Free Summer Kayaking Starts Again Thursday Night

The West/Rhode Riverkeeper is once again starting a free kayaking summer program Thursday at 5 p.m. for residents eager to get in the water.

Locals can meet at Discovery Village in Shady Side, grab a kayak and head out for some fun. Running until Sept. 6, the free kayaking program takes place on the first and third Thursdays of every month, said West/Rhode Riverkeeper Chris Trumbauer.

Residents don't need any supplies to attend. Tandem (and some single) kayaks are provided at no cost. Be sure to get there early because Trumbauer said the event is first come, first serve. 

"It's nice to have free things to do with access to our waterways. You'd be surprised in Anne Arundel County how hard that can be sometimes," said Trumbauer, who is also a member of the County Council.

Just a few days after the free kayaking event, Trumbauer said the community is invited to a "wade in" on Saturday to explore the local waters and enjoy an afternoon of snacks. 

"On Saturday we're going to make those same [kayaks] available but we will take reservations for [the event]. We're also encouraging people to bring their own paddle craft," Trumbauer said. "It's just a third of a mile—a nice easy paddle out to the restoration site—and we'll do a wade in and then people are free to wander and explore."