villajunction.blogg.se - Classes in belle haven park

Whether you are renting or bringing your own, make sure that your PFD has a safety whistle that is readily accessible.Always bring a paddle float and water pump for self rescue.ALWAYS wear a personal flotation device (PFD) properly secured, at all times when participating in paddlesport activities.Restroomsīelle Haven Marina an indoor bathroom facility building maintained by the National Park Service. Belle Haven Park, just north of the marina, features two large parking lots within walking distance to the marina. However, the marina can be busy on weekends. Parking is available within the marina along the point. To review the forecast for this paddle trip, visit:Įmergencies Call 911 or 20 (US Park Police)įacility address (***Belle Haven Marina does not have a street numbered address, however it is well marked from George Washington Memorial Parkway): We STRONGLY suggested that you review the marine forecast ahead of heading out for a paddling trip. Just be courteous and aware as it is harder for a sailboat to maneuver or avoid collision, especially in tight quarters. These are not massive sailboats, just 14 foot Sunfish and 19 foot Flying Scots. When departing from and returning to the kayak launch, be mindful of sailboats also leaving from or returning to the dock in the same vicinity.

Though the paddling route is near shore, the exposure to open water does mean that paddlers can be susceptible to large boat wakes from powerboats and tour boats traveling up and down the main channel.

If bringing your own boat, there is a $5 launch fee for canoes and kayaks.

Interested in bird watching? Every Sunday morning at 8AM, Friends of Dyke Marsh, a volunteer group dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the marsh preserve, organizes bird walks led by experienced birders.

A hike along the Haul Road Trail, less than a mile in length, gives a land side perspective on Dyke Marsh Preserve and ends at a boardwalk with benches looking out on a wonderful view of the river.

If it’s a breezy day that doesn’t look good for kayaking, then it’s probably a great day to be sailing!

In addition to paddling, Belle Haven Marina also offers sailboat lessons and rentals.

Though this is a beginner friendly paddle and the routes stays near shore, it does traverse an open water environment.

Make rental arrangements at the marina office before heading down to the kayak launch area.

Canoes, single kayaks, tandem kayaks, as well as standup paddleboards are seasonally available for rental.

Referred to as “Hell Hole” in the 19th century for its wildness and mosquitoes, it might be more aptly nicknamed “Heavenly Preserve” in contemporary times.

Best explored by kayak or canoe, Belle Haven Marina’s kayak launch is perfectly located on the protected side of the point for easy access to paddle Dyke Marsh. Just as rare is Dyke Marsh Preserve, one of the few remaining freshwater tidal wetlands on the Potomac. It’s hard to imagine that a place so quaint and peaceful as Belle Haven Marina exists within a stone’s throw of the Beltway. Belle Haven Marina is situated on a peninsula of land just south of historic Old Town Alexandria with views of the Wilson Bridge, Hunting Creek, Jones Point Lighthouse, and Dyke Marsh. Don’t let the sailing activities signal any sort of pretense – the staff and regulars at Belle Haven Marina are relaxed and as welcoming as they come. For many locals, Belle Haven Marina has been an institution for generations, where parents watch as their kids learn to kayak and sail in the same place where they had learned themselves. Belle Haven Marina and Dyke Marsh are both rare treasures of their own accord.