Jekyll Island and Cumberland Island Exploration Journey:
March 7, 2012 (a “GO”)
June 13, 2012 ( a “GO”)
November 7, 2012 (a”GO”)
4 Days / 4 Unique Journeys (assessment & certifications available)
Skill Level: L3-L4
Min 4 / Max 8
Base Camps: Jekyll Island Campground (2 nights, Wed & Thur.), Crooked River State Park Campground, St. Mary’s, Ga. (2 nights, Fri & Sat.)
| See videos | See pictures | See options | See Google Earth images | What’s included / What’s not | Pricing |
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This multi-day teach & trek allows us to explore three of Georgia’s most interesting barrier islands St Simon, Jekyll and Cumberland Island, and receive training / assessments from the above organizations.
Days one and two will be based on Jekyll Island. Our first venture will be to the south end of St. Simon Island (from North end of Jekyll) via St Simon Sound. Along the way we will be doing some navigation and ACA / BCU paddling skills challenges. We’ll explore some of the beaches of St. Simon upon landing.
Next day we head out to the extremely deserted North end of Cumberland Island. Very few paddlers get to this end of the island due to its distance from the Cumberland Island camp sites. When looking at Cumberland Island from Jekyll Island you’ll see huge white sand cliffs, very striking. The crossing is via St. Andrews Sound. Our skills challenges will continue and for those seeking certifications, amped up !!!
Arriving back from Cumberland Island on Friday afternoon, we will drive to St. Mary’s Georgia and Crooked River State Park to set up camp for Friday and Saturday nights.
Saturday morning around 8am, we will paddle to Plum Orchard (midpoint on Cumberland Island). We offer a unique treat of having a local historian and naturalist join us to provide interpretation and local lore. Sunday morning we break camp and drive South just a bit, to Old Town Fernandina, for our final “Teach & Trek”. This trek will take us to the South end of Cumberland Island. Upon arrival we are sure to see the famed “wild horses of Cumberland” and beautiful primitive vistas. We will hike a loop that will include views of miles of isolated beaches and we can explore the magnificent ruins of the Dungeness Mansion.
Upon our return we will pack up and head to the Irish Pub in downtown Old Town Fernandina for dinner and event de-brief.
Another unique aspect of this journey will be the variety of paddling skills assessments and certification exams that are being offered. These services are optional, but for those interested you will be challenged with a completely diverse and multi-dimensional paddling environment.
Certification Options:
ACA ICE Level-4 (Instructor Certification Exam ICE) (available w/ event, a $345 value)
ACA Update Level-4 (available w/ 2 days min. a $150 value)
ACA Update Level-3 ( a $75 value)
ACA Level-3 Skills ( a $125 value)
ACA Level-4 Skills ( available w/ 2 days min. a $150 value)
ACA Trip Leader Award (available w/ 2 days min. a $150 value)
BCU 3 Star (Sea) (available w/2 days min. a $175 value)
Itinerary:
Average daily paddling distance 12-14 nm
Wednesday: Arrival / set up camp at Jekyll Island /skills
Thursday: Jekyll Island for day journey to South end St. Simon Island via St. Simon Sound
Friday : Jekyll Island for day journey to North End of Cumberland Island via St. Andrews Sound
Saturday : Crooked River to Plum Orchard on Mid-Cumberland Island.
Sunday : Old Town Fernandina for day journey to South End Cumberland Island, concluding with dinner and de-brief in Old Town Fernandina.
click to view videos
Google Earth Images
Jekyll Island to Cumberland Island
Jekyll Island via St. Andrews Sound to North End of Cumberland Island Chart 11504 Tides
Fernandina Crossing to Cumberland Island
Fernandina Crossing to South End of Cumberland Island
St. Simon Sound
St. Simon Sound and our travels NOAA Chart 11502 Tides
Included with full event purchase:
* Professional Guide Services * “Blow-Up” Laminated Chart of Area * Turtle Center Tour * ACA ICE Instructor Course Fees (reg:$115 /day) * 4 Days of Unique Paddling Destinations * ACA Skills Assessment Awards (reg: $95 / day) * “Kit” at a Discounted Rental Rate ($20/day) and free transport
Not Included:
* BCU assessments fees (Reg: $20) *4 Night of Camping Fees (est @ $25 per night) * This is a self supported camping event, clients provide own food, etc. * Kayaks and gear (however, available for rent) * ACA /SEIC member fees 
Pricing: Regularly $495 *(see below special)
*Sign up by 3/15/12 and get …Free “Kit” rental (value $200) or $120 price credit with 2 sign-ups
or choose any day journey for $125
Below is the Photo Gallery from our Dec 2011 4 day journey:
emails from you:
Tom, Thank you for a great time on the Cumberland Island trip. The trip I originally signed up for was billed as a circumnavigation of the island so when you changed the itinerary to a series of four out-and-back instructional trips I wasn’t sure what to expect. Knowing that whatever you plan will be well planned and thought out I came anyway and was not disappointed. The nice thing about your choice of daily trips is they combined a nice variety of tidal creek and ocean paddling, lunch breaks on Cumberland Island with visits to some of its historic sites, and supper at some great seafood restaurants on Jekyll Island, the town of Saint Mary’s and historic Fernandina Beach. This is a trip I would highly recommend to anyone interested in paddling the sea islands of Georgia. While I am thanking you I also want to compliment you on your skills as a kayaking instructor. It has been my experience in life (68 years) that there are instructors who demonstrate skills but fall short when it comes to their actual ability to teach. I attended a number of your courses while you were at Potomac Paddle Sports and without hesitation would classify you as an exceptional teacher. Your classes were always thorough and well organized. Not only did you demonstrate kayak skills, you took the time to make sure that each student understood what was being taught. Not just the basics but the finer points as well. You also have that gift of being able to make each student feel as though they are the most important person in the class. Looking forward to attending some of your future events. Thanks again, Jack P.S. My wife, who did not attend, said to tell you that the trip was a huge success. She barely heard from me and I came home with a big smile on my face. “
Hey Tom- Thanks so much for organizing the south Georgia islands trip. Originally I was excited about the proposed circumnavigation of Cumberland, but your change-up worked perfectly. I think the series of paddles we did were great as an intro to the Georgia sea islands, and a great exploratory trip to prepare for an eventual circumnavigation of Cumberland. The state park camping was perfect, the selection and organization of the day paddles was great, and the exploration on land of Cumberland historical sites just further whetted my taste to paddle more about that area. I think I may be falling in love with Jekyll Island. I know everyone had a good time, and I know everyone was exactly on time with your organizational skills and scheduling. Next time I would like to spend more time paddling about that “shark hole” to look for sharks, and perhaps capsize you for some real quick rescue practice, if you are game and trust my skills. Cheers———————–Kevin”
