Greetings fellow paddlers,
I would like to invite you to paddle at Latta Preserve on May 3rd 2025. There will be two sessions that day and you can come for one session or both. The first session will launch at 12pm sharp and should be a beautiful sunny day that will reach about 80 degrees. We will return to the launch site at about 3:45 to 4pm. This will give anyone going back out a chance to use the porta potty and eat a snack, and anyone leaving the chance to get back to shore with the group. The second session will launch at 4:30pm sharp and return to the launch site at roughly 8:30-8:45. Sunset is at 8:11pm on May 3rd. If you have never been on the water for a sunset, you are in for a treat!! Sunset on the water at Latta Preserve is particularly gorgeous!!! Anyone on the water after dusk must have lights on their kayaks for safety to be in compliance with the law. I have some extra lights. Let me know if you need lights for your kayak. I'm hoping to have enough for those without them.
When you sign-up, do not assume there is no room if there are already 10 people signed up. Get on the waiting list and email me because some attendees are planning to only attend one session. You may be able to bring a few guests, but please email me in advance for approval so the size of our group stays manageable. I will email, post discussions and/or update the event to keep everyone current and post any unforeseen changes to the weather, etc. Please check back periodically for updates and let me know if you won't be able to attend. I can sometimes email back Tuesday through Friday, but depending on my schedule, you may not hear back from me until over the weekend.
To help make things run smoothly, please let me know the following:
- Are you planning to attend the first session, the second session or both sessions?
- What level of experience do you have on a kayak and are you comfortable swimming if it becomes necessary? Swimming is not planned and very unlikely, but we should all be prepared. Alternatively, are you a very experienced kayaker and a good swimmer who would be willing to help in an emergency? I like to know our strengths and weaknesses as a group in advance.
- Will you be bringing your own kayak, paddle and PFD or do you need to rent? I can't promise we can work out a rental, but there is a very kind kayak rental person in the area who I've been in contact with and who may be able to accommodate your needs. However, we will need to coordinate this to make it happen. If you do need a rental, do you have a truck or SUV that could transport the rental to and from the launch site? We may be able to work it out if you don't have a truck or SUV, but that may be necessary. Do not show up on May 3rd expecting a rental to be ready for you without notifying me and coordinating it in advance, because no rental will be readily available without working out the details.
- If you are paddling at sunset, will you be bringing your own lights? Do you need to borrow mine? I want to have enough for those who don't have lights, so I need a count.
- Are you open to grabbing a bite with those finishing up after dark? Any suggestions on places to go?
Make sure you bring what you need on the day of our paddle. This list will be different for everyone, but here are some things to consider: Water, food/snacks, sunscreen, kayak lights, flashlight, flashlight that straps on head, binoculars (there are lots of Blue Herons, turtles, etc), camera, waterproof phone float, hat, sunglasses, etc.
This kayak event will be perfect for all levels of kayaker. We will set a leisurely pace and only pick it up if everyone is wanting to cover more distance. I will be planning more aggressive paddles in the future. Please arrive with plenty of time to be ready for a timely launch. I don't want to leave anyone behind, but in fairness to the group, we will need to set out on time.
We will be launching out of the Gar Creek -Kayak only- launch site. There will be plenty of parking and a porta potty available on site. FYI: I've never met a porta potty I felt comfortable inside, but as porta potties go, this one is large and has been impressively clean in the past.
You can find the launch site below:
Latta's Gar Creek Kayak Launch Coordinates:
35.34951900, -80.92423500
Copy and paste coordinates into your web browser and select “map” to get a map and directions to the exact location.
You can pull up this link for a map of Latta Preserve:
https://izbnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Latta-NP-Brochure-and-Map-small.pdf
Once you turn onto Sample Rd. off Beatties Ford Rd., you will pass North Canoe Access Rd. on your right and you should prepare to turn left further down onto Gar Creek Access Rd. Follow Gar Creek Access Rd. into the parking lot at the launch location. When you arrive, look out for a Honda Civic with a Charlotte 49ers sports flag proudly extending from a window. I should be nearby with my orange or red kayak, or nearby on the water if you’re early for the second session. If there are multiple vehicles waving a Charlotte 49ers team flag, I appologize for the confusion. As great as that sounds, it’s a highly unlikely scenario; but thank you in advance to any paddler who makes my day! The love I carry for my alma mater and their sports teams runs deep, but is haunted by misplaced expectations and deep disappointment. Go Niners!
The late group should be on the road by 9 to 9:30pm and must be out of the park 90 to 120 minutes after sunset. The gate will close to those trying to enter the park around dusk, but it automatically opens from the inside when your car approaches to exit. I did speak to a park representative who confirmed this and I've never had trouble leaving after dark. They just don't want any campers. There are several restaurants around the area open until 11pm for anyone interested. We can discuss grabbing a bite and your favorite tasty beverage among those paddlers who stay ‘till the end.
Feel free to start a discussion or email me with any suggestions or concerns. I'm very much looking forward to getting out on the water with everyone!
Side note: I think there are members itching to go to other sites in the area. I have other places I go kayaking and I am actively looking at new ones. I personally don't have a kayak, as of yet, that can take a beating from river rocks. Also, I don't want to post a launch until I've personally gone myself or it's at a location one of our known members is very familiar. I want to set out clear expectations for our members for our events. But, please email me and/or start a discussion with any suggestions. I'm definitely open to venturing off with a small group, above and beyond our posted events to explore future event locations.
Frank
Disclaimer: By participating in this voluntary group you expressly waive any and all claims that could arise from any of the activities planned to include travel to and from and during the trip and to understand the organizer and assistant organizer or event host do not assume liability for personal injuries, death, destruction or loss of personal property. When you RSVP yes to attend an event, or participate in the group, you and your guests expressly waive any and all such claims against each and every other member in the group, including without limitation any and all claims against the group organizer or assistant organizers or event hosts.
