F.L.O.W. SSI 2026
For Love of Water — Community Paddle & Fundraiser
Join us for the 4th Annual F.L.O.W. SSI (For Love of Water) Charity Paddle on Sunday, September 6, 2026! It’s a day of fun, community, and giving back to the Golden Isles.

This approximately 5-mile paddle from Gould’s Inlet to Village Creek Landing raises funds for swim lessons and water-safety programs while honoring those who have lost their lives in our local waters.

EVENT DETAILS
Who: Up to 150 paddlers, age 21+, using kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards.

What: This is not a race. It is an intermediate-level community paddle supporting water safety in the Golden Isles.

When: Sunday, September 6. Launch at 2:30 p.m., timed with the incoming tide.

Where: Gould’s Inlet to Village Creek Landing, followed by the FLOW Welcome Back Party.

Registration: Register at RunSignUp.com.

·      June: $60

·      July: $70

·      August: $80

·      Late registration beginning August 29: $105

Registration closes September 5 at 11:59 p.m.

PADDLE DAY TIMELINE
1:00–2:15 p.m. — DROP-OFF, PARK & SHUTTLE
Step 1: Drop your kayak, SUP, or canoe at Gould’s Inlet. Please approach from the Ocean Road/marsh-side direction via 15th Street and avoid approaching from Bruce Drive when possible. Valets will help unload your craft and take it to the beach.

Step 2: Drive to Village Creek Landing (VCL) and park. Bring your paddle, PFD, and anything else you need on the water.

Step 3: Take the Sea Island shuttle back to Gould’s Inlet.

Step 4: Check in, attach your FLOW number, find your craft, and get ready to FLOW!

1:30 p.m. — First shuttle leaves VCL for Gould’s Inlet.

1:45 p.m. — Pre-paddle FLOW yoga, compliments of East Beach Yoga.

2:00 p.m. — Second shuttle leaves VCL. Vendors, sponsors, food, and beverage stations prepare for the Welcome Back Party.

2:15 p.m. — Third and final shuttle leaves VCL for Gould’s Inlet.

2:20 p.m. — Paddlers enter the water for a brief prayer honoring those we have lost to drowning.

2:30 p.m. — PADDLES IN! FLOW launches!

3:30–6:30 p.m. — WELCOME BACK PARTY
3:30 p.m. — Village Creek Landing opens to the public. Food, beverages, vendors, and music begin.

3:30–4:45 p.m. — Paddlers arrive at Village Creek Landing.

When you arrive: 1. Exit the water at the VCL boat ramp — NOT the dock. 2. Check in with the FLOW crew so we know you are safely off the water. 3. Valets will help return your craft to your vehicle. 4. Pick up your swag bag and freshen up. 5. Enjoy the party!

Use your yellow Tyvek bracelet to receive your swag, and the tear-off portion of your FLOW number for your meal from Redemption Bowls or CJ’s Pizza. A cash bar, raffles, vendors, and more will also be available.

Approximately 4:00 p.m. — Live music begins.

4:45 p.m. — First raffle drawing.

4:50 p.m. — Second raffle drawing.

5:00 p.m. — We hope to have all paddlers safely ashore. FLOW organizers will announce fundraising results, recognize FLOW advisors, and thank our volunteers. Additional raffle drawings will follow approximately every 10 minutes.

6:30 p.m. — 50/50 winner announced. Final thanks and cleanup begin.

7:30 p.m. — Cleanup complete. DONE!

PADDLE DETAILS
Distance: Approximately 4.8 miles and 2+ hours.

Skill Level: Intermediate. The route is not recommended for beginner paddleboarders. If you are new to paddling, consider using a kayak or canoe.

Safety: Safety boats equipped with emergency gear will monitor the route.

What to Bring: Drinking water, sun protection, appropriate footwear, and a Coast Guard-approved PFD, which must be worn at all times.

Please wear secure shoes rather than flip-flops. Sun exposure and oyster rakes are among our greatest hazards. If a motorized vessel approaches, stop paddling and allow it to pass safely.

YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES
·      Sea Island shuttle transportation to Gould’s Inlet 

·      Valet assistance with loading and unloading

·      Event T-shirt if registered by September 1

·      FLOW swag bag with sponsor goodies

·      Food at the Welcome Back Party

·      Pre-paddle activities

·      Safety-boat monitoring throughout the paddle

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Age: 21+ due to safety and insurance requirements.

Vessel: Kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

PFD: A Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device must be worn at all times.

Waiver: A signed waiver is required to participate.

WHY WE FLOW
In honor of those who've lost their lives to drowning and (Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors) 100% of net proceeds support S.O.A.R. and Georgia Swim School, helping provide swim lessons for youth and adults with developmental disabilities and promoting water safety throughout the Golden Isles.

Your paddle could save a life!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Weather: FLOW takes place rain or shine and will be postponed or modified only when conditions make paddling unsafe.

No Refunds: Swag bags will be held for registered paddlers who are unable to attend.

Volunteers Needed: Want to help make next year’s FLOW even better? Join our team!

IN CASE OF STRONG NORTHEAST WINDS
Safety comes first. If we experience a strong northeast wind exceeding approximately 12 mph, FLOW may reverse course to allow for a "downwind" paddle experience. 

Please watch for event updates.

If the course is reversed, paddlers may launch from Village Creek Landing and paddle downwind to Gould’s Inlet. Sea Island buses would then transport paddlers from Gould’s Inlet back to VCL. Our valets would remain with the kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes at Gould’s Inlet until paddlers can return by vehicle to retrieve them.

Our first priority is SAFETY.
Our second priority is FUN!

Thanks to generous sponsors including Marshland Credit Union, Sea Island, Lighthouse Vacations, Fiddlers, The Crab Trap, and Lighthouse Benefit Advisors, we can make both happen.

God bless you, and thank you for FLOWING with us!

QUESTIONS?
Visit RunSignUp.com or contact the FLOWSSI Team: Alan, Cristi, Rogelio, Mary, or Traci.

Thank you for joining us for an incredible day of paddling, music, community, and impact.

See you Sunday, September 6 at 1:00 p.m.!

Paddles in,
The FLOWSSI Team