It’s Time to Show Up to Support Crab Bank. Let’s Paddle, y’all.

On Sunday, September 30, we’re planning a community paddle to Crab Bank at the mouth of Shem Creek and everyone is invited! Five local outfitters, including Coastal Expeditions, have joined together to raise awareness about this critical seabird sanctuary and its need for restabilization. We’ll enjoy a nature-filled paddle down Shem Creek down to the mouth of the Charleston Harbor.
ALONG THE WAY, EXPECT TO SEE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS BREACHING NEARBY, BROWN PELICANS DIVE-BOMBING INTO THE CREEK, WADING EGRETS AND HERONS AND THE ICONIC SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THIS HISTORIC SHRIMPING WATERWAY.
Once we get to Crab Bank, we’ll get into formation with other paddlers to encircle this seabird sanctuary in support of its re-stabilization and continued life as a haven for nesting birds.
This is a family-friendly event in support of Crab Bank being a stable, sustainable Sea Bird Sanctuary for future generations that works in tandem with the navigability needs of Shem Creek for shrimpers, boaters and paddlers. South Carolina Audubon, Charleston Audubon & Natural History, Coastal Conservation League, Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Aquarium, South Carolina Coastal Birds and others have come together in support of this project.

Along the way, expect to see bottlenose dolphins breaching nearby, brown pelicans dive-bombing into the creek, wading egrets and herons and the iconic sights and sounds of this historic shrimping waterway.
Kayaks (singles and tandems) and Stand-up Paddleboards are available. Coastal Expeditions guides will give you paddle instruction before you get on the water and will be stationed all along Shem Creek.
When: Sunday, September 30 • Meet at Crab Bank at 9
Price: $35 donation/person (100% donated to Save Crab Bank)

Coming with your own kayak or SUP? Leave from the public landing on Shem Creek and meet us at the bank!
- Congressman Mark Sanford is headlining the event, as a guest of the Coastal Conservation League
- Adam Boozer of LawtonMiles (he does the film work for Volvo, Home Depot and other big groups) is donating his time to do the aerial photography. It will be a great memento of the day.
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has given us the permit to film over Crab Bank and provided buoys to place around the island for formation
- Coastal Expeditions is providing safety boats and guides
Everyone should plan to be to Crab Bank by 9 a.m. so that we have time to form the halo around the bank by 9:30. You can come on your own kayaks and SUPs, just register here so we know you’re coming!