Wilderness Southeast: Paddle Battle for Fun & Education

Join the local environmental nonprofit for good times on the water and more

Quick! Grab your boats and paddles and get ready to power into an afternoon of fun and friendly competition—all for a good cause.

Wilderness Southeast’s annual “Paddle Battle for Fish Gotta Swim” returns for a third year, this time hosted at Landings Harbor Marina, 600 Priest Landing Drive, on Skidaway Island.

The fundraiser launches at 11 A.M. Saturday, September 21, and wraps up at 3 P.M., boasting kayak and paddleboard races, awards ceremony, Lowcountry boil, live music and more. Tickets are $50 for competitors and partygoers 21 and over, $20 for ages 12 to 20, and free for children under 12.

“This year, we moved the event earlier in the day to accommodate the incoming tide,” explained WiSE’s executive director, Lisa Goodman. “We’re sure to have plenty of water for racers on a rising tide as they compete on the Wilmington River. All proceeds, whether competitor or enthusiast, goes directly to support our “Fish Gotta Swim” environmental education program for at-risk youth in Savannah.”

The day of racing begins at 11 A.M. with 5K and 10K adult races, followed by a one-mile fun race for children and adults. Kayaks, paddleboards, and any nonmotorized craft are welcome. After the races conclude, winners are celebrated, and all are invited to enjoy a late lunch and live music from the World Famous Crabettes. Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day.

Supporters wanting to race but lacking a kayak, still can be part of the festivities with boats provided by event sponsor Southern Wild Eco Tours free of additional cost. Once registered, all racers and partygoers are placed on a list for entry to The Landings where they’ll check in at the main gate.

Founded 21 years ago, “Fish Gotta Swim” is WiSE’s flagship education program, and it works like this: WiSE staff coordinates with science instructors in local Title-1 schools to bring students out of the classroom and into the marsh where they learn ecosystem basics and water quality monitoring. So far in 2024, the organization has served 420 young scholars. And the eco fieldtrips are making a difference.

“The goal is to get kids out into nature for a positive, educational experience,” emphasized Goodman. “This is especially important for students facing fundamental, sociodemographic obstacles, young people who routinely lack opportunities to experience the marsh and ocean as important learning laboratories. Some have even gone on to study science and marine biology partly because of having been part of “Fish Gotta Swim” in elementary or middle school.”

Last year, the environmental nonprofit raised about $10,000 from the paddle battle. That amount, plus a $15,000 grant from the City of Savannah help defray most of the program’s costs. But given continued upward expenses, this year WiSE aims to raise at least $12,000, hopefully more. A partial list of sponsors for the event includes Bartlett Tree Experts, Thomas & Hutton, IVM Innovative Veterinary Medicine, Engle & Volkers as well as Savannah Distributing.

WiSE is active throughout the year with fundraising activities and opportunities for locals and visitors to get outdoors. At the end of July, the organization partnered with Savannah Tree Foundation to host a tree paddle on Ebenezer Creek in which 32 people turned out to learn more about the great bald cypress trees growing along the waterway.

On October 17, WiSE sponsors a two-hour, full moon Savannah Sunset Cruise open to 40 people with beverage and hors d’oeuvres service—one more way for locals to get involved and experience the group’s offerings and mission.

As for Saturday’s paddle battle, Goodman is optimistic.

“Last year Wilderness Southeast celebrated 50 years as environmental nonprofit and education organization in the Savannah community,” said Goodman. “We’re looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones at this year’s fundraiser, and we’re excited about the growing community of people interested in learning about and protecting our local coast, rivers, and outdoor spaces.”