Habersham installs launch for paddle boards, kayaks

Further proof that stand up paddle boarding is in Beaufort to stay, the Habersham community has built a new SUP/kayak launch specifically designed for paddle boarders and kayakers to make things much easier to get in and out of the water.

The new launch has been retrofitted to the existing dock on Habersham Creek, a tributary of the Broad River, adjacent to the community.

“Our new Habersham kayak/SUP launch is located on Habersham Creek, fixated to our existing dock that houses resident’s power boats,” said Michelle Mayer of Habersham Properties. “The new launch is much lower to the water, making entering and exiting much safer for folks of all ages, and it has double grab bars which also provide added stability to users,” she told us.

The new dock opens for use on Thursday, and residents are pretty happy about it.

“We have had an increased number of residents who have become much more involved with paddle sports (kayaks & SUPs), and the new launch just seemed like the perfect fit for Habersham residents; living active lifestyles while enjoying all of the natural beauty that surrounds us,” Michelle said.

A relatively newborn sport in this area, the local SUP community is growing with it being a simple sport that the entire family can enjoy together. Of course, it has a competitive side as well. With the annual Hunting Island Biathlon and Paddlefest having each added an SUP division which has grown in registration each year.

Habersham is also tapping a local who knows a thing or twenty about the sport to help folks out. In September, Tim Lovett is expected to join folks at the new spot to give all them some inside pointers when it comes to Kayaks and SUPs. Tim, owner of Higher Ground Outfitters, has become an SUP enthusiast as well as a racer himself and even manages a rental fleet for newbies to try the sport before they buy in.