FOR LOVE OF WATER (FLOW) SSI 26

F.L.O.W. SSI 2026: For Love of Water - Community Paddle & Fundraiser
Join us for the 4TH Annual F.L.O.W. SSI (For Love of Water) charity paddle on Sunday, September 6th, a day filled with fun, community, and giving back to the Golden Isles. This 5-mile paddle from Gould’s Inlet to Village Creek Landing raises funds for swim lessons and water safety programs, honoring those who have lost their lives in our local waters.

Event Details
Who: Up to 150 paddlers (MUST BE 21+ years old) using kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards.
What: A non-competitive, intermediate-skill paddle to build community and support water safety initiatives.
When: Sunday, September 6th. Launch at 2:30 p.m. (aligned with the incoming tide).
Where: Starts at Gould’s Inlet, ends at Village Creek Landing with a post-paddle celebration.
How: Register at runsignup.com. Fees: $60 (June), $70 (July), $80 (August). Late registration (if available) is $105 starting August 29.

Paddle Timeline:

1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m.: Check-in at Gould’s Inlet. Secure post-event transportation.

12:00 p.m.: First shuttle departs Village Creek Landing to Gould’s Inlet.

1:45 p.m.: Pre-paddle yoga (compliments of East Beach Yoga).

12:10 p.m.: Second shuttle departs.

12:20 p.m.: Final shuttle departs.

2:30 p.m.: Paddle launch.

3:30–4:30 p.m.: Paddlers arrive at Village Creek Landing. Public access opens at 2:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m. (approx.): Welcome Back Party begins with live music.

Pre-Launch Instructions
Parking: Limited at Gould’s Inlet; additional parking at Coast Guard. Volunteers will assist with unloading vessels. Move vehicles promptly to avoid congestion.

Shuttle Service: Provided from Village Creek Landing to Gould’s Inlet at 12:30, 12:50, and 1:10 p.m. No post-event shuttle available.
Check-In: At Gould’s Inlet, receive your FLOWSSI bracelet and whistle. Prepare your vessel and wear a PFD (required).

Paddle Details
Distance: 4.8 miles, approximately 2+ hours.
Skill Level: Intermediate. Not recommended for beginner paddleboarders. Consider a kayak or canoe if new to paddling.
Safety: Safety boats with emergency kits will monitor the route. Live music by may happen at Rainbow Island dock.
Essentials: Bring drinking water, wear shoes (oyster beds are sharp), and arrange post-paddle transportation. Stop paddling if motorized vessels approach.

Welcome Back Party
Location: Village Creek Landing, 3:30–5:30 p.m. (open to the public).
Entertainment: Live music 
Food & Drink: VENDORS TBD-Beverages available for purchase.
Vendors: Local vendors will be on-site for all non-paddlers.
Check-Out: Visit the check-in area to receive your swag bag and confirm you’re safely off the water.

Registration Benefits

Shuttle to Gould’s Inlet.
Event T-shirt (guaranteed if registered by August 10).
Swag bag with sponsor goodies (stickers, coasters, etc.).
Food at the Welcome Back Party.
Access to pre-event activities and safety boat monitoring.

Requirements
Age: 21+ due to safety and insurance policies. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Vessel: Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard (Coast Guard-approved).
PFD: Must be worn at all times.
Waiver: Signed waiver required to participate.

Fundraising Impact
100% of net proceeds, thanks to our sponsors, support S.O.A.R., providing swim lessons for adults with developmental disabilities and promoting water safety in the Golden Isles. Your paddle could save a life!

Important Notes
Weather: Paddle occurs rain or shine, rescheduled only for lightning.
Registration Deadline: September 6th, at 11:59 p.m. Register early to secure your T-shirt and swag bag.
No Refunds: Swag bags will be held for registered paddlers unable to attend.
Volunteers Needed: Join our team to help plan next year’s event! Contact us to get involved.

Questions? Visit runsignup.com or reach out to the FLOWSSI Team (Alan, Cristi, Rogelio, and Mary).

Thank you for joining us for an incredible day of paddling, music, and community impact. See you on September 6th, at 1:30 p.m.!

Paddles in,
FLOWSSI Team