For Dr. Ross Bryan and Dr. Lacey Colvin, their demanding lives as physicians have found a calming counterpoint in the flowing waters of the Ogeechee River. What began as a shared passion for kayaking has transitioned into a unique venture: River Retreat Kayak, a local business offering guided river experiences and kayak rentals to the Statesboro community and beyond.
The idea for River Retreat Kayak partly stemmed from Dr. Colvin's childhood in Panama City, Florida, where she frequented a "kayaking library" – a small, word-of-mouth operation run from a family's backyard.
"I didn't think that there was any businesses where you could go down the Ogeechee, or anybody who really know where to go," Dr. Colvin explained, noting the common misperception of the Ogeechee as dangerous. Dr. Colvin noted its safety, emphasizing that she has never seen an alligator at any point on her numerous river treks.
When she met Dr. Bryan at the hospital, their friendship developed over their mutual love for kayaking and eventually laid the groundwork for a business. The colleagues saw an opportunity to share their passion and get people outdoors, especially during the pandemic when recreational options were limited.
"For me, kayaking on that river is instant stress relief. It’s a feeling I can’t get any other way. I grew up on that river and it’s my happy place," Dr. Bryan says.
The business is a joint effort that enlists the help of Dr. Bryan's wife, Cha, and Dr. Colvin's boyfriend, Chris Barksdale. Th aptly named River Retreat operates from the Bryans' property on the Ogeechee River. They store their carefully-vetted kayaks and equipment on a trailer at Dr. Bryan's property.
The chosen stretch of the Ogeechee, from Oliver Bridge to Lagoon, is a unique and relatively fast-flowing section that Dr. Bryan has navigated his entire life.
For those interested in experiencing the Ogeechee, booking is straightforward through their website, which also provides essential information like what to bring. River Retreat Kayak supplies all necessary gear, including kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and even bug spray.
"Both of us are physicians, obviously, so you can't be in better hands," Dr. Colvin quipped.
While experienced kayakers can simply rent equipment, the majority of River Retreat Kayak's clients are first-timers. For these adventurers, Dr. Bryan and Dr. Colvin often personally guide the trips, ensuring safety and an enjoyable experience.
"If it's the first time I've ever been in a kayak, you want you want to have somebody there who knows how to paddle," Dr. Colvin explained. These guided trips typically last one and a half to two hours, though longer excursions to River Retreat are available for more experienced paddlers.
Beyond scenic paddles, anglers are welcome to fish from the kayaks, with Dr. Colvin. Special fishing trips can be arranged for groups keen on casting a line. The business can accommodate approximately 8-10 people comfortably, with options for single and tandem kayaks, and even ways to include younger children.
More than just a business, River Retreat Kayak offers a vital connection to nature and its therapeutic benefits. Dr. Colvin passionately articulated the profound impact of the water on their well-being.
"The water is most definitely like a safe space. It is so... humbling and it grounds you," she shared. For both physicians, a kayaking trip serves as a powerful antidote to the stresses of their taxing profession.
"If I have like a super-duper bad week at work... I'll just look over at Ross like, 'We gotta go kayaking!'" Dr. Colvin says. "Anything that's happening in your life where you feel like you have no control or you're lost, you really can find yourself on the river."
"The Ogeechee is a very primitive black water river that's just exploding with nature, and a kayak is the best way to experience it," Dr. Bryan explains. "It’s quiet without motors, and it’s close to the water. It’s one of the most intimate and unique outdoor experiences you can get around this area."
River Retreat Kayak is a testament to two medical professionals who have found a unique way to combine their personal passion with a desire to enrich their community. They aim to provide a memorable and safe outdoor experience, encouraging people to step away from screens and embrace the grounding power of nature.
For more information, please visit River Retreat Kayak's website.
