Hey there, Emily Jackson here, sharing another chapter of our Great Family Adventure. This time, we found ourselves in the charming city of Columbus, Georgia, for an epic event—the World Championships for Freestyle Kayaking! As seasoned kayakers, my husband Nick and I were thrilled to be back on the competition scene, but this trip wasn’t just about paddling; it was about family, fun, and exploring the hidden gems Columbus has to offer.
The Buzz of the World Championships
As soon as we arrived in Columbus, you could feel the excitement in the air. Athletes from all over the world had gathered, ready to compete and push the limits of freestyle kayaking. The competition was fierce, but the camaraderie even stronger. It’s not just about winning; it’s about sharing the river and the love for the sport with fellow kayakers, many of whom we’ve trained with or coached over the years.
While Nick and I were both chasing another world title, it was amazing to see the next generation, including our kids Tucker and Parker, being part of this vibrant paddling community. Even though the competition was intense, the real win for us was spending time together as a family.
A Family Reunion by the River
One of the best parts of being in Columbus was the chance to reunite with our extended family. Both sets of grandparents joined us for the event, making it a full-on family adventure.
We checked into the beautiful Hotel Indigo, which became our home base for the week. The kids were absolutely thrilled to be staying in the same hotel as their grandparents, and we made the most of our downtime by lounging by the pool and enjoying some much-needed relaxation.
One of the standout features of Hotel Indigo was its rooftop view of the river. Seeing the river from that vantage point gave us a whole new appreciation for its beauty and power, and it was the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the water.
Fun and Learning at Oxbow Meadows
Our adventure wasn’t all about kayaking—we took some time to explore the local attractions, too. One of our favorite stops was the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center.
The kids loved getting hands-on with science and nature, from meeting a baby alligator to learning about dragonflies. It was a fun and educational experience that blended perfectly with our homeschooling on the road.
A Sweet Adventure: Columbus’ Best Donut Shops
No family trip would be complete without indulging in some local treats, and Columbus, Georgia didn’t disappoint. We set out on a mission to find the best donuts in town, hitting up three of the top spots: Golden Donuts, Best Donuts, and Columbus Donuts. The kids had a blast tasting and ranking each one. While Parker held firm that Best Donuts was his favorite, the rest of us crowned Golden Donuts as the winner, thanks to their amazing cinnamon twists.
Thrills and Spills on the Zip Line
One of the coolest experiences Columbus has to offer is the zip line that crosses state borders. That’s right—you start in Georgia and zip over to Alabama, and then back again!
It was a thrilling ride for the whole family, and Parker especially showed some serious courage tackling the high ropes course. Watching her face her fears and zip across the river was one of the highlights of the trip.
Paddling, Competing, and Community
Back at the competition, the stakes were high. We made it through the preliminary rounds, and it was exhilarating to see how far we could go. Even though the competition was tough, the paddling community remained as close-knit as ever. After each day’s heats, we’d gather with friends, sharing stories and grilling out. For me, that’s one of the best parts of this lifestyle—the friendships we build both on and off the water.
Wrapping Up a Memorable Week
As the event came to a close, we reflected on what an amazing week it had been. Sure, we were there to compete, but more importantly, we got to spend quality time with family, explore a new city, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether we’re chasing world titles or just enjoying the journey, it’s moments like these that remind us why we love this wild, wonderful life.
Thanks for following along with us on our great family adventure in Columbus, Georgia! Until next time, keep exploring and cherishing those family moments.
