Geneva Kayak Center

Expeditionary Trips

Cumberland Island Circumnavigation Expedition

Cumberland Island National Seashore
St. Mary’s, GA

Dates: March 20 - 25, 2010 and March 27 - April 1, 2010
Days: 6 days, 5 nights
Price: $749 (without rental) $899 (with rental)
Trip Level:3/3+
Includes: Camping & Cook Gear, 1 Night Accommodation in St. Mary’s, Training & Guidance
Group Size: 4-6


Trip Description

This March, the Geneva Kayak Center is headed back to one of its favorite paddling destinations – Cumberland Island. Located on the coast of southern Georgia, Cumberland Island is known for it’s abundant wildlife, beautiful white sand beaches, fascinating flora and historic ruins. The wildlife on the island includes sea turtles, wild turkeys, wild horses, armadillo and a myriad of bird species. The ruins of historic mansions, empty beaches, tidal rivers and beautiful live oak trees are some of the scenery that makes this trip so special.

After a night in St. Mary’s, we’ll launch from the mainland at Crooked River State Park and take the next 5 days to paddle around the island. During the trip, the paddler is sure to experience the sun and sand, a relaxing, scenic atmosphere, and an opportunity to sharpen his or her paddling, navigational, and backcountry camping skills as s/he circumnavigates Cumberland Island. This trip’s route will involve open water paddling on the Atlantic Ocean and though Cumberland Island is not known for its surf, 2-4 foot seas are possible.

This trip is rated a GKC Level 3 trip. On Level 3 trips, participants should be comfortable with Level 2 skills and be ready for Level 3 training as outlined in our description of ACA L3 training or BCU 3 Star Training. Participants DO NOT need to hold their L3 or 3 Star awards to participate, but would benefit from taking our BCU or ACA Level 3 TRAININGS before the trip. Our Expeditionary Paddling Trips are for the paddler seeking to develop his or her paddling skills and seamanship while journeying on the “sea” by kayak. These trips combine both inn accommodations and backcountry camping as we often paddle into remote areas.

Included in the price of the trip is lodging on the first night in St. Mary’s, transportation in Georgia, tents and outdoor cooking equipment Kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts and safety kits are provided for an additional rental fee. Personal clothing and paddling gear are not included. The trip is guided by Geneva Kayak’s ACA and BCU certified instructors.


Itinerary

(subject to change due to weather & permit conditions)
Day 1
Geneva Kayak Center staff will meet participants arriving at the airport in Jacksonville, FL. For participants who are driving, we will meet in St. Mary’s, GA. After dinner, GKC staff will give an orientation to the trip and we’ll prepare to launch the next morning. No meals included
Day 2
We’ll launch from Crooked River State Park with the ebbing tide and paddle to the Brickhill Bluff wilderness campsite. Lunch and Dinner provided
Day 3
Day three’s itinerary involves paddling between the northern tip of Cumberland Island and Little Cumberland Island on Christmas Creek. As we come around to the Atlantic side of the island, we’ll spend time working on paddling in waves if the conditions are present. Paddling south along the shoreline to Stafford Beach, day 3 is our most stretching day of paddling as we paddle nearly 15 nautical miles along a coast exposed to the Atlantic. All meals provided
Day 4
After a long day of paddling we’ll enjoy some time in camp. Members of the trip can choose to explore the island by foot, play in the surf or relax in camp. All meals provided
Day 5
Day 5 will be one of our longer days of paddling as we round the southern tip of the island and paddle north to the Sea Camp dock. We’ll set-up camp for our final evening at Sea Camp. All meals provided
Day 6
We’ll break camp to coincide with the flooding tides as we cruise our way back to Crooked River State Park. Breakfast provided

Click Here to View the Cumberland Island 2007 Photo Gallery