Water Sports

The Izaak Walton League’s Rockville Chapter Paddle Sports program provides educational and recreational opportunities for adults and children interested in kayaking and canoeing. The program runs through the summer months and is open to both chapter members and non-members.

Started more than 30 years ago by Chapter pioneer Jim Hill, the program has trained Olympic-level championship paddlers starting at an early age. Today's program is more family oriented, with things for both adults and kids alike to learn and do. The Chairmen of the program provides hands-on training in the chapter’s boats. Training sessions for children and beginner paddlers afford participants an opportunity to practice skills and become familiar with different boats. The overriding priority of the program is proper water and boating safety. Beyond that we want to teach the fundamentals and good technique. If you establish a solid foundation your skills will grow naturally as you gain more experience.

Our Chapter’s program also includes regular group paddling outings. We paddle on the Potomac River, Monocacy River, Little Seneca Lake and the Triadelphia Reservoir.  There is an age requirement of 12 and above for these outings and no prior experience or equipment is required. Participants must be able to swim and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information or to register for an outing, contact us at iwlarwatersports@gmail.com.

Kayaking on the Potomac River

2024 Introduction to Kayaking Course

When: Saturday, June 1, 2024 (Rain or Shine)
Where: Meet in the Lower Level of IWLA-R Chapter House
When: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (arrive at 8:45 a.m. to register)
Cost: Free for IWLA-R members, $25 for non-members

This introductory course will provide a basic understanding of safety, equipment, kayak entry and exit, proper paddle and body position, paddle technique and basic strokes. This course is limited to the first 15 people who sign up. Download the flyer for all the important details.

2024 Water Sports Schedule

The schedule for 2024 Summer Kayaking is below.

  • June 1: Kayaking 101 Training Session @ IWLA-R Lake
  • June 15: Monocacy River
  • July 20: Antietam Creek
  • August 17: Harper’s Ferry to Brunswick
  • September 21: Violet’s Lock Loop
  • October 28: Monocacy River or Fletcher’s

All river outings will follow the timetable below:

  • Send an email to iwlarwatersports@gmail.com with the number of people in your group in case of cancellation. Note (please copy & paste the email address above into your specific email application)
  • Minimum age: 12 and above
  • If you are using Chapter equipment, please arrive at Chapter House parking lot (18301 Waring Station Road) at 8:30 a.m.
  • We will depart parking lot at 9:00 a.m.
  • All day trips will float five miles (approximately two to three hours long), back at Chapter House around 4:30 to 5:00 p.m.
  • Bring water, lunch, sun protection, hat, sunglasses
  • Leave cell phones in vehicle or make waterproof
  • Wear clothing that can get wet, no flip-flops
  • Be prepared to load/unload 35 pound kayaks

Fees

IWLA-R Members
Adult: (1 trip) $10
Adult (Season): $20
Student age 12 and above: 1/2 Adult

Non-Members
Adult: (1 trip) $20
Adult (Season): $40
Student age 12 and above: 1/2 Adult