One of the best parts of living in the Columbia-Orangeburg area is the array of opportunities to set out in the water on a kayak. If you’re interested in picking up kayaking but don’t know where to start, here’s a quick guide to getting out on the water in no time:
Where to Rent or Buy Kayaks
You have a few options in the Columbia-Orangeburg area when it comes to buying and renting kayaks, as well as the gear you may need during your adventures. If you want to buy your gear, try Half-Moon Outfitters or any of the big-box outdoor outfitters around town, such as Academy Sports.
If you’re looking to rent your kayak, you have even more options. To name a few, there’s Edisto River Adventures, Adventure Carolina, Cope Kayak Company, and more. Many of these rental spots also offer guided adventures if you’re looking to make your trip stress-free and fun. Once you have your kayak, head to these nearby locations to start exploring central South Carolina’s waters.
Congaree National Park
For a fun, beginner-friendly kayak adventure, head to Congaree National Park. In this park, you’ll find the Cedar Creek paddle trail, which is a pleasant and well-marked waterway that winds through beautifully forested shores. Cedar Creek is about 15 miles long, but you don’t have to take on the whole trail your first go.
North Fork Edisto River
If you want a kayaking destination not too far from Orangeburg, head to the North Fork Edisto River. You’ll find a good access point for this river at the Baughman’s Landing boat launch northwest of Orangeburg. From there, you can kayak about 7 miles to land near the Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg. Ask one of your friends to drop you off upstream and meet them back in Orangeburg for lunch in the nearby downtown area.
Marion Lake
Lakes offer great practice opportunities for you to gain skills in kayaking. Marion Lake is one of the best places to develop your kayaking confidence near Orangeburg. You can spend days exploring the 110,000 acres of beautiful outdoor scenery. Be forewarned that the swamp areas are easy to get lost in, so either keep your eyes on your launch spot or bring a GPS device that can track your route through the intricate waterways. As with any outdoor adventure, if you’re tackling the outdoors alone, always tell someone where you’re going before you start exploring.
Saluda Shoals Park
Saluda Shoals Park is a great place to kayak if you’re bringing your family. You can rent a kayak for $25 an hour and there are guided kayak trips available. If you just want to give kayaking a try to see if you’re interested in pursuing the sport, Saluda Shoals Park makes it easy to check off your bucket list.
Kayaking through the Columbia-Orangeburg area’s waters is a fantastic way to experience its natural beauty. Whether you’ve been kayaking more times than you can count or you’re a fresh-on-the-boat greenhorn, you’ll find plenty to explore in central South Carolina.
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