PADDLE BABES
Charleston's Community for Women on the Water
Paddle Babes is more than a paddle group; we’re a laid-back community for women looking to unwind, laugh, and connect with nature and each other. Here, you’ll find deep friendships, powerful wellness benefits, and the opportunity to give back to Charleston’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned paddler, this is a space for you to relax, recharge, and create meaningful connections both on and off the water.
How It Works
Join as a member and receive 6 credits for paid events, including paddles, beach bonfires, sound baths, and more. We also host free events, like happy hours and marsh restoration volunteer days, that don’t require credits!
Use your 6 credits however you like—book them all in one month or spread them over your 3-month membership.
Choose your favorite activities each month from our calendar, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and seasonal gatherings.
Want to book more than 6 paid events? Great! You’ll receive 10% off any additional events you’d like to attend. Use your member discount code at checkout.
Every meetup is beginner-friendly, with all equipment and instruction provided.
When it’s too cold to paddle, we move our gatherings off the water. Join us for:
Nature walks
Fossil hunts
Sound baths
Yoga
Beach bonfires
And more
Membership Perks:
Exclusive Paddle Babes merch
Monthly off-the-water gatherings
Discounted pricing on our quarterly retreats
The Natural Rhythm of Paddle Babes
Just as nature moves in cycles, Paddle Babes is flexible and in tune with the seasons. We adapt to each part of the year, embracing seasonal changes. Some activities may shift with daylight and shorter days, limiting our paddling windows—but when we can get outside, we do, making the most of each season’s unique offerings. Safety is our priority, and we adjust plans for weather, wind, and water conditions to keep every experience safe and enjoyable.
Being outdoors benefits both body and mind, and science has shown the powerful effects of nature on our health—often called “blue mind.” Time near water and in the natural world is transformative, helping us reset, relax, and connect deeply with ourselves and the environment.
Why Join?
Forge friendships and share laughter in a warm, inclusive community.
Experience the physical and mental wellness that nature offers, especially near water.
Unplug, refresh, and reconnect with yourself through seasonal activities that honor the year’s cycle.
Contribute to Charleston’s waterways through volunteer efforts, giving back to the nature we cherish.
A Paddle Babes membership is a commitment to yourself, your mental well-being, and the health of Charleston’s waterways. Paddle Babes is where paddling, nature, and friendship combine for an uplifting, restorative experience on Charleston’s waterways.
FAQ’s
Membership is a 3 month commitment. Pay in Full membership is only $141 per month, paid up front, with a 3-month commitment. Monthly Payment membership is only $160 per month, paid monthly, with a 3-month commitment.
Please read FAQs. Registration fees are nonrefundable.
BECOME A MEMBER
upcoming events
LOCATIONS MAY CHANGE BASED ON CONDITIONS BUT WILL ALWAYS BE WITHIN A 30 MINUTE DRIVE OF DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON.
WHAT ARE members saying
about paddles babes?
“no exaggeration, Joining Paddle Babes this year is one of the best things I could’ve done for myself.”
— Sarah
“THIS CLUB is a saving grace for me! good people, good conversations and beautiful views! it’s so healing, thank you!”
— Jen
“Thank you for crEating such an amazing community!”
— Abby
“it’s such a wonderful community, and honestly it ends up being such a
highlight in my week!”
— Kaitlyn
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Paddle Babes membership can be paid quarterly ($425) or monthly ($160). This is a flat fee, we never add tax or fees, and we don't accept tips.
Membership includes 6 paddles quarterly. You choose the events you want to attend from our member calendar (many members choose to attend 2 per month, but there are 8-12 events to choose from each month). You can also book any additional paddles for $65 each.
During the winter months when we offer off-the-water events, you can book as many of those as you’d like. You’re not limited to 6 events.
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Membership includes:
6 paddles per quarterly (or 2 paddles per month)
monthly off-the-water members-only meetups
two monthly marsh restoration volunteer day with DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and Charleston Waterkeeper
exclusive Paddle Babes merch quarterly
discounted member pricing for all our retreats
nature-rich winter meetups like sound baths, beach bonfires, nature walks, beach yoga, and more!
PLUS, everything below
All paddle events include:
locations and routes planned for the tides, current, and weather
kayak or paddleboard, life vest, and equipment at every meetup
group and individualized instruction as needed
dry bag for your use during class
phone dry bag for you to keep!
supportive, welcoming community for all skill levels
You bring a reusable water bottle and your sense of adventure!
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That’s great! We’re thrilled to have you join us. Our paddles are beginner friendly, and we’ll teach you everything you need to know!
(We’ll ask you to arrive 20 minutes early to your first paddle for instruction.) -
Please read through all details before registering. Registration fees are nonrefundable, even if you miss your event(s).
After registration, members are responsible for booking their paddles. You may only attend events you've booked on the calendar. Unused credits expire at the end of your 3-month term.
There’s no refund or credit for members who do not book their events or who miss the events they've booked.
If we have to cancel a paddle for weather or wind conditions, you’ll be able to use that credit for another event on the calendar.
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We explore different creeks and rivers around Charleston at a leisurely pace, typically traveling 2–3 miles, launching from public boat ramps.
Sometimes we’ll plan a picnic and stop on an island, sometimes we’ll just float along the current and watch the dolphins, sometimes we hunt for fossils, and sometimes we’ll learn new skills. Expect something different every time we meet!
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We have 8-12 events each month to choose from! We always meet Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. We also have Friday sunrise paddles in the spring and summer. We have one Friday evening happy hour (off-water) per month.
Our volunteer schedule is set by DNR and Charleston Waterkeeper, who meet with volunteers weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
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PADDLES will have up to 10 ladies, your soon-to-be besties! Most of these are returning members, and some are new. (Members may also invite a friend one time to an event that member is attending. Some of our events may have member friends joining us.)
Paddle Babes founder Lauren will lead every paddle. She's an ACA certified kayak and SUP instructor, certified in CPR and first aid, and a 19-year veteran teacher. She has many years of experience in bringing together women in nature and community, and she believes women thrive in community and in nature, and this club is for any woman who wants to find more of herself on the water surrounded by supportive, likeminded women.
WINTER OFF-WATER EVENTS are not limited to a certain number of attendees, but they are limited to members and member friends. Lauren will lead off water events.VOLUNTEER opportunities will be with other volunteers recruited by DNR and Charleston Waterkeeper. Lauren will attend volunteer events, but they’ll be led by other organization leaders.
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As long as your equipment is appropriate for our venues, you're welcome to bring it (with preapproval from Lauren). However, there's no discount for members who use their own equipment.
FAQ’s
Question Unanswered?
For any further questions or specific inquiries, please don't hesitate to reach out.