Friday, September 9, 2011

Storms Delay Potomac River Ramble

The 2011 Potomac River Ramble, originally set for Sunday, September 11, 2011, has been rescheduled due to conditions on the river.

The make-up date is set for Sunday October, 16 2011.

The October make-up paddle will be contingent upon enough participants signing up.

For more information, please visit www.potomacriver.org.

Upper Potomac River Advisory until September 13, 2011

According to Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP), the recent Upper Potomac River Advisory has been extended until September 13, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.

Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.

For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Upper Potomac River Advisory

On September 7, 2011, the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced that boating and other recreational use of the Upper Potomac River, including its creeks and streams, should be avoided until September 9, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.

According to DNR, the advisory is based on information received from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.

Hazardous stages are water levels which pose a threat to non white- water vessels, tubers, swimmers and other recreational users and are caused by wave action, water velocity, and treacherous currents.  This hazardous condition may also exist on tributaries of the Potomac River.

This warning does not apply to professionally guided river trips. NRP reminds boaters to always wear a life jacket; it is mandatory to wear a USCG approved life jacket while boating on the upper Potomac River from November 15 to May 15.

For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200. 

NOTE: see the updated Upper Potomac River advisory.

Hurricane Katia Rip Currents

Ocean kayakers along the Mid Atlantic coastline could encounter high surf, rip currents and other hurricane-related threats.

With the offshore passage of Hurricane Katia, the National Weather Service has issued an advisory warning of possible life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

The Coast Guard is urging mariners and beachgoers to be aware of the dangers of high surf and rip currents in their area. 

When offshore storms pass thru the Mid Atlantic, inlets are subject to high surf conditions. Strong currents and shallow water may result in breaking surf in these areas.

Mariners are advised to assess inlet conditions prior to attempting a transit as the surf may create hazardous conditions that limit rescuers' ability to assist victims.

High surf creates rip currents that can drag swimmers away from the beach and lead to drowning when they attempt to fight the current and become exhausted. Rip currents can also affect ocean kayaks that are launched from the surf.

According to the United States Lifesaving Association rip currents cause approximately 100 deaths annually in the United States, more than all other natural hazards except heat and floods.

For more information on rip currents, please visit the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration website.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Boaters Guide to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

A new free resource entitled A Boater’s Guide to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail introduces kyakers and other boaters to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers.

Explorers can learn the location of trailheads (including GPS coordinates), see suggested trip itineraries, and compare on-the-water experiences for paddle-craft, skiffs and runabouts, and cruising powerboats and sailboats.

The guide’s interactive features include links to additional maps, NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System, navigation charts, and information on facilities and points of interest.

The guide is a joint project of the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office, the Chesapeake Conservancy, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

A Boater’s Guide to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is available
for free download from the trail’s website, http://www.smithtrail.net/

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

2011 Potomac River Ramble

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin invites the public to attend 2011 Potomac River Ramble on Sunday, September 11, 2011.

Attendees will enjoy paddling between the shores of Maryland and West Virginia. Along the way, paddlers will stop for an out-of-boat brunch and a couple of educational programs focusing on watershed issues.

The Potomac River Ramble is a canoeing and kayaking event that features environmental programming, restoration projects, festive meals, meetings with elected officials, and much more.

Experience with boats is not necessary. Guides, food, and transportation will be provided. Attendees can enjoy Potomac River scenery, presentations, food, camaraderie, and paddling.

For information or to register for the event, visit the River Ramble page on the ICPRB website.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

2011 Lynnhaven River Western Branch Kayak Tour

Paddle into History with Lynnhaven River NOW and Wild River Outfitters on August 21, 2011 at 2:00 PM.

This special tour will showcase the waters of the ducking of Grace Sherwood, Virginia’s only convicted witch. This year marks the 305th anniversary of the famous witch trial. A historian will accompany the trip as will skilled kayak guides. Solo and tandem kayaks are furnished, but participants must be able to paddle.

This trip will depart from Crab Creek at 2pm. Along the way we will discuss the sites of the first church and courthouse, hear about the old riverside plantations, and visit the site of the famous ducking of Grace Sherwood, view the former ferry site for which Ferry Plantation House was named, and other points of historic interest. Kayaks will take out at Ferry Plantation House, 4136 Cheswick Lane.

Limited to 30 participants, advanced reservation is required. Cost is $50 per person, all paddling equipment provided. If you have your own boat, pfd & paddle, you can join us for a $25 fee for solo kayaks or $35 fee for tandem kayaks which will be donated back to Lynnhaven River NOW.

Participants should bring plenty of water for the trip. Snacks and drinks will be provided at the Ferry Plantation House at take out. After the paddling trip, paddlers will be welcomed to the historic Ferry Plantation House for a complementary guided tour with costumed docents. Rides back to the launch site will be provided.

Important things to know:

1:30 pm be at Crab Creek launch site near Lesner Bridge & Lynnhaven Boat Ramp

2:00 pm depart for paddling trip

5:30 pm take out at Ferry

Please bring your own water

Free tour of Ferry Plantation House after trip. Snacks and drinks provided at take out.

Registration cut-off is Thursday, August 18 at 5 pm

Contact Wild River Outfitters to register: 757-431-8566

For more information, contact Karen Forget with Lynnhaven River NOW @ 757-962-5398.