THE TRIP BASICS:
Our objective here is to get out and safely experience nature at its best. To engage a slice of life well worth any effort, to enjoy one another's company and to have fun! This is an awesome trip and we have always had a great time. Nevertheless, this is nature and the outdoors raw, so like any trip we need to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. I am not an outfitter, I am an event host sharing a paddling experience that I love with other paddlers that can look out for themselves. Others are there to help when needed but no one should feel obligated to help someone else if that is outside of their comfort level. As with every Atlanta Area Paddlers event, all attendees are responsible for their own actions and safety. We will be paddling in open ocean and the water can be very choppy depending on weather conditions and the winds. Paddling the ocean and this area is very safe. I've seen many new comers experience kayaking for the first time from our launch site. I personally have never rolled here accidently, nor has any guests, but again this is the ocean and like anywhere else anything can happen so safety is a necessity. You must have a PFD and spray skirt for sit in kayaks. Knowing open water reentry is a good skill to have on the ocean. If you've never practiced open water re-entry after an accidental roll it is a good idea to do so before hand because a short paddle can become a long swim. You will NOT be alone and collectively you will be fine in most cases but always remember that in the event of an emergency situation experience can make the difference. Even if you normally can complete a full 360 degree roll note that you will be loaded with gear, at least until we get to camp.
Touring kayaks (11ft. and up) are best suited for the ocean and you will definitely want a spray skirt to avoid getting swamped by the surf or possible swells.
Also keep in mind that regardless of where we set up camp we are only a few miles paddle from Tybee Island Beach and extra food, supplies or heck a hotel if really needed. In the event of an emergency help is relatively close by and we WILL be in cell phone range.
Keep in mind that you will need to pack everything needed for this 2-3 day excursion in your kayak. However, it is only about a one to two mile paddle from our put in site to where we will set up camp. With this in mind you can use an inflatable raft in tow or another sit-on-top kayak, etc., for extra gear. Usually with kayak camping trips you don't have this option, here you do, but do not over do it! Try to stick to the basics for the most part, be comfortable and a few luxury items are fine. It is very important not to overload your boat or to be too top heavy. I will bring gear for home base on the beach for all persons use, a large sun shelter and a table where we will gather for meals, etc. I pull an inflatable raft behind my kayak for those heavier items and that works beautifully. I also put noodles (the kind that kids/people use to float) on anything that could potentially sink, using zip ties.
You should be able to fit all needed gear in your boat. You never want to be too top heavy (if your tying dry bags or a lawn chair to the deck of your kayak) or have too much weight over-all. Put heavier gear in your storage areas and lighter gear in drybags on your deck if needed.
CAMPING:
Is allowed anywhere on the island, it is free and this is an area to be respected for its untouched beauty. Meaning, first and foremost, the only thing left behind should be your footprints … pack out anything and everything you pack in.
This is about the only place where a relatively short paddle gets you onto a "wild" barrier island. The best times to camp are Spring, Winter and Fall for this area because of fewer to no bugs/mosquitoes, and tolerable heat. You will need some bug spray year round for chiggers/sand fleas/noseeums off the beach, mornings on the beach and in the areas for camping. They are not usually bad until Summer; and even then if you stay out of the woods in the you generally will not have mosquito/bug problems but carry lots of water and sun screen.
PARKING:
Parking is being arranged. The place we’ve always used is now under new ownership so I’m looking elsewhere for other options. This information will be update shortly and I will be informing guests on the GOING list when arrangements have been finalized.
More area information can be found here - City of Tybee or Tybee Parking Information.