How fast can
they be reasonable be paddle for long stretches
You can cover a minimum AVERGAGE of two miles per hour.
But there are so many factors to consider that this number is not really
too useful. I use this number to plan outings on water that is not tidal.

is going up river
against a current a problem)?
It depends on how strong the current is.

Must one wait for the next tidal surge to go back
up the river
There isnt any reason why you can't start back at slack tide.

Does one most always launch up river and
arrange for pickup down river?
We always rode the tide out, ate lunch, then rode the incoming tide back.
Of course the tide is not always rising or falling according to ones
convienience.

My experience has been on the lower Bay of Fundy where tidal range is
more extreme than anywhere else.

You have to study and be aware of tides in your area and there are
probably local tidal flow charts for your area. You need to be aware of
these and have a sense of what currents and flows will be.
I am sure that the effect of tides on river current is much less in SC
than in Fundy but studying these and being knowlegeable about the tides
and how they effect an area is part of the fun of being on the water.

This site may be of use to you http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/sitesel.html







Jay D. Washington wrote:
I live near Charleston SC, and there are a lot of blackwater rivers in the
area. I am interested in paddling these rivers but I have several rookie
questions:

1. I read and hear a lot about the speed of touring kayaks. How fast can
they be reasonable be paddle for long stretches (ie. is going up river
against a current a problem)?

2. How do tidal surges on lowland river affect ones ability to return to a
launch site up the river? Must one wait for the next tidal surge to go back
up the river (note: the launch point near my house is never completely dry,
just lower a low tide)?

3. Does one generally plan their lowcontry river outings based on the
tides? or as an alternative??? Does one most always launch up river and
arrange for pickup down river?

I'm about 8 miles up the river from the main bay area surrounding
Charleston, but these question apply to many of the rivers in the local area
(Edisto, Santee Cooper, etc). I don't want to get stuck down the river with
a paddle.

Thanks for your help and forgive my ignorance.

JD Washington