**PERMIT REQUIRED: They really were checking for permits last year and may be this year as well, and the citation is $130.00 if you didn't have your permit. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A PFD.
Laid Back Paddles: These paddles will be calm, short, and relatively slow (between 2.5 - 3 mph)! These paddles will have more of an exploring nature and relaxation feel to them. Any length of kayak would be welcome (except inflatables), and any level of paddling skill. These are for people who want to stop and smell the roses. Distances will be based on the individual groups.
On the water time is 10:30, so plan on being there by 10:00 to get your gear ready.
This paddle will have more of an exploring nature and relaxation feel to it. A nice relaxing paddle to start off the season. We will still be paddling about 7-8 miles and will try to keep a speed of around 3 mph or so (except when we stop in coves to explore) so make sure you are up for the distance/speed. We will be heading up to explore a very cute, tiny waterfall. This are for people who want to stop and smell the roses, but want to head up to that waterfall.
Triadelphia (Brighton Dam) and Rocky Gorge (T. Howard Duckett Dam) Reservoirs are surrounded by 6,000 acres of wooded property that comprise the WSSC owned portion of the Patuxent Reservoirs Watershed.
The two reservoirs collect water draining off 132 square miles and can store over 11billion gallons of water. This water serves as the drinking water for 1/3 of WSSC’s 1.8 million customers.
WSSC’s watershed recreation program allows visitors access to 6 watershed recreation areas which include picnic facilities and over 16 miles of shoreline fishing and interior recreation trails. All users must purchase a permit to enter and use the facilities. TRIADELPHIA is closed at this point, due to work on the dam.
We will head up stream from the Scotts Cove put in at a leisurely pace. My plan is to head up past the Route 29 bridge and head for a nice little waterfall. We can also take time exploring some of the many coves and fingers of the reservoir. There is no parking at the actual ramp, you need to unload you kayak and then park up on the hill.
Total paddle time should be about three hours for a total distance of 7-8 miles. Bring a wide brim hat, cold water, and sunscreen. Don't forget to bring snacks, lunch, and/or maybe some food to share during our lunch stop.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST WEAR A PFD AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL SAFETY
You must have your own equipment and kayak for this paddle. The Organizers and Event Hosts of Wicked Fun Kayakers look out for our paddlers, but we are not trained experts in rescuing paddlers. All trips are organized by volunteers who are experienced kayakers but not professionals or qualified rescue experts. You are responsible for your own personal safety.
YOU MUST HAVE A PERMIT to paddle at Triadelphia. Day permits are $6.00 and annual permits are $70.00. You can buy one at the visitor center at Brighton Dam before the paddle or get one online at www.wsscwater.com.
