Waccamaw River Blue Trail Kick-Off

June 26, 2009 | Protecting Rivers, Blue Trails

Staci Williams
Waccamaw River Blue Trail Organizer

 Saturday’s kick-off paddle for the Waccamaw River Blue Trail was a big success!  The morning began with a brief press event with guest speakers Bridgette Johnson, of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, and Larry White, a Conway City Councilmen.  Ms. Johnson spoke of the economic benefits of a healthy Waccamaw River as well as the potential economic benefits of the blue trail.  Councilman White talked about the important role the river plays in the community by providing drinking water and recreational and fishing opportunities to the residents of Conway.  Several participants chose to listen from the water; eager to begin the morning’s paddle. 

The group of more than fifty, ranging in age from three to ninety-three, paddled a four mile section of the Waccamaw River.  One paddler thought this was the most kayaks that had ever been on this stretch of the river at one time!

Highlights along the trip included an alligator sighting and paddling past areas where the Waccamaw tribe once lived.  I particularly enjoyed paddling by the bustling farmer’s market one minute and being completely surrounded by cypress swamps the next. 

The local media did a fantastic job of covering the event.  The event was covered by a couple of local news station as well as the Horry Independent and Carolina Live.

Special thanks to John Sands and the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation for their support of the blue trail and event, and Steve Luff with Express Watersports and the Conway Kayak Company for providing kayaks! 

I can’t wait for our next big event on the Waccamaw!

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