It's perfect weather for kayaking (Lake Ridge, Great Falls: rental, to live in, beach)

[Caladium]

We were out on the Potomac today and I was amazed that nobody else was out there. Not that I'm complaining but it surprises me to live in a metro area with a half million people and the only other people out on the river were a family fishing from a rowboat.

If you've ever wanted to try kayaking, this is the perfect weather for it because it isn't too hot yet and the passing clouds offer a little relief from the sun reflecting off the water. Also, you tend to see more birds when the forecast says 30-40 percent rain (but that rain never seems to appear). Just thought I'd pass the word.

[RamblingMan]

I think the Potomac is the area's best kept secret. Part of the problem may be that many people still think of the Potomac as the open sewer it was in the 1960s before tighter environmental legislation started improving things. Of course, there's still a lot of progress to be made.

[ChristineVA]

My husband just bought himself a kayak yesterday and went, in the evening, on the Occoquan Reservoir. I'm sure he'll be out today--if he can fit it in between his biking and golfing.

[normie]

The 60s were a half century ago. Most of the posters on this forum weren't even born back then. These days the Potomac is known for many things, but sewage isn't one of them. If this is a worry, you can always try taking your canoe or kayak out on the western stretches of the river. There are lots of places to kayak besides right in from of the monuments. Once you are upriver of Great Falls it's verdant and green, and there are almost no buildings to be seen (with the exception of the towers of LeisureWorld, and they actually look quite pretty out there in the woods).

[RamblingMan]

Originally Posted by normie

The 60s were a half century ago. Most of the posters on this forum weren't even born back then. These days the Potomac is known for many things, but sewage isn't one of them. If this is a worry, you can always try taking your canoe or kayak out on the western stretches of the river. There are lots of places to kayak besides right in from of the monuments. Once you are upriver of Great Falls it's verdant and green, and there are almost no buildings to be seen (with the exception of the towers of LeisureWorld, and they actually look quite pretty out there in the woods).

If not misinformation about cleanliness, what do you think is the reason the Potomac is so underutilized?

[Caladium]

One reason they may be under utilized is that going kayaking isn't quite as easy as going to the beach (unless you go to that rental place in Georgetown). At Riverbend you have to take a class first before they allow you to rent. Or, you can bring your own kayak but that involve effort, too.

Also, I think a lot of people tend to forget that we have the rivers here. They aren't really part of our local culture. We don't have river festivals (or maybe I should say the ones we have aren't big deals). When you drive over the Potomac you're busy thinking about traffic and barely realize there's a river beneath.

[GreenGene]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

My husband just bought himself a kayak yesterday and went, in the evening, on the Occoquan Reservoir. I'm sure he'll be out today--if he can fit it in between his biking and golfing.

That's our favorite spot for kayaking - convenient, pretty, not crowded (during the week, anyway, and we don't go on weekends), and generally calm water.

[mmpsmp0205]

Christine-
where does your husband put it? We love kayaking and are always looking for recommendations.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by mmpsmp0205

Christine-
where does your husband put it? We love kayaking and are always looking for recommendations.

He just went to the Occoquan Reservoir and dropped it in at Lake Ridge park, I believe. Then yesterday he did something around Fountainhead Park but not sure we he got in the water.

[normie]

Originally Posted by Caladium

Also, I think a lot of people tend to forget that we have the rivers here. They aren't really part of our local culture.

That's fine by me. I like having a few places that are the best kept secrets in town.