Take the Lake

09/08/2026

This past Saturday, our friend and neighbor, retired Army Master Sergeant Mike Hollingsworth, teamed up with his wife, Charlotte, and Terry and Cathy Simmons, also from Lake Waccamaw, to welcome Take The Lake participants by placing American flags along Columbia Avenue near the finish line.

In honor of America 250 and the Take The Lake co-founders, Mike and his crew, meticulously placed each flag exactly 10 feet apart and perfectly level. It’s a beautiful tribute to the freedoms we enjoy and a show of respect for the lives lost while serving our country.

Thank you Mike, Charlotte, Terry and Cathy.

09/08/2026

Congratulations to 15 year-old Wes Crutchfield who was the first to finish the Labor Day Swim. Wes, who is the son of Rich and Ann Crutchfield, of Greensboro may look familiar.

He was also first to finish in 2025 in 1 hour and 50 minutes, and he was first to finish in 2022 and in 2021 when he was 11 years-old. He, also, received the Jennie Stocks Youngest Swimmer Award in 2021.

In 2022, his sister, 9-year-old Lucy Crutchfield, received the Jennie Stocks Youngest Swimmer Award. Lucy was the second to finish today.

Congratulations to Wes and Lucy and all the Crutchfield family for a great effort swimming and paddling es**rt boats today.

Congratulations to Walter Palmer of Whiteville on his 44th (yes, 44) lake swim crossings. Super effort today, Walter.

A grateful thank you to Dale's, for supporting our Lee J. Greer Labor Day swimmers with a delicious, after-swim Lunch. I'm sure the thought of a shrimp plate and/or a huge grilled burger kept many on a straight line to the finish line. Note: Vintage photos are from The News Reporter.

09/08/2026

It's hard to imagine in these images the Take The Lake 14-mile out and back to the dam and 16-mile bike around the lake ended for some in a pop-up storm with wind and rain.

The Take The Lake team, state park rangers, and LWPD began clearing the state park and course as a precaution when the NWS sent the notice.

Thanks to all who sheltered and assisted bikers. For a few lucky bikers, shelter was just a bike ride home.

09/07/2026

Lost Kayak Paddles near Canal Cove / Dale's Beach:
UPDATE - PADDLES HAVE BEEN FOUND. THANK YOU!!

We are looking for two missing kayak paddles that are lost.

A Werner Kayak Paddle: This paddle likely fell off a trailer on Canal Cove Road, somewhere between the beach at Dale's and the Canal Cove bridge (most likely near the launch area).

Black Kayak Paddle: This one was left behind directly on the beach at Dale's this morning. If anyone comes across either of these paddles, please message us! We want to make sure they get right back to their owners. Thank you!

09/07/2026

28 swimmers and their es**rts prepare for the swim at Dale’s this morning. Beautiful conditions.

09/07/2026

The Labor Day Swim will leave from DALES this morning at 8 am. Check-in begins at 7:30. Address is 100 Lakeshore Drive. See you there!

09/07/2026

Our paddlers each turned in incredible performances today. Every starter made it all the way around the lake, and several continued the day in the bike events.

The weather conditions were ideal with a nice easy cross-wind and cooler temperatures today. We did not know the gorgeous morning would turn into a stormy afternoon followed by a stunning rainbow over the lake. Mother Nature really showed off today.

Our top 2 finishers rowed/paddled 14 miles in less than 2.5 hours. An impressive feat that included a grounding on the Big Creek sandbar.

The variety of boats spanned from traditional to high tech. We had a single rowing skull, very light-weight outrigger canoe (15 lbs!), a stunning Greenland-style sea kayak, 2 paddleboards, and a very sporty red, white & blue traditional kayak. Truly a treat to see the masters of each of the boat styles challenge themselves to what many consider the toughest TTL event.

We are grateful for the support of our first responders who secured secured a safe day on the water for all. This event would not be possible without their water safety training and equipment. The jet ski and sled combo is handy and efficient.

09/06/2026

Our paddlers had beautiful weather for the launch this morning This challenge event is a real test of endurance, and we wish each one a great trip around Lake Waccamaw. Thank you LW Fire, Whiteville Rescue and LWPD for watching out for our paddlers. Thank you, Steph Brown, for all the updates from Bella Coola!

09/06/2026

Our awesome race coordinater, Full Send Racing, is testing a new photo software. They captured as many 5K and 16 mile participants crossing the finish line as possible. Search this link to see if they have your finish line photo and download it for free.

Welcome to the 15th Take the Lake When we look out across Lake Waccamaw, we see more than just a beautiful lake and scarlet sunsets — we see a community that has spent 15 years proving what it means to be "Columbus County Strong." Take the Lake s...

09/06/2026

Tomorrow afternoon, we are offering two bike events..a 16-mile bike/hike that includes an almost 3-mile hike with your bike through a section of sandy trails in Lake Waccamaw State Park or
if the bike/hike is more of an endurance test than you prefer, we offer the 14-mile bike from Brinkley Park to the Lake Waccamaw dam and a return back to the park.

VERY IMPORTANT: A bicycle helmet is required to participate.

Packet pick-up begins at 1 p.m. at Brinkley Park. The deadline for registration for both events is 30 minutes before start time. We cannot accept paper entries.

The 16-mile bike/hike begins at 2 p.m., and the 14-mile out and back to the dam begins at 2:15. This event is free thanks to our generous sponsors.

We are watching the weather in partnership with Lake Waccamaw Fire Department and their National Weather Service connection. If weather looks weather might be an issue, we will post event updates on this page.

The bike is one of our most popular events. Grab your friends and join us tomorrow afternoon at Brinkley Park.