swaying marsh grass. Whether you’re an expert or a first-timer, kayaking offers exciting opportunities to witness wildlife, and every outing is unique. But it’s super easy to learn, so before long they’re grinning and having fun.” “The other 30% have never been in a kayak and may need instructions on balancing and steering. “About 70% of families that sign up for kayaking have paddled before and already know they like it,” says Jesse Johnson, head guide with the outings program at Sea Island. No prior experience is needed to enjoy the outing. Perhaps that is no surprise on Georgia’s coast, with its terrific opportunities to skim along in one- or two-person sea kayaks while exploring the creeks, marshes and open waters surrounding the area’s mosaic of barrier islands. Equipment sales are rising, and rental programs like the guided tours at Sea Island are more popular than ever. It’s a great way to exercise outdoors, bond with family and explore some special places, all while avoiding crowds and following the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Interest in paddle sports-such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding-has surged lately among travelers of all ages. Families make lasting memories while paddling across the water, enjoying fresh air, exercise and nature’s theater.