Palmetto Paddlers

05/30/2026

SPARKLEBERRY SWAMP trip coming up!
WHEN: Saturday, JUNE 6th
Meet at Sparkleberry Landing at 9:30 AM for a nice trip wandering around the swamp. I do have one place to go by to see if the bird rookery has returned to the area. The rest of the trip will be looking for creeks we haven't paddled recently. We will go in a different direction than the last trip in the swamp. Be sure to bring your PFD with a whistle attached. You'll also want to bring water and a snack for a lunch break along the way. Also, think of sun protection and bug spray. Before the trip, we'll go over the basics of paddling in a group and staying vigilant for swamp creatures. This is a all flat water trip suitable for canoes and kayaks. The swamp is a flooded forest so expect to have to navigate a few stumps and downed trees.
TO SIGN UP PLEASE VISIT OUR MEETUP PAGE- listed in the comments below.

05/06/2026

Start filling out your calendar! FRENCH BROAD 9 TRIP coming up. Saturday, May 23rd. 7:30am to 5:30 pm.

To sign up and view details, please see the Palmetto Paddlers Meetup page.

This section of the French Broad River is suitable for intermediate whitewater boaters who have paddling experience in Class III rapids. You should be able to catch eddies, peel out, and ferry in moderately fast-moving water. FB9 is considered a step up in difficulty from the Nantahala, and similar in difficulty to the Pigeon. There is one Class IV- rapid (Frank Bell's rapid), but it can easily be avoided.

Links in Comments.

05/06/2026

UPDATE- PADDLE MOVED TO SUNDAY, MAY 10th DUE TO RAIN. ALL ELSE REMAINS THE SAME!!!! FLAT WATER PADDLERS! We have a trip for you! This SUNDAY, May 10th from 10:00-2:00. Low Falls Landing on Lake Marion. Beautiful paddle that will include swamp, wildlife, new friends and most of all...FUN times.
SOME DETAILS- We will cross some open water and explore the cypress swamp for 3 1/2 to 4 hours at a leisurely pace. Bring the usual required gear, including a whistle, PFDs must be worn during the trip. Bring snacks or lunch (most likely to be eaten in the boat) and plenty of water. forecast is for possible showers in the morning (come prepared) so the not too early start. Will keep an eye on the weather and update later in the week.
(this is instead of the the tentatively schedule Lake Murray paddle)
For more information and to sign up- please go to the Meet-up page-

04/30/2026

If you're interested in the water quality of our local rivers before you go paddling, you can check out actual sampling results, starting in May, here>>>

03/31/2026

The weather is getting warmer, and the water is calling! Don't miss the SATURDAY ON THE SALUDA (SOS) paddling trip! Coming up on Saturday, April 18th. For details and to sign up go to our Palmetto Paddlers Meetup page. See link in first comment.

03/31/2026

Attention All Paddlers!

The tentative Summer 2026 calendar is now posted on Meetup. Please use the link below to take a look.

We would love to add more trips, so if you are an experienced paddler and interested in hosting an event, please message us and let us know.

Please note: The date listed on the Meetup page is not accurate. Due to Meetup guidelines, the calendar is posted as a placeholder. Please do not try to sign up for the calendar itself. Individual trips will be posted separately as the dates get closer, and you will be able to sign up for those events at that time.

We hope to see you on the water! See link in first comment.

03/31/2026

Come on out for a paddle on Lake Murray-Little River. Saturday, April 11th from 10:00 - 2:00. Please go to the Meetup link below to sign up! We will launch and paddle west on the Little River portion of Lake Murray and return to Little River Landing. All flat water with no large open water crossings. Bring a snack and water for a break if we find a suitable spot. Good trip for both kayaks and canoes. Everyone will be required to wear a PFD and you should have a whistle attached (State Law).

Find Meetup events so you can do more of what matters to you. Or create your own group and meet people near you who share your interests.

03/04/2026

HAVE YOU LOOKED AT THE WEATHER?? It is going to be a gorgeous weekend, so LET'S PADDLE! Meet at Sparkleberry Landing at 9:30 this Saturday, March 7th. The plan is to put in and take a short cut to Mill Creek and follow some of the creeks and channels on the eastern side of the swamp. We can then cross over and paddle in the flooded forest. All flat water paddling appropriate for kayaks and canoes. Bring water for hydration and a snack. We'll stop for a short break if we find some high ground. Be sure to bring your PFD with a signaling whistle (boating law requirement). BONUS- I hear that there will be Girl Scout Cookies in the mix! To sign up, comment below or go to our Meetup page to sign up and get specific directions and details. https://www.meetup.com/palmettopaddlerssc/events/313611144/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events

03/01/2026

UPCOMING TRIP PLANNING MEETING! We are working on getting some trips on the calendar for the summer of 2026. If you are an experienced paddler and are willing to lead a trip (either whitewater, flatwater or ocean paddle) please use the Facebook message option here and let us know the date and river/lake/ocean you can lead. We will reach out individually for more details. Would love to have some more folks to lead trips! Summer is on the horizon! (Preferably message by March 8th)

02/17/2026

THIS SATURDAY, FEB. 21st - ATTENTION all paddlers!! You KNOW you need to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE...so here is the perfect opportunity. Flat water trip this Saturday, February 21st.
CEDAR CREEK in the Congaree National Park. Meet in the parking lot on South Cedar Creek Road at 9AM. We will sign the release forms for this year and then launch and paddle downstream for a hour and half or so, take a break then return.
This is a flat water with the chance to see some creek and forest critters and enjoy the gorgeous National Park. Everyone will need to wear a PFD and have a signal whistle (require by state law). Bring water and snack for a short break. Cedar creek is wide enough to easily be paddled in short and longer kayaks and canoes.
Follow this link to sign up- https://www.meetup.com/palmettopaddlerssc/events/313391624/?eventOrigin=group_upcoming_events