Potomac Paddlesports

It's guaranteed to be an epic spring on the river, but do you have what it takes? Outdoor kayak classes start May 1st - register now!

With a little help from Potomac Paddlesports, experience the "Nation's River" from the plastic perch of your kayak.

Picture Great Falls on a warm, sunny summer day. Cyclists whiz by on the C&O; hikers take to the Billy Goat Trail; and whitewater kayakers launch themselves off 15 foot waterfalls into a vortex of boulder-strewn rapids (video proof).

Say what?!

The Great Falls fury and its colorful cast of kayakers tend to elicit one of two responses from curious onlookers: "They're nuts" or "That's awesome!". So what say you, Trail Voice community? This year, Potomac Paddlesports, the DC area's leading kayak school, wants to give you the chance to break out of your comfort zone and join the ranks of those crazy, awesome kayakers.

Class is now in session...

Potomac Paddlesports - River Runner by Brian W Knight - Swim Bike Run Photography

Washington DC: A River Runs Through It

Washington DC is a city very much defined by its waterways. Trail Voice subscribers are well aware of this fact. We enjoy local trails built alongside trickling streams, placid lakes, and raging waterfalls. Often overlooked is an opportunity to enjoy our region's scenery from the direct perspective of the river, stream, lake, or bay.

Kayak Instruction

The Paddlesports team teaches three different types of kayaking: flatwater, sea, and last but not least, whitewater.

Flatwater Kayaking

Featuring ample exploring with a side of instruction, the flatwater beginner trips let you take in the sights and sounds of your local waterway. Join the crew on any one trip or a package of four:

Discover the Potomac - Serene and scenic
Night Sounds - The C&O by the light of the moon
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge - Ideal for bird watchers
Fall Colors - Foliage of the C&O Canal
Monument Tour - Paddle with the Presidents

Kayaks by Flickr CC user Chewonki Semester School

Sea Kayaking

Our eastern backyard, the Chesapeake Bay (it's a big backyard), is a prime playground for sea touring kayakers. With starter lessons and navigational know-how, Potomac Paddlesports gives you the tools of the trade for Bay exploration. They also cater to intermediate level sea kayakers with several different guided Chesapeake trips, each unique in challenge and scenery.

Whitewater Kayaking

Deftly navigating rip-roaring river rapids isn't for everybody. We get that. But for many years now, Washington DC area adrenaline junkies have flocked to the fall line that is Great Falls and the Mather Gorge. If this sounds like your cup of red bull, and you can't wait to get started, the Indoor/Outdoor Whitewater Beginner Lesson Package is your ticket.

Indoor Lessons #1, #2 - The indoor pool lessons, offered February 13, March 13, and April 10, develop fundamental skills such as rolling, bracing, and bow rescues.
Course #2, #3, #4 - The outdoor courses, which begin May 1st, start out on the Canal, learning how to bomb-proof your roll, and progress to the time of your life, river running the Mather Gorge.
Weekly Practice Sessions - From May through September, the Paddlesports team is on the river three evenings a week. You'll be hucking waterfalls in no time.

Trail Voice and Potomac Paddlesports have partnered in the hopes of introducing more outdoor enthusiasts to the joys of whitewater culture. Since discounts are available for groups, let's form Team Trail Voice - Destination Whitewater. If you're interested in learning a new sport this spring, post on our Facebook Wall or contact us directly - Trail Voice will relay the message to our Paddlesports friends. Can't make the indoor lessons? Potomac Paddlesports offers a super-flexible schedule of outdoor-only packages and single-day lessons.

Whitewater Culture

Washington DC is a paddling town with a political problem. Let Potomac Paddlesports introduce you to the kayaking elite and their well-connected friend, Mr. Mather Gorge. Contact Trail Voice or Potomac Paddlesports (tell them Trail Voice sent you) to learn more.

See you on the rapids.

Location / Directions: Rockville, MD
Social Media: Blog, Facebook, Twitter