Dataw Island kayaking
Kayak Information for Dataw Kayakers
The DIYC organizes kayak trips year around. They are listed on the DIYC Calendar, and announced on datawnet a couple of weeks prior to a trip. All kayak trips are open to Dataw residents and their guests. Trips are both on-Island and off-Island, with some distinctions between them:
On-Island trips: On-Island trips typically depart from one of Dataw’s two kayak launches. Because there are no rental kayaks, participants must own their own kayaks or be able to borrow one. Participants are responsible for their own safety, including wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) with an attached whistle, per Coast Guard requirements. About ten on-Island trips a year are scheduled, as shown on the DIYC kayak calendar. Sign-ups for on-Island trips take place via e-mail messages to the trip organizer/s.
Off-Island trips: Off-Island trips are conducted by an outside outfitter. The destinations change by the year, but frequently include locations near Hunting Island State Park, the marinas near Beaufort, excursions in the ACE basin, and an exploration of Ebenezer Swamp, nearby in Georgia. Single and tandem kayaks, PFD’s, and paddles are available for rental, and individuals who own and can transport their kayaks are welcome to participate at a reduced fee. As with on-Island trips, about ten off-Island trips a year are scheduled, as shown on the DIYC calendar and advertised on datawnet. Sign-ups for off-Island trips take place online at the outfitters’ site.