FOR LOVE OF WATER (FLOW) SSI 25

FOR LOVE OF WATER (FLOW) SSI 25 Race Information

<p><strong>F.L.O.W. SSI 2025: For Love of Water - Community Paddle &amp; Fundraiser</strong><br />Join us for the 3rd Annual F.L.O.W. SSI (For Love of Water) charity paddle on Sunday, August 31, 2025, 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.</p> <p><strong>Event Details</strong><br /><strong>Who</strong>: Up to 150 paddlers <strong><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )">(MUST BE 21&#43; years old)</span></strong> using kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards.<br /><strong>What</strong>: A non-competitive, intermediate-skill paddle to build community and support water safety initiatives.<br /><strong>When</strong>: Sunday, August 31, 2025. Launch at 12:30 p.m. (aligned with the incoming tide).<br /><strong>Where</strong>: Starts at Gould’s Inlet, ends at Village Creek Landing with a post-paddle celebration.<br /><strong>How</strong>: Register at runsignup.com. Fees: $50 (June), $60 (July), $70 (August). Late registration (if available) is $95 starting August 29.</p> <p><strong>Paddle Timeline</strong>:</p> <p><br />11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.: Check-in at Gould’s Inlet. Secure post-event transportation.</p> <p><br />11:30 a.m.: First shuttle departs Village Creek Landing to Gould’s Inlet.</p> <p><br />11:45 a.m.: Pre-paddle yoga (compliments of East Beach Yoga).</p> <p><br />11:50 a.m.: Second shuttle departs.</p> <p><br />12:10 p.m.: Final shuttle departs.</p> <p><br />12:30 p.m.: Paddle launch.</p> <p><br />1:30–3:30 p.m.: Paddlers arrive at Village Creek Landing. Public access opens at 1:30 p.m.</p> <p><br />2:30 p.m. (approx.): Welcome Back Party begins with live music.</p> <p><br /><strong>Pre-Launch Instructions</strong><br />Parking: Limited at Gould’s Inlet; additional parking at Coast Guard. Volunteers will assist with unloading vessels. Move vehicles promptly to avoid congestion.</p> <p><br /><strong>Shuttle Service</strong>: Provided from Village Creek Landing to Gould’s Inlet at 11:30, 11:50, and 12:10 p.m. No post-event shuttle available.<br />Check-In: At Gould’s Inlet, receive your FLOWSSI bracelet and whistle. Prepare your vessel and wear a PFD (required).</p> <p><br /><strong>Paddle Details</strong><br />Distance: 4.8 miles, approximately 2&#43; hours.<br />Skill Level: Intermediate. Not recommended for beginner paddleboarders. Consider a kayak or canoe if new to paddling.<br />Safety: Safety boats with emergency kits will monitor the route. Live music by may happen at Rainbow Island dock.<br />Essentials: Bring drinking water, wear shoes (oyster beds are sharp), and arrange post-paddle transportation. Stop paddling if motorized vessels approach.</p> <p><br /><strong>Welcome Back Party</strong><br />Location: Village Creek Landing, 1:30–5:30 p.m. (open to the public).<br />Entertainment: Live music <br />Food &amp; Drink: Free food for paddlers and volunteers from Cysco and Zach Roland and crew (1:30–4:30 p.m.). Beverages available for purchase.<br />Vendors: Local vendors will be on-site for all non-paddlers.<br />Check-Out: Visit the check-in area to receive your swag bag and confirm you’re safely off the water.</p> <p><strong>Registration Benefits</strong></p> <p>Shuttle to Gould’s Inlet.<br />Event T-shirt (guaranteed if registered by August 10).<br />Swag bag with sponsor goodies (stickers, coasters, etc.).<br />Food at the Welcome Back Party.<br />Access to pre-event activities and safety boat monitoring.<br />Special “Hat Trick” hat for paddlers who’ve participated in all three FLOWSSI events (register by August 10).</p> <p><br /><strong>Requirements</strong><br /><span style="color:rgb( 224 , 62 , 45 )"><strong>Age: 21&#43; due to safety and insurance policies.</strong></span> Apologies for any inconvenience.<br />Vessel: Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard (Coast Guard-approved).<br />PFD: Must be worn at all times.<br />Waiver: Signed waiver required to participate.</p> <p><br /><strong>Fundraising Impact</strong><br />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!</p> <p><strong>Important Notes</strong><br />Weather: Paddle occurs rain or shine, rescheduled only for lightning.<br />Registration Deadline: August 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Register early to secure your T-shirt and swag bag.<br />No Refunds: Swag bags will be held for registered paddlers unable to attend.<br />Volunteers Needed: Join our team to help plan next year’s event! Contact us to get involved.</p> <p><br /><br /><strong>Questions?</strong> Visit runsignup.com or reach out to the FLOWSSI Team (Alan, Cristi, Rogelio, and Mary).</p> <p>Thank you for joining us for an incredible day of paddling, music, and community impact. See you on August 31, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.!</p> <p>Paddles in,<br /><strong>FLOWSSI Team</strong></p>