4th of July Paddling

Every 4th of July for the last couple of years I have journeyed out to the New River in West Virginia to lead a great kayaking trip with Tom. One year though I had such a great time watching fireworks on the river. This was due to how the holiday fell. This year the 4th falls on Saturday and I will be picnicking on the New River and telling our tales from paddling that day, but wanted to leave those of you still here a few tips on the best fireworks watching spot in DC.

Watching the fireworks from a kayak is about the most convenient, inexpensive, and cool way to see them. If one wanted to depending on where they lived they could put on in the Potomac and paddle to a number of great viewing places. One such viewing place in at the downstream, river right (Virginia) side of Roosevelt Island. It sites the Washington Monument well and has Memorial Bridge in site, as well as the Lincoln memorial. Follow a few of these tips to beat traffic and have a fairly stress free day.

• Get there a bit early, 2 in the afternoon worked for me last time. Get to and park in the Roosevelt Island Parking lot or just up from it. You will notice lots of people setting up in the grassways around GW Parkway, your viewing spot will be better than theirs. Get there early to secure parking and make a bit of a tailgate party out of it.
• Bring your picnic stuff and if you are going to drink, keep things discreet. A tarp to strung between two cars parked side by side provides a good party shelter if there is a storm.
• Head down to the water around 6 to 7 pm to get your spot. This should get you there to stake out your water real estate. It is about a 5-10 minute paddle. Head downstream to the tip of the island. Pull in somewhat close to it to take advantage of the shallow water. Shallow water gives you something to slide your paddles into and protects you from power boats and police checks. The picture above shows you the tip of the island, just behind the mans head.
• Consider paddling a canoe or recreational kayak, it gives you a bit more room for you and your refreshments. Bring a blanket or extra layers if you think you might get cold. Use paddles to anchor into the mud and some webbing or cord to tie the boats together to form a raft or viewing barge of sorts.
• A glow stick or two (red/green) to tape or tie to your bow will keep you within Coast Guard Regulations and a headlamp can serve as your running lights. Make sure everyone has their PFD.

That should be about it. Once you watched the fireworks take a nice leisurely paddle back to your car. You can head home up Spout Run for Virginians or head up the GW Pkwy for MD folks.

Your Google Map.

Other places to consider putting in are Fletchers Cove, Jacks Boat house or for those wanting an athletic challenge, Lock 5. I would recommend Columbia Island, but too many folks tend to park there to view things from the shore, I would steer clear of it.