DC tour by kayak

[divingbiker]

Let's do this before the weather gets cold.

Catriona, where is a good spot to put in?

[Cataboo]

Columbia Island Marina - you gotta get to it going east bound (towards reagan national airport) on the GW parkway - but it's basically just west of the 395 bridge on the potomac. (if you're coming from west bound, you have to turn around after arlington cemetary to head the other direction on the GW parkway)

Free parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, and you can put in your kayaks for free. It puts you in the marina just in front of the Pentagon, if you head up river, you can go by the Watergate, Georgetown, and get into the cliffs. If you head down river, you can go up around Haines point, head into the waterfront for lunch at the fishmarket or soemthing like that.

If you head up the Anacostia - you can paddle into the Kennilworth acquatic gardens at high tide, which I've heard is beautiful and by the arboretum.

[Cataboo]

There usually is a fair bit of chop/waves going around Haines point.

[7rider]

Can you get into the tidal basin via kayak?

[divingbiker]

Can you get into the tidal basin via kayak?

According to google, no.

[Cataboo]

I haven't found a way in - you can go up underneath a bridge to it at low tide, but there's barriers to stop you from actually getting into the tidal basin.

I think it's a sept 11th change, I don't know.

I think it's going to be a full moon this weekend if you guys have any desire of doing it at night.

[tulip]

If you head up the Anacostia - you can paddle into the Kennilworth acquatic gardens at high tide, which I've heard is beautiful and by the arboretum.

This is beautiful when the water lilies are blooming. In the winter, there are many kinds of ducks, including wood ducks. And there are bald eagles, too.

The best way to paddle to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is to put in at Bladensburg Marina in Maryland. The facilities there are really good, and they also rent kayaks and canoes.

Do check high tides, though, as you can't get in (or out) of the Aquatic Gardens at low tide. Also check the River Keeper for water quality. Sometimes it's not so pleasant.

Have fun. Wish I could join you.

[tulip]

I haven't found a way in - you can go up underneath a bridge to it at low tide, but there's barriers to stop you from actually getting into the tidal basin.

I think it's a sept 11th change, I don't know.

I think it's going to be a full moon this weekend if you guys have any desire of doing it at night.

Be sure to check the tides. I had a friend who nearly had a very bad situation when he got stuck under the bridge. There's not much room under there, and at high tide, it's quite dangerous. I'm not sure about the barriers now, though.

[Cataboo]

In case any of you guys want to try stand up paddle boarding:

Time
Thursday, September 30 · 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location Truxton Park boat ramps
Created By
EMS Annapolis
More Info Hey Ladies,

Wondering what all of the hype is about Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs)? Grab a friend and come try them out. We’re bringing our SUPs out to Truxton Park for those girls who just wanna have fun. Come amaze yourself and paddleboard with us before heading back to the Parole Towne Centre for drinks or a bite to eat at one of our participating restaurants.

This is a free event. Just call our store to sign up.

EMS Ladies Night. Do you hunger for adventure?

[Cataboo]

Be sure to check the tides. I had a friend who nearly had a very bad situation when he got stuck under the bridge. There's not much room under there, and at high tide, it's quite dangerous. I'm not sure about the barriers now, though.

If you go all the way up around Haines point, past the Maine st waterfront to the bridges where you can see through to the tidal basin, at high tide it looks like this:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WfCe0A3iU1c/StQMGFhgrAI/AAAAAAAADVc/PTlT9aAJ7BQ/s800/IMGP0661.JPG

If you hug the deck, someone might be able to get through that - but that line you see on the other side is the barrier.

If you go through at low tide it looks like this:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_WfCe0A3iU1c/TGHk-eU_FSI/AAAAAAAAKrE/6OHEM-uCn8Q/s800/IMGP8493.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WfCe0A3iU1c/TGHlAI5RnnI/AAAAAAAAKrI/5tBmh5kQk7g/s800/IMGP8494.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_WfCe0A3iU1c/TGHlFZ-mssI/AAAAAAAAKrU/oQ8jvz9UPj0/s800/IMGP8497.JPG

You could possibly portage across that barrier into the tidal basin. I didn't risk it

[Cataboo]

I paddled the potomac around DC this weekend - water temperatures are dropping quickly. It's down in the 60's now - if you guys are going to do this tour, you should do it soon - before you have to wear wetsuits or something.

You can also put in at Thompson's boat house or jack's boat house - parking may be a problem, and they may charge for that & putting in.