Sun, Aug 23 · 10:00 AM EDT
IMPORTANT: This is a limited-attendance event in Gaithersburg, MD. Please read the full description and only RSVP if you will actually attend. Thanks.
FULL DETAILS (Please Read):
OVERVIEW:
Sunday's weather is looking nice: mostly sunny with temps around 80 and lower humidity. Let's paddle that! Join us for a tropical-themed, beginner-friendly flatwater kayak outing on Clopper Lake in Gaithersburg's Seneca Creek State Park. Limited rentals are available or bring your own boat (kayak, canoe, SUP, inflatable, whatever). After entering the park ($4/person entry fee for MD residents, $6 out of state), follow signs for the Boat Center . Restrooms are available. Wear a floral top or Hawaiian shirt, if possible. Your host (Carl, aka PapaDuck) will give out floral leis to all. Afterward, bring lunch and a chair and enjoy FREE tropical margaritas and snacks at our scenic lakeside picnic!
IMPORTANT: Please see the "Renters " and "Owners " and "Everyone " subheads below for more specific instructions.
RSVPs:
Please answer the RSVP question indicating whether you will be renting or using your own craft. This is critical. Those who do not answer, or respond incoherently, or have a history of no-shows or habitual last-minute drops, will be moved to "not going." Also, this event is cross-posted. Please RSVP with only one group . Thank you.
GUESTS:
Given the limited number of rental boats, guests are not allowed , with two exceptions: (1) You and your guest plan to rent a tandem (two person) kayak. (2) Your guest will be bringing their own boat . If either of these is the case, reach out to me via private meetup message.
RENTERS :
The Clopper Lake boathouse opens at 10 am . Given the finite number of available rental craft, you are strongly encouraged to arrive early in case there's a line. Cost for rentals is $12/hour . Bring an official photo ID (e.g., driver's license) and cash or credit card. Rentals include boat, paddle, and PFD (life jacket). Once on the water, paddle over to the end of the dock . Renters and owners will assemble in that area by 10:15 am .
OWNERS :
Meet at the self-launch area, which is the lower parking lot just past the boathouse. Arrive early enough to get your craft ready to launch around 10 am . We will assemble with the renters near the end of the dock by 10:15 . There is no launch fee, but park regulations require that you have a USCG-approved PFD.
EVERYONE :
Total time for this casual flatwater paddle will be about 1.5 hours , with a distance of roughly 2-3 miles . (Note: You'll always have the option to make the event shorter by returning to the boathouse early.) If you are running late , post a comment on meetup. We will NOT wait for you (it's unfair to renters who are on the clock), but you can TURN LEFT after leaving the boathouse cove and look for a group of festively clad people having fun on the water. :)
MARGARITA PICNIC LUNCH:
Back on dry land, we'll conclude with an optional “lakeside luau” — a BYO picnic lunch on the scenic shores of Clopper Lake. In keeping with the theme, PapaDuck will provide FREE tropical-flavored margaritas and a selection of snacks. Please bring your own lunch, if desired, as well as a camp chair or blanket (NO PICNIC TABLES are available). Please do NOT bring food to share . I don't have room on my small camp table to host a potluck.
Thanks for your time and attention. We hope to see you Sunday! :)
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Please note: A "yes" RSVP is your digital signature attesting that you have read, understood, and agreed to the group's Liability Waiver and Release, located here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mD_vRF62MaCBUyVsx_qzi72hCpaZsqr_/view