Westside Chattahoochee Paddle 2026
About this Event
PLEASE READ: This is a family-friendly event for ages 13+. Participants paddling independently (i.e. in a single passenger kayak) must be 16 years or older. Youth ages 13–14 must paddle with a guardian, or guardian-approved adult, in a tandem kayak. Participants in single kayaks must be at least 16 years old.
The Westside Chattahoochee Paddle is an 11-mile guided kayaking tour which takes participants on an exciting journey through the "West Atlanta" section of the Chattahoochee River Water Trail. Although under-utilized by most paddlers, this specific stretch of the Chattahoochee is filled with tons of beautiful natural scenery and cultural history. Participants won’t just paddle during this experience, they’ll immerse themselves in a river of culture, history, community, and fun!
* Note that this is a full-day event from 8:30a-5p
Ages 13+ (participants under 15 must paddle w/ a parent, guardian, or guardian-approved adult via a tandem kayak).
Cost: $35/person
Cost includes lunch, gear, boats, paddles, and access to the experiences below:
Chattahoochee Brick Co. Educational Experience: Learn about the history of the Chattahoochee Brick Company and the people whose labor helped build Atlanta. Explore how the site connects to the city’s convict-leasing era and opens broader conversations about labor, land, justice, and the communities shaped by the Chattahoochee River.
River Kayaking Instruction & Guidance: Prior to launching into the river, all participants will receive training and instruction from ACA Certified Kayaking Instructors. They’ll cover safety, technique, and best practices. Dedicated safety boaters will be present during the trip for added safety.
Catered Picnic + Lunch & Learn: When we stop for lunch at Buzzard’s Roost Island, we’ll engage in music and explore the history of the Chattahoochee River as it relates to Atlanta's Black communities. We’ll also discuss current environmental challenges the river is facing, and the threats those challenges pose to the surrounding communities.
Physical Criteria to Participate...
- At minimum, participants must be able to tread water.
- Ability to swim is not required, however, participants must be realistic about their abilities and comfort level in a boat. We will get wet (lower body, possibly upper body). This event is NOT RECOMMENDED for those who are scared of water.
- Participants must be able to breathe independently (i.e. not require medical devices to sustain breathing). Inhalers are fine.
- Participants must be able to follow instructions and effectively communicate independently (i.e. without the assistance of an adult/companion).
- Participants must be able to independently hold head upright without neck or head support
- Kayaking is a full-body activity that requires the use of arms, shoulders, chest, and legs. Participants should come prepared to apply physical effort during the trip.
Mandatory Dress Code:
- D o not wear cotton clothing
- Wear water shoes or old tennis shoes that fit well. Must be closed-toed shoes. NO flip flops! Or similarly styled footwear
- Wear swimming or Quick-dry clothing (NO cotton or denim). If you don't have swim clothing, most athletic/sports clothes will work.
- Hat (optional, but recommended).
- Do not wear cotton clothing
- Snacks (if you have specific dietary restrictions)
- Water Bottle (filled w/ water)
- DO NOT WEAR COTTON!
For questions, please contact the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (404) 752-5385
See you on the water!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. No prior kayaking experience is required. We’ll provide on-land instruction before launching, and experienced instructors and safety boaters will support the group throughout the trip.
However, this is an approximately 11-mile river paddle, so participants should be prepared for several hours of moderate physical activity.
2. Can I bring my own kayak?
Yes. Participants may bring their own appropriate kayak and paddling gear.
The full registration fee still applies, since boat use is only a small portion of the event cost. Registration primarily supports transportation, food, staffing, safety equipment, and other event logistics.
Please contact us beforehand if you plan to bring your own boat so we can coordinate transportation.
3. Can I volunteer?
Possibly! We welcome experienced kayakers who are comfortable assisting other paddlers on moving water.
Volunteer needs depend on registration and our existing safety team. Contact Shaundon Moore at [email protected] if you are interested.
We may also have general volunteer roles available for check-in, moving boats, food distribution, loading equipment, and other event support.
4. What food is provided?
Lunch is provided, along with fruit, granola bars, and limited snacks throughout the day.
Participants should:
- Eat breakfast before arriving
- Bring additional snacks if desired
- Bring their own water
Lunch options and dietary selections will be shared with registered participants before the event.
5. What equipment is provided?
We provide:
- Kayak
- Paddle
- PFD/life jacket
- Participant shuttle
- Lunch
- Paddling instruction
- On-water safety support
Participants should bring appropriate clothing, water, personal medications, and any personal dry storage they would like to use.
6. Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming ability is not required, but participants must be reasonably comfortable around water.
All participants are required to wear a PFD/life jacket while on the river. Getting wet is expected, and although capsizes are uncommon, falling out of a kayak is always possible.
7. How difficult is the paddle?
The route is approximately 11 miles and generally involves 4–5+ hours of paddling.
The river is beginner-accessible under normal conditions, but the distance makes this a moderate-to-strenuous full-day activity. Participants should be prepared for sustained paddling and physical effort.
8. What will we learn during the event?
The Westside Chattahoochee Paddle combines recreation with cultural and environmental storytelling.
The experience will highlight the history of the Chattahoochee Brick Company, Atlanta’s convict-leasing era, the communities and landscapes surrounding the river, environmental justice, river access, and the natural history of the Chattahoochee.
9. Will we visit the Chattahoochee Brick Company site?
The event will include an educational experience connected to the history of the Chattahoochee Brick Company, with final program details provided to registered participants.
The river paddle itself will continue that storytelling by exploring the broader cultural landscape surrounding the Westside Chattahoochee.
10. How does parking and transportation work?
Participants will meet near the Hwy 166 takeout in South Fulton, where vehicles will remain during the paddle.
A morning shuttle will transport participants upstream to Riverview Landing, where the paddle begins. At the end of the trip, participants will finish near their parked vehicles.
Final meeting, parking, and shuttle instructions will be emailed before the event.
11. Are there bathrooms during the paddle?
Bathroom access is very limited once we launch.
Participants should use restroom facilities before getting on the water and be prepared to spend several hours outdoors without regular bathroom access.
12. What happens if I need to leave early?
Because this is an 11-mile point-to-point river trip, leaving early can be difficult once the paddle begins.
Participants should plan to remain with the group for the entire experience. Emergency exits may be possible in some situations, but they should not be considered part of the normal trip plan.
13. What happens if the weather or river conditions are unsafe?
The event depends on appropriate weather, river flow, and water conditions.
WAWA and the event safety team will monitor conditions leading up to the paddle. If conditions are unsafe, participants will be notified of any schedule changes, postponement, or cancellation.
14. What are the age requirements?
This event is for ages 13+.
- Ages 16+ may paddle independently in a single kayak.
- Ages 13–14 must paddle in a tandem kayak with a parent, guardian, or guardian-approved adult.
- PFDs/life jackets are required and provided.
All participants must meet the physical and safety requirements of the trip.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 76.54
