I live near Charleston SC, and there are a lot of blackwater rivers in the
area. I am interested in paddling these rivers but I have several rookie
questions:

1. I read and hear a lot about the speed of touring kayaks. How fast can
they be reasonable be paddle for long stretches (ie. is going up river
against a current a problem)?

2. How do tidal surges on lowland river affect ones ability to return to a
launch site up the river? Must one wait for the next tidal surge to go back
up the river (note: the launch point near my house is never completely dry,
just lower a low tide)?

3. Does one generally plan their lowcontry river outings based on the
tides? or as an alternative??? Does one most always launch up river and
arrange for pickup down river?

I'm about 8 miles up the river from the main bay area surrounding
Charleston, but these question apply to many of the rivers in the local area
(Edisto, Santee Cooper, etc). I don't want to get stuck down the river with
a paddle.

Thanks for your help and forgive my ignorance.

JD Washington