Traditionally done by propelling oneself through the water with the arms while kneeling or lying on a floating platform, paddle boarding is popular with people of all ages and ability levels. Many people also try standup paddle boarding, which is similar but requires using a canoe paddle to move. Chesapeake, Va. is a prime spot for paddle boarding, and there are several good places to try your hand at this activity or develop existing skills.
1. Pohick Bay Regional Park
Located in Lorton, Va., this is the only public park in the state that rents paddle boards, so if you don’t have your own gear and aren’t working with a third-party company to get rental equipment, this pick is an especially handy option. Rent your paddle board by the hour, and enjoy slightly lower rates if you live nearby. Even if you’re not from the area, the rental prices are still very reasonable.
2. Kiptopeke State Park
Situated three miles north of the Cape Charles Toll Plaza at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, this state park offers a fishing pier, boat ramp, and even a hawk observatory besides its paddle boarding opportunities. Visitors rave about the lovely sunset views, so be sure to stay until sundown if you can. You may want to extend your trip even further, especially since this state park has spacious campsites. You’ll need to have your own paddleboarding gear, though, due to the unfortunate absence of rental facilities here.
3. The Inn at Tabbs Creek
Maybe you’re feeling very timid about paddleboarding and would prefer to begin trying it in a very calm, secluded area. If so, head to The Inn at Tabbs Creek. Guests get the hang of things on the private property, then venture out onto the nearby East River once they feel more confident in their abilities. If you don’t have your own gear, arrange to have rental equipment delivered from Chesapeake Bay Paddling Company. There are a total of 18 places from which people can launch their paddle boards in Mathews County, where this property is located.
4. Mantra Fit
Some people realized they’d love the chance to combine their daily workouts with paddleboard excursions and receive instruction from fitness experts. That’s all possible if you go to Mantra Fit, a company in Severna Park, Md. Although this option requires venturing out from Chesapeake a bit, it may be worth it if you’d like to get some good-quality guidance while honing your paddle boarding prowess. Classes take place on the Magothy River at Fairways Marina, and Nabbs Creek Marina, on the Patapsco River.
In addition to offering paddle board rentals, Mantra Fit often gives interested people the chance to experience paddle boarding for free by attending demonstrations. If you’re feeling really adventurous, sign up for the paddleboard racing league. More information is available at the company’s website.
Although paddle boarding got its start in Hawaii, the appeal has spread far beyond the Aloha State. Many celebrities have been seen gracefully floating along the water while getting a great core-muscle workout. Consider getting some inspiration of your own by going to these prime paddle boarding places.
Image via Flickr by David_Kerwood | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0
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