Coastal Carolina Sea Kayaking Expedition

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We invite all adult survivors, 18 and older, to join us on the Coastal Carolina Sea Kayaking Expedition.

TAPS Expeditions are outdoor skills-based events that require dedication, preparation and a real sense of adventure. Professional guides will lead us through South Carolina's Barrier Islands, some of the country's most spectacular wilderness ecosystems. As we paddle along the coastline, we'll take in the natural wildlife, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. We'll also explore the vast stretches of beach, inland hiking trails and ponds. Along the way, we'll share our stories and our heroes with one another on this one-of-a-kind adventure!

Leading up to the expedition, we'll form a team bond and gain familiarity with each other through a team meeting to discuss training regimens, gear lists and more. Your team will be a source of encouragement as you train for this kayaking adventure and an ongoing support network long after the expedition is complete.

This trip is being put together through a partnership with REI. For more information, visit www.rei.com/adventures.

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SCHEDULE

This schedule is provided by REI. For a more detailed itinerary, visit www.rei.com/adventures.

Day 1: Our journey begins in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, with a trip orientation, gear introduction and introductory kayaking skills development. After lunch, we'll begin our trip through a salt marsh estuary and make our way to our oceanfront campsite on Capers Island. Lunch and dinner included. Kayaking: 5-7 miles

Day 2: On the second day, we'll explore the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge in the morning and then head to Bone Yard Beach on Bull Island. The Bull Island experience includes both paddling and maritime forest hiking. We'll return to our campsite on Capers Island for dinner, followed by a guided group discussion. All meals included. Kayaking: 8-12 miles; Hiking: 1-2 miles

Day 3: Barrier island geology will be our focus on the third day, as we paddle around the islands. Throughout our trip, our guides will be harvesting and teaching about the local edibles (blue crabs, oysters, plants), and we'll spend part of the day gathering our dinner supplies (participation is optional). We'll return to our campsite to enjoy and further explore our home-base island's beach and wildlife viewing opportunities. All meals included. Kayaking: 4-5 miles

Day 4: On our final day, we'll be immersed in a salt marsh estuary as we navigate the winding creeks between the barrier islands and the mainland. Arriving at the mainland, we'll shuttle back to our starting point. The trip will conclude by 2 p.m. Breakfast and lunch included. Kayaking: 5-7 miles.

*Note: Please be aware that this itinerary is subject to change due to a number of reasons, including weather and participant skill level.

Trip Fees

A $50 deposit will be collected at the time of registration. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, TAPS will cover the rest of the trip costs, with the exception of your transportation to and from South Carolina, your first night's lodging expenses and some meals.

Lodging and Transportation

You will need to cover the cost of your transportation to and from South Carolina. The closest airport is the Charleston International Airport. Your first night's lodging will be on your own, but we will be available to recommend lodging options that fit within your budget. Plan to arrive in Charleston, South Carolina, on Wednesday, March 22. TAPS will cover the costs for all subsequent lodging and meals.

During this expedition, we will be camping on Capers Island.

Skill Level

This is a physically demanding expedition that will include kayaking between four and 12 miles a day and some one- to two-mile hikes. Even if you don't have kayaking experience, if this adventure excites you then we encourage you to submit an application by Monday, Jan. 30.!

The TAPS Expeditions team will make sure you are prepared and well informed of the nature of this trip.

To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest you engage in a regular exercise regimen leading up to the trip.