Membership Overview
Our Flatwater Membership is a neat bundle of five fun trips that have been specifically designed for people with limited paddling experience (calm water, stable kayaks, friendly instruction). The Membership Package includes:
Two years of breathtaking trips, including::
1. Discover The Potomac
2. Night Sounds By Moonlight
3. Blackwater Wildlife Refuge
4. Fall Colors On The Potomac
5. DC Monuments
6. Use of top-quality equipment for all trips (kayak, paddle and PFD)
7. New! 10% discount at our retail store
Kayak, paddle, and pfd is provided on site for each trip, and our guides provide instruction on proper equipment fit, boat outfitting, safe launching and landing, and basic strokes. We'll even teach you the "right" way to paddle (by using your core muscles, instead of your arms and shoulders). Get an introduction to kayaking and see bald eagles, great blue herons, wild turkeys, owls, deer, turtles, beaver, rays, and more! All trips are run by a professional instructor. You have up to two years to complete all five trips.
 Trip Package Details and Photos
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A lifetime of paddling!
When you sign up for the beginner trip package, you'll not only get four memorable half-day trips, but you'll develop the foundation for a lifetime of paddling. You'll also gain an understanding of the regions best paddling spots, and how to get there!
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The Nation's river.
Discover the Potomac, our signature trip, takes you through history and wilderness just 15 miles outside the city! See Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Cormorants, Painted Turtles, Bald Eagles, catfish, deer, and more!
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Things that go "who" in the night.
Our incredible Night Sounds trip takes you out onto the C&O canal to witness a moonrise and the chorus of sounds that echoes through the park under a full moon. You may even hear a Barred Owl!
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Pageantry of fall.
Witness the beauty of Falls Colors from a calm, scenic wilderness section of the Potomac River. Learn more about the river's history as you enjoy hot apple cider from your thermos. A special fall treat for the whole family!
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More Bald Eagles than people.
Come to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to see all the annual migrating waterfowl, plus the largest Bald Eagle population outside of Florida! Get an up-close view of this incredible slice of our natural world.
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More than scenery.
At the beginning of each trip our professional instructors provide a structured lesson on proper equipment fit, how to safely get in and out of the kayak, and how to use your core muscles to move the kayak. By the time you're through, you'll have solid skills to carry you into the future!
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We've got the gear.
As a trip participant, you can use our top-quality equipment for each trip. We use the Dagger Zydeco, a light, stable and comfortable kayak for beginners. All our equipment is brand-new each year!
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Expert instruction.
Each of our guides is a mature, professionally-trained instructor who loves teaching beginners and helping people develop a love for the sport. They've made us the top school in the region through their patience and friendliness! Come see for yourself!
How to Schedule Your Trips
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Step 1
Select the quantity of participants you want to register for a particular trip or class and click "purchase and enroll."
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Step 2
On the next screen enter your registration information. Review your order and click "Charge Credit Card" if everything looks okay. This creates a credit for you in our system. Your payment will be processed and you will be sent an email with your login information.
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Step 3
You should now have received 2 emails from us. Read the first email, "Potomac Paddlesports Account," and write down your username and password.
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Step 4
Using your username and password, log in to the website. You will be taken to your account page. In the "Schedule-at-a-Glance" window, click "Schedule My Trips/Classes".
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Step 5
On the scheduling tool page, under "Available," choose from among the available dates for your event. Doing so will add you to the roster for that trip or class. You must cancel or reschedule at least 3 days (72 hours) prior to the event or you will forfeit the trip or class.
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Step 6
Once you schedule yourself for a class, you will get a third email from us ("IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION"). This email contains a link to a PDF packet of information: Directions, list of equipment, waiver and medical form. Print out this packet and review it prior to your event.
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Step 7
If you registered more than one participant, forward the second email ("Purchase Confirmation/Gift Codes") to the other participant(s). This email contains a GIFT CODE and instructions. They MUST follow the instructions in this email and complete Steps 3 - 6 themselves.
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Step 8
Are you thoroughly confused? No problem. We're here to help! Give us a call and we can walk you through the process and answer any questions you have--the old fashioned way!
Individual Course Descriptions
Discover the Potomac
Enjoy a four-hour guided trip of a serene and scenic section of the Potomac River on our signature trip. Our professional instructors and guides will teach you all about flatwater kayaks, how to paddle with correct technique, and will help you discover the flora and fauna of our local treasure. You'll also learn the rich history of the C & O Canal. Catch a glimpse of heron, kingfisher, white-tailed deer, and painted turtles, and see and learn about the many other wild inhabitants of our river ecosystem.
2012 Dates (Choose one) : April 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25; September 1, 8, 15, 22
Includes : Kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
Location (link) : Pennyfield Lock, Potomac, MD
Time : 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM
Duration : 4 hours
Click here for directions and what to bring 
Night Sounds By Moonlight
Enjoy a three-hour breathtaking trip on the mysterious "Widewater" section of the C&O Canal in Potomac. After a quick paddling lesson, we'll listen intently for evening sounds such as owls, bull frogs, and many other creatures of the night. These trips are offered on evenings when the moon is full or nearly full. Experiencing a moonrise from a kayak will take your breath away!
2012 Dates (Choose one) : May 16, 17 at 7:00 pm; June 13, 14 at 7:30 pm; July 11, 12 at 7:30 pm; September 11, 12, 13 at 6:00 pm
Includes : Kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
Location (link) : Angler's Lot, C & O Canal National Historic Park, Potomac, Maryland
Duration : 3 hours
Additional equipment to bring : Headlamp with new batteries, long nylon pants, shoes with EXCELLENT TRACTION, bug spray, and a red light stick on a string to wear around your neck.
Click here for directions and what to bring
Blackwater Wildlife Refuge
Join us as we go on a three-hour kayak safari in the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge! Located in Cambridge Maryland, the refuge supports over 60 species of birds-including a large Bald Eagle population and 13 species of waterfowl! Blackwater is only a two-hour drive from the metro area. All trips include a brief equipment orientation and paddling lesson. Come experience the beauty of this national treasure in a kayak! Bald eagle sightings are guaranteed! Bring your binoculars!
2012 Dates (Choose one) : April 21, 22; October 6, 7, 13, 14
Includes : Kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
Location (link) : BNWR Visitor Center, Cambridge, MD
Time : 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM
Duration : 4 hours
Click here for directions and what to bring
Fall Colors On The Potomac
See the fall foliage change from the most unique perspective: on the water! Witness the splendor and pageantry of fall as the trees provide a vivid display of color and light reflected on the water's surface. All trips include a brief equipment orientation and paddling lesson. Bring a thermos of hot spiced cider and a waterproof camera on this four-hour trip!
2012 Dates (choose one) : October 20, 21, 27, 28; November 3, 4
Includes : Kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
Location (link) : Pennyfield Lock, C&O Canal National Historic Park, Potomac, Maryland
Time : 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM
Duration : 4 hours
Click here for directions and what to bring
DC Monument Tour
Enjoy a four-hour guided trip of one of the most scenic sections of the Potomac River. All our flatwater trips are specifically designed for people with limited paddling experience (calm water, stable kayaks, friendly instruction).
2012 Dates (choose one) : April 29; May 6, 13, 20; June 3, 10, 17; July 1, 8, 15, 22; August 12, 19; September 2, 9, 16
Includes : Kayak, paddle and personal flotation device.
Location (link) : Columbia Island Marina
Time : 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Duration : 4 hours
Click here for directions and what to bring
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Community Partners
A percentage of all sales from our flatwater kayak program goes to support the Potomac Riverkeeper.
Be Prepared!
Below are some products that we frequently recom-mend to our flatwater tour guests. Have a look, and if there's any-thing else you need to make sure you're ready for your session on the water, we've got a ton of gear over in our online store! Check it out!
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