We just put another notch in the growth timeline for Backwater Paddle Company.  First Road Trip!! 

This past weekend (May 13/14^th) we went up to Tallulah Falls, Georgia to a kayak fishing tournament we had helped sponsor.  The Georgia Kayak Fishing Club put together a four leg tournament that winds through all the beautiful Georgia countryside lakes and streams.

Kurt and I wanted to get our feet wet with a kayak fishing tournament that was close to home.  Not having any idea what to expect, our trip was relaxed and fun.  We camped at Moccasin Creek on Lake Burton, about 25 miles from the event.  (Note: that is what happens when you wait until the last minute to make reservations!)  Nevertheless, we rolled with the local anglers and vendors that showed up for the event.

Hats off to Tony Narcisse of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Club!  He was the point man with this kayak fishing tournament.  There were about 3 dozen kayak anglers that vied for the main prize, a dressed out fishing kayak by Ocean Kayaks. 

The Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles made their official debut.  Those who recieved a Piranha paddle prior to the actual tournament, and used it throughout the tournamnet, were ecstatic about the paddles and their fishing performance.    

Tony put everything together for this fine event.  The only thing he forgot to address was Mother Nature.  She visited with a vengeance!!

Unfortunately a torrential rainstorm, dumping hail and providing gale force winds, put a damper on the awards ceremonies.  Thankfully, that storm waited long enough for all the local anglers to get their business done and present their measurements at the weigh in.

Once that storm rolled in, everyone scattered for higher and safer ground.  We never did see who won our Predator and Piranha Kayak Fishing Hand Paddles.  At that point, quite honestly, we were more concerned about our campsite some 25 miles away.

We are waiting on the kayak fishing tournament results, information and pictures from Tony and the GKF club to post on our site.  In all my excitement, it was an afterthought in snapping photos.  Next time!  Give us a break…we were overwhelmed with what was transpiring all around us!

That storm forced Kurt and I to bail from our campsite at around 7 pm and make the 10 hour drive to Central Florida through the mountains, at night and while raining.   Thank God for the Tom-Tom or Garmin, whatever we had…with the GPS tracking!  Kurt was able to provide real time road directions as we coursed our way through the winding, rain soaked, pitch black mountain roads. 

This was our very first road trip, but more so than anything, it was also our “first rodeo!”  Boy, did we ever learn from this experience! 

We can not wait for the next kayak fishing tournament!  The “River Bassin Trail” Tournament, hosted by Kayak Fishing Pro Drew Gregory, and presented by Bass Pro Shops, is next.  June 3^rd, Birmingham, Alabama…here we come!!