This is a favorite paddle in one of our favorite places - the Eastport neighborhood of Annapolis. Our SHR group has done it the past two years using Annapolis Canoe & Kayak on Spa Creek as our base for rentals and launching. It's always a fun and exciting paddle, followed by a nice afternoon hanging out at one of the cool local pubs in Eastport.
Annapolis is a colorful destination with lots of activity happening around the harbor. And it's even more impressive when viewed and experienced from the water! For one affordable afternoon, you can enjoy the same exciting Annapolis waterfront ambience as the rich folks hanging out on their million-dollar yachts!
Meetup Details
We'll meet up at the Annapolis Canoe & Kayak (ACK) store which is handling kayak rentals for those who need them. Renters can make advance reservations by phone and pick up their equipment at the store. People who have their own kayaks can launch them for free from the ACK floating platform dock.
The ACK store is located in Eastport, a historic maritime neighborhood across Spa Creek from the Annapolis city dock area. Eastport is a crowded residential area with limited street parking and little room for unloading kayaks.
Even if you own a boat, you should consider renting a kayak from ACK to avoid parking and unloading hassles. They have quality boats already on the dock and their staff will get you launched safely.
Total paddling distance will be approximately seven miles and should take about three hours. Bring a wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and plenty of cold water to stay hydrated.
Skill Level
This event is suitable for anyone with basic kayak skills who feels comfortable paddling in close proximity to the many larger boats that use Annapolis harbor. You must be able to stay together with our group of kayakers.
Spa Creek, Back Creek, and the city dock area are generally calm and very popular with beginning sailors and paddlers. However, they are also home to a substantial fleet of power boats and sailing yachts that create wakes and wave turbulence. You should expect to encounter some choppy water and wave swells along the way. ACK routinely rents kayaks to people with little experience, so all should go well as long as you remain alert.
ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL SAFETY
Our group of recreational kayakers look out for each other, but we're not certified experts at rescuing novices. SHR paddle events have been very successful so far because we stick together in case anyone needs assistance. So far, there hasn't been a problem. Let's keep it that way!
Rental Details
As a well-known kayak vendor, ACK maintains a large fleet of demo kayaks that includes many types of quality boats.
Advance full-day kayak reservations can be made with a credit card by calling ACK directly at[masked]-2303.
Making a full-day advance reservation costs $50 and guarantees that you will have your chosen kayak when you arrive. It's also the best value since the hourly rate is $20 and we're likely to be paddling for three hours. Rentals include a paddle and PFD.
Complete information can be found on the ACK website:
Paddle Plan and Guidelines
Gather at the ACK store at 11:00 am to fill out forms, get gear, get down to the dock, get launched, etc. I expect we'll be on the water around 11:30 am or so. Be on time!
The paddle starts near the mouth of Spa Creek at ACK's dock. Leaving the dock, our group will turn left and go under the 6th Street bridge all the way to the end of Spa Creek. Enjoy the sights of beautiful homes and boats. Relax and have a good time. It's not a race, and everyone will catch up if we give them time.
Our group will inevitably get strung out in a long line as we paddle up Spa Creek from the starting point. That's okay. Spa Creek is a dead end, so everyone ahead of you will need to turn around and come back the same way after exploring it.
We'll re-group on the way back up Spa Creek as we pass the Annapolis Yacht Club to Ego Alley and the waterside restaurants. Our route next goes across the mouth of Annapolis harbor to Back Creek which forms the other side of the Eastport peninsula. Back Creek has lots more nice yachts, sailboats, marinas, and lovely homes on the water. We'll go to the end, and then return the same way going around the point to the ACK dock on Spa Creek.
Stay to one side to allow other boats to pass. Remember, kayaks are the smallest water craft in Annapolis harbor, so larger boats have trouble seeing us. Kayaks ALWAYS LOSE in a Battle of the Boats...
Afterwards at the Boatyard Bar & Grill or Davis' Pub
Eastport has several neighborhood bar/restaurants that are great places to hang out with tasty food and drinks. The Boatyard Bar & Grill is just one block from the ACK store. Davis' Pub is another relaxed local favorite just three blocks away. No need to drive to either place. Just walk around, soak up the relaxed vibe of Eastport, and have a good time. Everybody else does, and so will we!
We can decide where we want to head for refreshments and food after the paddle. If it's really hot, the Boatyard Bar & Grill is very close, larger, a little classier, and nicely air-conditioned. If the weather is nice, Davis' Pub has a fun location across the street from the water with indoor seating and outdoor picnic tables under cover. But it's smaller and can get cramped inside. Both places have good food and drinks, so we're covered no matter what we choose.
Check out the Boatyard and Davis' below:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-boatyard-bar-and-grill-annapolis
http://www.yelp.com/biz/davis-pub-annapolis
Weather Considerations
This event depends upon good kayaking weather. I'll post a notice and send out an email by 8:00 am if we need to change plans or cancel. A little rain is okay and can add to the adventure. But storms, lightning, high winds, or excessive heat means we must cancel.
Call Jake at[masked] with any questions.
Driving Directions
Don't trust your GPS going to Eastport. It will most likely direct you through the crowded downtown area of Annapolis. Here's the best route coming from the Washington or Baltimore area.
From Rt 50 East, take Exit 22 (Aris T. Allen Blvd/MD 665) and stay straight on MD 665. After about a mile, the road name changes to Forest Drive.
Keep going straight on Forest Drive and turn left onto Hilltop Lane at the traffic light just past the Safeway. Then follow Hilltop Lane (which changes name to Tyler Ave) straight all the way to Bay Ridge Ave.
Turn left onto Bay Ridge Ave and keep going as it bears right onto Chesapeake Ave at the shopping area. Go down Chesapeake Ave several blocks and turn left onto 4th St to Severn Ave. Take a right on Severn for one block to 3rd St and the ACK store on the left.
The Eastport neighborhood has several one-way streets. You should check out the Google meetup map above to familiarize yourself with the street layout.
I hope to see you there!
August 22, 2013
Jake, thanks for welcoming the Sloane Gang, aka Slang, as you called us, into the group. It was nice to meet all of you. And Gloria, thanks for leading our smaller group to Eagle's Point. I really appreciated having that choice. :-)
August 19, 2013
It's actually called Ego Alley because that's where the Big Boat Owners go to show off. And I'm glad that some of our group made a proper showing at Ego Alley. It's fun to paddle up and down looking at the tourists and boats. I'm also very impressed that Sloan Gang members (including the REAL Sloane) paddled with us around the point to Back Creek. It was challenging at times, but lots of fun and a good time...
1 · August 19, 2013
Oooops! Thanks for the correction, Jake! That actually makes a lot more sense! I was also very impressed by the performance of the rest of the Sloane Gang, especially by Sloane's performance, since she was a first timer like me!
August 20, 2013
Great day for kayaking. Annopolis Canoe and Kayak were very friendly and helpful. Always a pleasure to meet new members. Hope to see many of you again. I enjoyed our conversations. Thanks Jake!
August 19, 2013
The Reverend Jake keeps his perfect score! Always a blast to hang out with the Second Half! THANK YOU JAKE!!!
August 19, 2013
Excellent Annapolis paddle Jake! I liked going up into those little secluded creeks and seeing the gorgeous houses [sigh]. Donna, Pat, Sonja and I decided to soak up the good life paddling Ego Alley while the rest of the group went around the point and explored Back Creek.
Next time I do that I'm taking MONEY ;-) We found a nice ladder that would make climbing out of the kayak (and re-entry) at the city dock easy. An ice cream run is definitely a future plan. Next time!!! I had a great time paddling with everyone and hanging out afterward. Thanks Jake for organizing and making this a wonderful day!
1 · August 17, 2013
Wow, fantastic day on the water, it doesn't get any better! Loved the bouncy ride around the point. Well done, thanks Jake!
August 18, 2013
The weather was perfect. A delightful fun group added to the day. The views of the homes on SPA CREEK and Back Creek were something not many see.
The paddle around Horn Point was a challenge thanks to Chet and Darrell for their support and guidance. And yes, Gloria, Dawn and I were out numbered by some magnificent men at Davis' Pub !
Thank you Jake !
August 18, 2013
Paddling around Annapolis harbor never fails to impress, and today was stellar. The weather was a bit breezy, but otherwise perfect. We had several new members who immediately joined us in having fun and made the bouncy paddle around Horn Point. Very cool. And Gloria, Peggy, and Dawn experienced a 3-1 ratio of men to women at Davis' Pub. I don't want to hear any more gripes about having too many ladies at our events. ;-) See everyone next time...
2 · August 18, 2013
Hey guess who - i'm going to be in DC for a class Wed Aug 21st - anything going on? I may be able to swing getting up there the weekend before or stay til weekend after.
July 30, 2013
It was a great day to be on the backwaters of Annapolis. Dining outside with new friends at Davis Pub afterwards was good, too. Thanks to Jake for making it happen !
August 17, 2013
Thanks Jake for organizing the Annapolis kayaking this weekend. The weather couldn't have been better. The showing was fantastic only followed by the beer and grub at Davis'
August 17, 2013
I had a great time and got some exercise as well. Enjoyed lunch at Davis Pub. Thanks Jake for organizing!
August 17, 2013
Jimmy Buffett pre-game starting early!
August 16, 2013
Sorry Jake, not this time kayaking with your lovely group. I'll see you on Sunday at my Chestertown.
I am sailing tomorrow for the first time in my life!
Good weather and fun to all of us!
August 16, 2013
I'm making this one Jake. And your first drink is on me.
July 23, 2013
Just the paddle--Jimmy Buffett at JLL that night!
July 22, 2013
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What experience level is required for one of these kayak trips