Adventurous Paddle Downs Park Bodkin Creek

\\. Charge to use the park, cash or check only the last time I checked

Adventurous Paddles: These paddles usually will be 8 plus miles, usually in more challenging water or exploring unfamiliar areas. These paddles will require at least a 12-foot boat with 2 sealed bulkheads. People who sign up for these trips should be experienced.

Downs Park has opened a wonderful kayak put in. Let's go take advantage of it. We will explore the local creeks and fingers to see what we see. The cartop boat launch out of the west side of Downs Park onto Locust Cove and the Bodkin offers wonderful paddling for kayaks. There is a paved path to the put-in, but wheels are helpful.

Bodkin Creek is a hurricane hole where sailboats anchor out for shelter during major storms. You could spend days exploring the complicated "fingers" of the Bodkin. The sheltered water of Locust Cove is good for casual paddling while the more open water of Bodkin's Main Creek offers opportunity for those who want a workout. We will just be explring the creeks and enjoying the scenery. We will be staying in the creeks, not heading out onto the open water.

The HowTo: Turn right into the main/east side of Downs Park and pay your admission (cash or check only) at the gatehouse. Ask the gatekeeper to open the gate to the west side of Downs Park. Make a U-turn around the gatehouse, cross Pinehurst and enter the west side of Downs Park. Turn right and follow the cartop boat launch signs to where the road dead ends into a parking lot. It's a 100 yard flat carry to the water.
(taken from The Public Water Access Committee FB Page)

Make sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and snacks. We will stop for a lunch/snack break on a small "beach" if I can find it again! Feel free to bring something yummy to share. Afterwards we will probably head out to dinner, snacks, or drinks if anyone is interested.
Remember that 10:30 is the on the water time. Please plan on being there by at least 10:00 am to unload and get your gear ready.

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A PFD AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL SAFETY.

You must have your own equipment and kayak for this paddle. The Organizers and Event Hosts of Wicked Fun Kayakers look out for our paddlers, but we are not trained experts in rescuing paddlers. All trips are organized by volunteers who are experienced kayakers but not professionals or qualified rescue experts. You are responsible for your own personal safety.