Coastal Expeditions Foundation
Coastal Warriors Veterans Programs
Develop Skills On and Off the Water
In 2017, The Coastal Expeditions Foundation created the Veterans Sea Kayak Resiliency Program as a response to the staggering statistic that 22 veterans commit suicide each day. In this ten-week program, participants learn resilience and coping mechanisms through connecting to their environment and each other.
Program graduates are invited to become part of the Coastal Warrior program and participate in ongoing environmental service projects in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Projects include trail maintenance, beach sweeps and boardwalk construction.
Seewee Road Litter Sweep
Join our Coastal Warriors veterans for a litter sweep on Seewee Road in beautiful Awendaw, the gateway to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, April 15th.
We will meet on the corner of Seewee Road and Come About Way at 8:45am. We'll spend a few hours cleaning up ending at 11am. Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as you can.
About the Program
The Veterans Sea Kayak Resilience Training (V-SKRT) is offered to veterans in the Charleston area twice a year. Over the course of this program, participants take part in six full-day expeditions into saltwater and blackwater ecosystems to learn how to sea kayak.
Kayaks are available on Sundays from 3-6pm at our Shem Creek Campus for participants and their friends and families to enjoy.
Taking the principles of sea kayaking and applying them to interpersonal development skills, this program focuses on PTSD recovery and learning how to help- and be helped- on the water and in life.
Fall 2023 Sea Kayak Resilience Program Schedule
Orientation:
Wednesday, September 6th, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Week 1. Sunday, September 10th
Pool day, 9am - 3pm
Week 2. Sunday, September 17th
Pool day, 9am - 3pm
Week 3. Sunday, September 24th
Family Day (optional), 3-5pm
Week 4. Sunday, October 1st
Class Trip, 9-3pm
Week 5. Sunday, October 8th
Family Day (optional), 3-5pm
Week 6. Sunday, October 15
Class Trip, 9am-3pm
Week 7. Sunday, October 22nd
Family Day (optional), 3-5pm
Week 8. Sunday, October 29th
Class Trip, 9-3pm
Week 9. Sunday, November 5th
Shem Excursion and Graduation Ceremony, 11am - 3pm
Family days are elective days that you can bring your friends and family to come and kayak on Shem Creek, or come alone and meet up with the Warrior group!
Sponsored by Boeing South Carolina
Leadership at Boeing SC has supported this program since it was developed by Capt. Chris Crolley in 2017. Through a partnership and generous funding from Boeing SC, this program is free for all participants and their families.
The programs offered through The Coastal Expeditions Foundation's Coastal Warriors are for local veterans of all ages and military experience.
“Practice the willingness to ask for help followed by the willingness to receive help. Couple this with the concept that the way to save (rescue) yourself is to be of service to others."
-Chris Crolley, Founder and Program Leader
Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant Rentals
Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant tours.
Isle of Palms Rentals
Offering Kayaks and Paddleboards
Take in the stunning beauty of local creeks and waters from one of our kayaks or SUPs. Walk-ups are welcome or call / text to book and we’ll be ready when you are. All gear and instruction provided.
Call or text 843.884.7684 to book.
Outpost Location
Need A Guide?
If you really want to get a feel for the local history, identify the native wildlife, and get to special places, you'll need someone experienced to show you the way. We'll get you there.
Check out our Isle of Palms tours.