I love living near Washington, D.C., but I often get too caught up in the daily grind to take advantage of the great activities going on around town. I’m trying to change that, so when I saw an advertisement for a “Fall Foliage Kayaking Tour,” I checked our calendar, checked the weather, and signed up.
We went on a Saturday afternoon, and there were two other women in our group. After we signed in and signed the waivers, we were given life jackets and a brief demonstration of how to paddle, and helped into our kayaks.
Our guide suggested that we paddle around under the bridge to get used to the boats. I was relatively confident of my paddling skills and not afraid at all–I spent many childhood summers boating on a lake at summer camp–but when I got in my kayak I experienced a few minutes of panic. I was so close to the water. The river looked bigger than it seemed from the dock. The current was real. What had I gotten myself into?
I took a few breathes and paddled a few strokes. When I realized that my kayak pretty much was doing what I wanted it to, I relaxed. Panic over–time to have fun!
Our guide led us north towards Fletcher’s Boathouse, which is a few miles up the river. I had to paddle steadily to keep up with the others, but I didn’t feel rushed. Unlike running or cycling when I have to pay full attention to where I’m going, I was able to look around and really soak in the scenery.
photo-op at Three Sisters rocks
It was a gorgeous fall day–sunny and in the upper 50’s–but it was a bit breezy on the water. I wore warm running tights, one of my cozy Athleta tops, a windbreaker, wool socks, hiking shoes, and a hat and gloves. While I was comfortable while we were kayaking, I was freezing afterwards, since my clothes were damp. Is there a way to paddle without dripping water on yourself? If so, I didn’t figure it out.
That’s Georgetown University up the hill on the left
Our tour lasted about two hours, and it was a lot of fun. Our guide was really nice, pointing out different trails along the Maryland and Virginia sides of the river and sharing local lore.
[Tweet “Washington DC #Kayaking Tour”]
It would be great if I could convince myself to get out of my office and kayak every once in while, but I think a more realistic goal is to plan on signing up for a Cherry Blossom kayaking tour in the spring.
Have you done anything touristy in your home town lately?
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I love you chucked the daily grind mentality and did this.
We shirked responsibility the other weekend and did SUP and canoeing again alongside the true tourists—-and it rocked.
That said being back for only a year maybe I AM THE TOURIST?!
When we were done I laughed at myself because I won’t SUP in the Potomac, but I probably got almost just as wet as I might SUP-ing.
oh I would love to do this! Looks like a ton of fun. I don’t do enough touristy things in DC
Ooh… this looks beautiful. I’ve rented kayaks from that boathouse before but I didn’t know there were tours. I’m going to have to keep the option for a cherry blossom kayak tour in mind 🙂
It sounds like it could be really fantastic if you can time it right!
I just got back from another weekend in D.C., my son is in the Old Guard, Army, stationed at Fort Myer (Tomb of The Unknown Soldier, Arlington Funerals) We drive down from central NY every few months to visit him, and noticed a group of kayak-ers yesterday…and thought it looked like fun! There was the Marine run there and the traffic was worse than usual, with so many roads blocked off. I love D.C. though.
Yes, the Marine Corps Marathon had streets all over town closed – including through Georgetown. How great that you get to visit your son so frequently. I’ve been to one service at Arlington, and it was very moving — what an honor for your son to serve there!
I think when it’s cooler out you need the closed-top kayaks. That what we had in Alaska anyway. Looks like a freaking blast! I’ll have to do this next time I’m in DC!
They said they don’t like to rent those out – maybe people try to do stunts and rolls in them? Let me know next time you come!
What a great way to take in the foliage. I always say I need to do some of the touristy things around Boston, but never make time for it.
Notice that we are doing more things like this since our nest is empty. 😉 For years our kids’ sports activities took up all our free time.
I think this would be a fantastic way to see the foliage. Different. I’ve been horse back riding in my own town, which really doesn’t sound very touristy anyway. We do have kayaking — and I should try that!
Oh, horseback riding sounds like great fun! I think I did a horseback tour in the Shenandoah one fall when I was a kid – that would be a great way to see the foliage.
This looks like so much fun, and such a different way to enjoy the foliage! I’ve taken the kayaks around the tidal basin, I am not a great Kayaker if it weren’t for my boyfriend compensating for me we would have been going in circles!
I have never kayaked before. I’m kind of scared of it actually. The thought of tipping over and getting stuck under freaks me out!
My husband and I took a whitewater kayaking clinic a few weeks ago and it was SO fun! The rapids were a little scary but it was fun learning how to paddle correctly! 🙂
What a great way to enjoy the family time! I have planned to go D. C. on our next holiday. Fall Foliage Kayaking, such a beautiful place to spend time with friends. Thanks to share this amazing post.