No clue about rules, but I see people launch their blow up kayaks from just west of the boathouse, along the Cap Crescent Trail. It’s not an actual launch point, but accessible enough.

Unfortunately, C&O in DC will be drained, likely into 2025. https://georgetowner.com/articles/2022/10/03/co-canal-repairs/

thanks, i ride along the path quite often it would be an ideal location to learn probably, im wondering if i need to have a life vest or a flag or something

My friends and I have launched from Roosevelt Island before.

You should always wear a PFD. That section of the Potomac can be pretty calm, but it can also flow quick at times. The minimal inconvenience of wearing a vest is worth not potentially drowning in the Potomac.

You don’t need any flag.

Sweet, congrats! You do need to wear a PFD (personal flotation device) but this can be one of those ones that looks like a fanny pack and only inflates when you pull a string. Check out Fletchers Cove as well, there is much better (free) parking. I think Boating in DC charges a small fee for utilizing their dock there. I recommend going on the Potomac instead of the canal, and be extra cautious in shallow waters or where you see rocks (your fin will catch, unlike kayaks which fare better in the canal). Have fun!

i dont own a car so fletchers is a bit far unless i ride, but then i have to worry about my ride being secure while on the water, id likely launch from the north side of key bridge where c&o/capital crecent starts

do you know a local shop that sells accessories / pfd ?

Ah great question about a local shop I actually don’t know of one - hoping someone else has an answer to this! I got my PFD online. Worth throwing an ISO on a local Buy Nothing group I wouldn’t be surprised if someone has an extra they don’t use.

Go to the Key Bridge Boathouse in Georgetown and IIRC they have rules sheet.

thanks, ill go check that out

1. Conratulations.
2. Most of the Potomac is in MD.
   1. You must have: Flotation Device, Whistle, and night signal device (if after dark ( no clue what that is).)
3. Currently, you may want a "dry suit" & jammies to deal with the cold.
   1. I don't think my 5/4 wetsuit will cut it today.

​

PS: There are boathouses with nominal (~$5) fees between Belle Haven (and probably national harbor), and up river past Georgetown to falls. Several places you can put in without fees, but it generally requires a hike. Carrying kit; board helps your core...

Take a boater safety course. DC Harbor regulations do not make a difference between stand up paddle board to a kyack. Need a PFD, sound priducing device (usually a whistle) and proof of tske a boater safety course. ( can do online)

In addition to being "the rules", it's good practice to wear one and learn how to adjust it properly while out on the water. There are many waterways in which boaters without a PFD account for the overwhelming majority of serious / fatal accidents.

i usually launch near fletchers cove for free or at Kenilworth. do note on the Potomac I think either DC fire for NPS will issue tickets if you don't have a PFD.

for clean water, i usually go to Beaverdam Reservoir. for shallow water Mason Neck State Park, but they close at sundown and they will lock u in the park.

always note the wind speed and direction before launching. it will save you

also Che-SuP-Peake offers entry paddle boarding sessions starting early spring

Pay attention to water temperature, right now the water is 40 degrees. You are going to fall in. If you can get back on your board you will be soaking wet in 40 degree air temperature. Take cold water seriously please.

You will lose strength + dexterity in about 3 minutes, the ability to self rescue in less than 10 minutes, and consciousness in about 30 minutes.

I used REI and Amazon (I think...I know I got the inflatable online) to get my PFDs. Not local, but worked

thanks

Thompson Boathouse just south of Key Bridge & Georgetown charges like ~$5 to use the dock. It's super easy, just walk in & tell them & they'll set you up fast.

Or... just stroll right by the boathouse, onto the tiny little Mile Marker 0 peninsula just past it/south of it, & blow up there. You can either launch from the beach (hard) or just drop your board over the (out) side of old lock 1 and hop on (not hard but kind of intimidating). At your own risk!

On the downside, to my knowledge, neither has a particularly great place for stashing the bag & extra gear (pump). Maybe the boathouse has a real recommendation/some way to help, but I haven't asked. I've kind of left mine, well, wherever, & so far it has never been an issue.

Please see other posts to insure you meet legal requirements. ;)

Inflatable SUPs are great. I love being able to bike my board around.

thanks, i wont be going out till it warms up but looking forward to learning