Early bird registration is now open for the inaugural Delmarva Paddling Weekend, which will be held September 30 through October 2, 2016. The event features guided excursions and clinics by kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard on the Nanticoke and Pocomoke Rivers, Broad Creek and Nassawango Creek, the historic mill ponds near Laurel, Delaware, and Chincoteague Bay behind Assateague Island east of Snow Hill, Maryland.
Social events and special camping packages are available for this new outdoor event that celebrates the paddling experiences around Laurel and Snow Hill and showcases the towns as paddling โTrail Townsโ — central locations to stay, play, dine and drink before and after paddling experiences. Both Laurel and Snow Hill are situated on beautiful waterways with easy access to amazing outdoor recreation opportunities and proximity to excellent state parks, and the townsโ natural beauty and rich histories make them prime destinations for both nature and heritage tourists.
Modeled after the successful Delmarva Birding Weekend, now in its 21st year, participants can choose from an ร la carte menu of clinics and paddling trips. They can learn basic kayaking and SUP skills, and try their luck at kayak fishing. Interpretive paddling tours guided by local naturalists and historians will focus on the birds and wildlife of local waterways, connections our local rivers have to historical luminaries as Harriet Tubman and Captain John Smith, and twilight ghost tours on the water.
Participants may bring their own human-powered boats or boards, or local outfitters will provide kayaks, canoes and SUPs for those in need. Participating outfitters include DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures, Quest Kayak, Coastal Kayak, Delaware Paddlesports, and the Pocomoke River Canoe Company.
Locals and visitors alike are invited to participate. For those wishing to stay or camp, special accommodations will be offered at Trap Pond State Park, Pocomoke River State Park, and the bed & breakfasts of Snow Hill.
Event sponsors include the University of Delaware’s Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative, Delaware Sea Grant, the Town of Snow Hill, Delmarva Almanac, the Delaware Office of Tourism, the Greater Laurel Chamber of Commerce, and DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures.
The Delmarva Paddling Weekend is organized by Conservation Community Consulting, LLC along with a host of other partners. To register and learn more, please visit www.DelmarvaPaddling.com.
Southern Delaware Tourism supports and encourages the identification, development and promotion of sustainable, year-round tourism in Southern Delaware that contributes to economic growth and improves the quality of life. For more information, call Southern Delaware Tourism at 302-856-1818 or visit their website, www.VisitSouthernDelaware.com.
