THE COURSE
Know Your River — Course & Conditions
Every course runs out-and-back on the Black River from our dock at 3827 Center Rd — a tea-dark, cypress-lined blackwater river that now flows through Black River State Park, South Carolina's newest state park. The start/finish line sits on the section known as the High Bluffs Tract.
Every turnaround is a boat anchored mid-river — at 2.5, 5, and 7.5 miles upstream — round your boat and head for home. The 5-Mile turns at 2.5, the 10-Mile at 5, and the 15-Mile at 7.5 miles; the 30-Mile Kraken paddles the 15-mile course twice — two laps out to the 7.5-mile turn and back. The river is deep (roughly 8–20 ft) with no rapids, no portages, and no dragging: about 250–300 ft wide at the launch, narrowing to 100–150 ft of wild cypress country near the 7.5-mile turn.
The whole course is freshwater tidal, and race-day tides are on our side: NOAA predicts low water around 8 AM, with the flood current running upstream WITH you nearly all morning, high water around 1:30 PM mid-course, then an ebb push home for the long boats. The current runs about 1 to 1.5 knots — enough to feel, so timing it is part of the race. Watch for submerged snags in the dark water and swing wide of downed timber on outside bends. Alligators and cottonmouths do live on the Black River, but sightings are genuinely rare — you can paddle here for years and barely spot one. Give any wildlife you do see plenty of room, and simply enjoy one of the most beautiful, peaceful paddles in the Lowcountry.
Sunrise 7:17 AM · Sunset 6:51 PM · PFDs required for all racers. Full conditions briefing at the mandatory safety meetings on race morning.
Official 2026 course map — turn boats at 2.5, 5 & 7.5 miles (30-Mile Kraken paddles two laps to the
Book Your Stay for Race Day!
Backwoods Quail Club. 10 minute drive from race venue. Has RV sites with water and power. https://www.backwoodsquailclub.com/
Hidden Marina Campground, Georgetown. 35 minute drive from race venue. Small cabins for rent. https://hiddenmarinacampground.com/
Morgan Inn & Suites, Andrews. 15 minute drive. https://morganinnsuites.com/
The George Hotel, Georgetown. 25 minute drive from race venue. https://www.thegeorgehotelsc.com/
Hampton Inn Georgetown Marina, Georgetown. 25 minute drive to race venue. www.hilton.com/en/hotels/gtnschx-hampton-georgetown-marina
Quality Inn & Suites, Georgetown. 25 minute drive to race venue.
www.choicehotels.com/south-carolina/georgetown/quality-inn-hotels/
VRBO lists 7-8 vacation rental homes within 20 minutes of the race venue. Search VRBO near Backwoods Quail Club
5 & 10 Mile Medal Winners 2024
