What we’re about
Simply Kayaking aims to gather old and new friends to enjoy paddling our abundant local lakes, rivers, creeks, swamps, and inter-coastal areas. Most of our events are planned within 90 mins drive of Raleigh/Durham, though we've been know to occasionally stray to South Carolina, or central Florida. We even throw a BBQ now and then. We go to beautiful paddle venues, including a few that are not very well known (can you keep a secret?).
Our wonderful members and volunteer event organizers make this club the best meetup in the triangle!
We only approve new members who own regular kayaks (not inflatables or SUPs, or no kayak at all). We did this because there are very few venues we kayak at, if any, that offer rentals. Inflatables and SUPs rarely keep up with our moderate pace. Our volunteer event organizers neither want to leave someone behind, nor ignore the rest of the group they committed to lead from the front. If you’re in the market for a kayak, i’d suggest a used one from craigslist, or buy from local shops like REI, Great Outdoor Provision Co, or Get Outdoors in Greensboro. You can find advice on the many types available, as well as reviews, at palling.net I personally prefer 12-15’ sit-inside types, with a comfy seat, and one or two sealed hatches for safety. And don’t skimp on your paddle!
We have very few rules:
1 - Keep Safe
Safety first! - You must be 18+ or with a guardian that can save your butt if necessary. We require you to bring and wear a PFD (personal floatation device) with a waterproof whistle. Also, you must be able to swim 100 yards to shore in an emergency. If you can't manage these most basic safety requirements, unfortunately this isn’t the right club for you. It's also really important to learn to avoid dangerous situations, particularly on flowing rivers, night paddles, and on the ocean. We can help a bit with that, but we are volunteer kayaking enthusiasts, not trained or certified to instruct or rescue. We practice the Common Adventure Model in which you acknowledge that you are fully responsible for your safety and the safety of any guests you might bring.
We do occasionally practice rescues, but real emergency rescues can put several people in danger, so we expect you to allways be careful, use good judgement, and listen up when the organizer gives a very rare safety advice about rocks, a tree down, etc. Some paddles are great for novices too - let us know in the event discussion if you are a beginner so we can confirm if it's a good paddle for you, and we can also offer tips about efficient paddling if you like.
2 - More fun, less drama!
Paddles vary from leisurely to moderate paced, short to long, but almost always allow for stopping for lunch, chat, photos, sometimes a swim, etc. Check the event description and ask questions if you have any. We do expect you to arrive early and be ready to launch at the time specified. If you're a really amazing person we might give you an extra couple minutes, but don't blame us for leaving on time! Sometimes we don't all stay together during a long paddle. That usually happens when we're out for a long time and friends paddle at very different speeds or love to talk vs want some quite time out in nature. Please always tell the event organizer if you are leaving the paddle early.
You're free to talk about any old thing, but use good judgement about who you dicuss sensitive issues with - because our common denominator is not culture wars, it's about having fun in the beautiful outdoors! We probably all talk a lot, but sometimes quiet is appropriate to enjoy the sounds of nature. Some of our events limit attendence, so please don't sign up for an event and take that slot unless you're rather certain you can come. Un-RSVP as soon as possible if you can't make it. If you have a history of last-minute no-shows, we will likely show you the door.
3 - Hah, there is no rule 3!
It’s a good idea to look back to the event listing a couple of hours before an event to check for weather-related cancellations. It’s very rare that we cancel and event last minute, and if so, the event organizer will use meetup’s email facility to contact everyone registered as quickly as we can.
I'm Dave D. I've been a member of SK for more than 10 years, and have been running the club since Oct 2016, following the superb leaderships of the amazing paddle rat and owner of the most possible boats Captain Ron Wulff, the kayak ninja Sophie White, and the very mysterious Daryl, who is rumored to have created this meetup.
I've met many wonderful people through this club, and some have become closest friends. We've gone to some of the most beautiful places in North Carolina and beyond. Some places that very few ever get to see. And so with your help, we can keep this tradition alive and active in the Triangle.
SK is always looking for organizers with some kayaking experience and good judgement to lead trips in the area. We will gladly make you an Organizer or Assistant Organizer if we get to know you a little first. Please contact us if you're interested! We want to sponsor lots of safe, fun trips, all year round.
See you out on the water soon!
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Simply Kayaking is a club that connects individual kayakers together for paddle events. When you paddle with us you agree we are not responsible for your safety or convenience, or for that of your guests. More fun, less drama!
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