Lake Chatuge
Location: Lake Chatuge (Hiawassee, Georgia, USA)
Explorer: Lauren O. - @kalipup_and_mila_too
Board Used: Waterwalker 132
Date Logged: September 25, 2021
Website: golakechatuge.com
SUP Explorer - The Best Places to Stand Up Paddle Board
Lake Chatuge is located right on the border of Georgia and North Carolina. The lake is large with lots of inlets to explore and beautiful mountain scenery all around. We love paddling around the inlets and exploring little coves. One thing to note is that the lake is very irregular shaped so be sure to take note of your route so you can find your way back to your starting location. There are plenty of public parks and boat ramps all around the lake (many of which have free parking). If you're camping, the Georgia Mountain Fair has camp sites right on the water so you can launch your board from your "backyard." While the scenery is amazing, it should be noted that this is a Georgia lake with a red clay bottom so be prepared to rinse your board quickly so it doesn't get stained.
SUP Explorer Photos from Lake Chatuge
Staying Safe on a Big Open Lake
Chatuge is a big, open reservoir with real motorboat traffic. Two habits keep that from being a problem. First, wear your life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard treats a paddle board as a vessel once you're outside a swimming or surfing area, so you're required to have a Coast Guard-approved PFD aboard, and kids 12 and under have to wear one. On a lake with fast boats, we'd wear it rather than strap it to the deck. Clip your leash, too, so a wake or a gust can't send your board off without you.
Second, respect the water temperature in spring and fall. This is a mountain lake - the water stays cold long after the air warms up and cools quickly once summer ends, and the National Center for Cold Water Safety warns that cold water can steal your strength and your breath within a minute of going in. Dress for the water, not the air, and when it's cold, stay close to shore.
SUP Explorer Tips For Your Visit to Lake Chatuge
- It can be hot and sticky in the summer in Georgia so be sure to pack plenty of water.
- If you plan to paddle near shore, insect repellent might also be a good idea.
- Watch out for boaters, especially on summer and early fall weekends. We've seen some of them clock pretty high speeds on this lake.
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