Potomac River Kayaking via Georgetown

May 21, 2009 from The Potomac Paddle Patrol

Kayaking under the Key Bridge with Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Washington Monument in the background

To many Washington DC area residents, the Potomac is just another river to cross. But to the fraternity of kayak paddlers, it's much, much more. DC's (original) national treasure, the Potomac River, supports a healthy population of a certain streamlined river species - the kayaker. At some point in the evolution of the Washington DC area kayaker, this species begat two branches: flatwater and whitewater. Our story today is set in the flats.

About a mile after the Potomac winds its way past the Montgomery County-Washington DC line, the river widens and the current slows. This water is the playground for paddlers launching from Jack's Boathouse in Georgetown. From Jack's, kayakers can point their vessel upstream for a visit to the Three Sisters - a series of mid-river rock outcroppings within clear view of the Key Bridge. Or you may elect to venture downstream in the direction of some familiar sights. Let's be honest, we Washingtonians are (almost) numb to the view of Lincoln's marble shrine framed against the backdrop of the Washington Monument. But the view from a kayak - as the water laps softly against the hull - is unlike any experience from land. How so? Take hold of the oars and see for yourself.

Paddle Stats: About 1.5 miles from Jack's Boathouse to the Lincoln Memorial

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Tags: Washington DC Water Sports

Comments (1)

Pretty awesome I would think. Travelled with some friends to someplace (I was not driving I was obviously talking too much) we got the kayaks in the Potomac but water level was horrible (it was like Harper's Ferry in a dry spell). Long story longer we had to walk a very pretty trail but kayaking would have been a lot more fun. Want to do this some day? I do not mind the cold because I do not plan on falling in but we could wait until the spring thaw!

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