Join SUP Frederick for our annual 32-mile downriver paddle adventure on the Potomac River from Brunswick, MD to Violette’s Lock!
📆 August 1–2, 2026
Whether this is your first LONG distance paddle or you’re one of our returning 32-Miler alumni… you’ll love the challenge!
This is NOT a race; it’s a laid-back, long-distance journey down the Potomac River. We take breaks, move together, enjoy the scenery, and settle into the rhythm of the river one mile at a time. 🌊
This event is known for great people, beautiful scenery, snack breaks, stories, and a whole lot of river miles.
Paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and adventure seekers welcome.
📍 ROUTE
Brunswick Boat Ramp → Violette’s Lock = 32 miles
🕘 DAY ONE
Meet: 8:30 AM
Launch: 9:00 AM sharp
📍 Brunswick Boat Ramp(near the MARC train station). We’ll paddle approximately 16 miles downstream on day one before camping overnight at 🏕️ Marble Quarry Hiker-Biker Campsite (one of the many first-come, first-serve campsites with fire pit + restroom access)
☕ DAY TWO
We break camp in the morning and paddle downstream to White’s Ferry (see menu here: https://www.whitesferrygrill.com) for breakfast / coffee / regroup / resupply before the final stretch to Violette’s Lock
🚣 This paddle is definitely for everybody, with so many options. You can:
• Paddle the full 32 miles with us over two days
• Paddle day one only (launch with us from Brunswick at 9:00 AM and exit at any of the boat ramps along the route).
• Join for day two only near White’s Ferry (meet us for coffee/breakfast before launching downstream with the group).
• Camp with us overnight and spend the weekend hiking or biking the C&O Canal Towpath.
• Meet up with the group anywhere along the route at one of the many launch/takeout points, just message me and I’ll give you ETA to next ramp/meeting point (reach out to me in advance).
🚻 YES, there are RESTROOMS along the way.
We take plenty of breaks too, for:
• Restrooms
• Stretching
• Snacks/lunch
• Regrouping
This is not a sprint. We move together and enjoy the river and reflect on the challenge of milage!
✅ REQUIRED GEAR
• PFD / life jacket
• Leash (SUPs)
• Whistle
• LOTS of water + snacks (pre-hydrate and hydrate along the way!)
• Dry bag highly recommended
• Portable battery bank for phone 📱
• Sunscreen and/or hats/long sleeve cover
• Shorter fins are recommended: some sections of the Potomac can be shallow. We’ll call out shallow areas with hand signals and whistle alerts as we approach them.
Always be alert. Know your limits. Safety first!
🏕️ CAMPING, BRING:
• Tent or hammock
• Sleeping gear
• Headlamp/flashlight
• Camp supplies
This is a self-supported paddle.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do NOT paddle beyond Violette’s Lock. Larger rock formations and the Great Falls hazardous area lie downstream.
We’ll be monitoring river conditions and weather closely leading up to the event, including water levels and Potomac Riverkeeper/water quality updates.
🚙 SHUTTLES / LOGISTICS
Carpool plans, and vehicle staging will be coordinated closer to the event. Feel free to use the comments section to connect with others about logistics.
Become a 32-Miler! It’s so fun!
See you on the water!
There will be swag this year! 👏🎉🌊🏕️🏄♀️🌊
