PADDLE BABES FAQ’s

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.