THURSDAY EVENING PADDLES

The Thursday Evening Paddles are sponsored by Xylem and hosted Thursdays in April, May, June, and July from 6-7:30pm at an out-and-back location. We’ll explore various public access areas along the Catawba and South Fork Rivers while featuring a guest speaker who will share interesting facts and stories about the area and about their connection to the water.

These early evening programs are great for date nights, happy hour with friends, or a fun family adventure! We’ll launch and return from the same site. 

You may rent a sit-on-top kayak and associated gear from Catawba Riverkeeper or bring your own kayaking equipment. For these programs, we allow kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. If you would like to bring your dog, they must have experience on the water with you on the watercraft you plan to use on this program.

Dates, Locations, and Descriptions:

Past Events:

April 21 - Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park - Belmont, NC 

April 28 - Lake Norman State Park - Troutman, NC 

May 5 - Lucia Access Area/Mountain Island Lake - Stanley, NC 

May 19 - Spider Lilies/Landsford Canal State Park - Catawba, SC 

May 26 - Stumpy Pond - Heath Springs, SC 

June 2 - The Boathouse - McAdenville, NC 

June 9 - Outdoor Classroom - Fort Lawn, SC

July 7 - Lucia Access Area/Mountain Island Lake - Stanley, NC 

July 14 - Mountain Island Lake/Latta Nature Preserve - Huntersville, NC

July 21: 6pm-7:30pm - South Fork River - McAdenville to Cramerton, NC

Take a Slow Flow paddle on the largest tributary of the Catawba River. Launch from the historic mill town of McAdenville to paddle 1.5 miles to another historic small town, Cramerton. At the end of the trip, a shuttle will bring you back to the launch in McAdenville where you are welcome to explore the new Catawba Riverkeeper headquarters and River Room taproom and walk down the street to enjoy dinner at Terra Mia, an Italia restaurant on Main Street with indoor and outdoor seating. Riverkeeper's Program Director Vanessa Covington will talk about this area's rich history that once turned their back to the river but now turned around and investing into the health of the water and recreation opportunities for these small towns. 

July 28: 6pm-7:30pm - Lake Wylie/Copperhead Island - Charlotte, NC

Check out this little island that is part of the oldest park in Mecklenburg County - McDowell Nature Preserve. This 20-acre island hosts hiking trails, group camping, fishing access and more. Paddle around the island and meet the Riverkeeper's Northern Basin Watershed Manager, birder and beaver enthusiast Grant Bucker. While we will be paddling the southern basin area of the Catawba River, Grant will share how the Riverkeeper advances its mission through science based research that informs our advocacy, public messaging, community partnerships, and our protection and restoration initiatives.  After the paddle, drive 10 minutes to South Carolina to experience the famous Papa Docs seafood restaurant along the shoreline of Lake Wylie.

Cost:   

• $30 per guest
• 10% discount for Catawba Riverkeeper members 

Cost Includes: 

• Single sit-on-top kayak
• PFD (personal floatation device)
• Paddle (if renting)
• Basic water safety
• Paddling instruction
• Two kayak guides

Restrictions: 

• Must be 18 years of age to purchase tickets
• Must be 12 years of age to participate with an adult
• Weight limit on the rental kayak is 250 lbs.

Weather Policy: Our policy is to host this program rain or shine EXCEPT in the case of severe rain, thunderstorms or lightning in the area as well as dangerous water level. If we have to cancel an event due to weather, we will provide a refund to all ticketed guests. We will do our best to notify guests of cancellations at least 2 hours in advance. 

Refund Policy: You may cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before your scheduled date. If we must cancel due to weather or water level, your ticket will be fully refunded within 48 hours after your scheduled date.