FORT BENNING, Ga., (May 27, 2015) -- The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Outdoor Recreation hosted Kayak the Hooch May 22 for patrons to kayak the Chattahoochee River seven miles from a landing spot on post to the Uchee Creek Marina.
"It is a lot of fun and most times we sell out," said Amanda Reitz, program manager, Outdoor Recreation.
The trip brought more than 30 single and tandem kayakers who paddled their way in a group along the river. For $20 patrons got a kayak, paddle and life jacket, transportation to the launch site and from the marina, lunch, an emergency contact list of the guides, and a map in case anyone got separated from the group.
Once geared up, those in attendance were given a paddle, a safety brief and taught the basics of how to master kayaking.
"Here's a hint: the company wants their logo to be seen, so if the logo is upside down or not showing, you're doing it wrong," said Kirk Michael, instructor.
Only one participant tipped his kayak at the launch site, but was upright in no time to head down the river.
The trip began at 10 a.m. - while the water was still cool. An hour into paddling, though, the sun rose high and summer heat kicked in.
Along the Chattahoochee River, turtles poked their heads out for a view of the bright orange and yellow, green or black and grey boats.
There were bubbles along the bank and some would call it out as an alligator lurking.
Herons hunted for food, fish splashed and dragonflies tagged along on the kayaks.
Paddling continuously took about two hours to reach the halfway point - the bridge leading to the back gate of Fort Benning.
Cruising under the bridge, patrons saw cars driving by, and even got a wave out of a driver rolling through.
From the bridge, it was about another hour in the water before the power lines could be seen which meant the end of the trip.
A short float to the finish line, and patrons were greeted with a lunch - sandwiches and chips.
"It's a great way to spend a training holiday and get out on the water for a few hours," Reitz said.
Outdoor Recreation will host another Kayak the Hooch trip the Friday before Labor Day weekend, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 4.
"Most people sign up the week leading up to the trip when they realize they have the day off for the training holiday," Reitz said.
There will be a 10-15 mile overnight kayak trip down Lake Eufaula, Alabama, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 6-7.
For information or to register, call 706-545-7978 or visit www.benningmwr.com.
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