Kayaking the Severn Side of Annapolis - Rentals Available

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Annapolis is framed by Eastport on one side and the Severn River on the other. Our SHR group often paddles around Eastport on Spa Creek and Back Creek. This time we'll explore the Severn River side of Annapolis that includes College Creek, Weems Creek, and two major highway bridges that cross the river.

Following our paddle, we can relax with refreshments and food at the Rams Head Roadhouse just a few miles away.

Driving Directions

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We'll meet up and launch our kayaks at Jonas Green Park located by the Rt 450 bridge that crosses over the Severn River to Annapolis. You can see the park down below as you approach the bridge on Rt 450 from Rt 50 East. To get there, you'll need to turn left at the traffic light before the bridge onto Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.

The Google Meetup map above shows the address for the Severn Inn which is the best way to find our meetup spot. After turning left from Rt 450 onto Baltimore Annapolis Blvd at the light, take the first right turn that leads down to the Severn Inn and Jonas Green Park.

The Jonas Green parking lot is straight ahead as you go under the bridge. If the parking lot is full, check out the Severn Inn lot next door. We'll launch our boats from the designated kayak beach by the parking lot. There are restrooms and porta-potties at the park.

Paddling Along the Severn River

Our kayaking route from Jonas Green Park will be at a relaxed pace that takes us across the Severn River under the Rt 450 bridge to College Creek. It's a charming tributary that runs up to St. John's College past the U.S. Naval Academy. Then we'll return to the Severn River and paddle a short distance to explore scenic Weems Creek, a side of Annapolis most people never see.

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After seeing what Weems Creek has to offer, our group will return to the Severn River and paddle up to the Rt 50 bridge. We'll then cross back to the eastern side protected by the pilings of the Severn River Bridge. Once there, it's a nice straight paddle along the shore of the Severn River back to our starting point at Jonas Green Park.

Total roundtrip distance for this paddle will be 7-8 miles. Bring a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of cold water to stay hydrated.

Skill Level

This event is suitable for anyone who has good paddling skills and feels comfortable controlling a kayak in close proximity to the larger boats that use Annapolis harbor. You must be able to paddle confidently while staying together with our group of kayakers for approximately three hours on the water.

College Creek and Weems Creek are generally calm and safe. The larger swells and waves on the Severn River are not normally too difficult. However, the Severn River can get choppy due to wind and the wakes of passing boats, so you must be prepared to handle some wave swells and turbulent water.

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ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A PFD AND BE 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. Our paddle events have been very successful because we stick together in case anyone needs assistance. So far, there hasn't been a problem. Let's keep it that way!

Kayak Rentals

Kayak rentals at Jonas Green Park are available from Paddle or Pedal, the park's boat rental concessionaire. They have a friendly staff that handles everything, so all you need to do is show up, pay for your rental, and then paddle and have fun. You can make a rental reservation by phone in advance to be sure you have a boat.

Paddle or Pedal charges $15 per hour for a single kayak, and $20 per hour for a tandem kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or pedal boat. An all-day kayak rental is $45, which is a good choice since we'll be on the water three hours or more. Call them at 410-271-7007. Full details are available on the website:

http://www.paddleorpedal.com

Post-Paddle at the Rams Head Roadhouse

After the paddle, we'll pack up our boats at Jonas Green Park and drive six miles to the Rams Head Roadhouse at 1773 General's Highway, Annapolis 21401. It's a relaxed and fun place with good food and drinks. Full details with reviews and map below:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/rams-head-roadhouse-annapolis

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Weather Considerations

As this event depends upon good kayaking weather, I'll post a notice here and send out an email by 9:00 am if we need to change plans or cancel. A little rain won't stop us and can add to the adventure, but we won't paddle in excessive heat, lightning, thunderstorms, high winds, or other dangerous conditions.

Call Jake at 703-798-8435 with any questions.

I hope to see you there!

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