USACE and US Coast Guard Auxiliary Partnering with Paddlesports Leaders to Offer Affordable ‘Kayaking 101’ Classes To Launch National Safe Boating Week

Monday, April 27, 2026
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Allatoona Lake and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are
joining the Georgia chapter of the American Canoe Association and other stakeholders, to
offer low-cost kayaking instruction at multiple locations across Georgia on May 16 to kick off
National Safe Boating Week.
Other marquee partners include Georgia Canoeing Association, Whitewater Express,
Georgia Power Company, Trust for Public Lands, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Forsyth
County Parks and Recreation, Cross Currents Leadership, and Georgia Rivers.
This is the fifth year for this multi-state initiative and the third year Georgia is participating,
helping hundreds of Georgians safely dip their paddles into kayaking for the first time. Last
year, 75 students received training at the coordinated “Kayaking 101” event across Georgia.
In 2024, the perennial, multi-state volunteer-led effort was recognized with the National Safe
Boating Council’s Communications Community Impact Award. This year, volunteers are
offering Kayaking 101 classes to the public on Saturday in 40+ locations across 8 states.
The event is supported by paddling leaders from ACA Georgia and the U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary, as well as instructor volunteers across Georgia who are certified to teach
paddlesports by the American Canoe Association (ACA), whose nationally recognized
standards guide paddlesports instruction for the event.
Participating Locations
Allatoona Lake: Kellogg Creek Day Use Area
Allatoona Lake: Upper Stamp Creek Day Use Area
Chattahoochee River, Azalea Park, Roswell, GA
Oconee Lake, Lawrence Shoals Campground, Eatonton, GA
Bull Sluice Lake, Morgan Falls Overlook Park, Sandy Springs, GA
Chattahoochee River, New RiverLands Park, Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Lake Lanier, Shady Grove Campground, Cumming, GA
Skidaway Island, Rodney Hall Boat Ramp, Savannah, GA
Chattahoochee River, Whitewater Express, Columbus, GA
All classes will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine.
“We love being able to rally the local paddling experts across Georgia to partner on this event
every year,” Ranger Rusty Simmons, Chief Ranger of Park Operations at Allatoona Lake,
said. “Being able to mobilize this many nationally certified ACA instructors to help beginners
is a very powerful way for the community to come together to reinforce safety while we are
having fun.”
Our volunteer instructors are excited to welcome newcomers to our sport and give them
some hard won insights about how to stay safe and keep everyone smiling when you go on
your paddling adventures,” said Andrea White, ACA Southeastern Chair. “A great first
experience can spark a lifelong connection to paddling and love for our waterways.”
Class Information
Each class costs just $15 per person, including kayak rental and all necessary gear – to
receive training that typically costs between $75 and $150.
Each park’s session is limited to 15 participants. Instructors are American Canoe
Association (ACA)-certified Georgia volunteers backed by experienced safety teams. U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary representatives will be present at select sites to reinforce paddlecraft
safety and awareness.
For the first time, an Adaptive Kayaking 101 class will be offered at Morgan Falls Overlook
Park in Sandy Springs, offering specialized gear and instruction for individuals with physical
disabilities.
Also for the first time this year, this event will include Kayak Fishing 101 at Allatoona Lake:
Upper Stamp Creek Day Use Area. Participants will need to have a valid Georgia Fishing
License to participate.
Supporting Organizations
In addition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Allatoona Lake, U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary, and ACA Georgia, supporting organizations include: Cross Currents Leadership,
Georgia Canoeing Association, Georgia Power Company, Trust for Public Land, Forsyth
County Parks and Recreation, Nantahala Outdoor Center Chattahoochee Outpost, City of
Chattahoochee Hills, Moon River Kayak Tours, Middle Georgia Kayaking, Miller Kayak
Trips and Training, Whitewater Express, Festive Water Paddlesports, Cherokee County
Special Olympics, Georgia Conservancy, Southeast Paddle Sports, Murf’s Surf, Self
Preservation Society, University of North Georgia Outdoor Adventures, West Atlanta
Watershed Alliance, Westbrook Supply Co., Catalyst Sports, Refugee Women’s Network,
Waves of Color, and Georgia Rivers.
Space is limited. Registration begins today at this link. A free online course is also available
on the ACA Paddlesports site, but in-person instruction with a nationally certified instructor
is strongly encouraged

Press Release