SNOW HILL — Registration is open for the inaugural Delmarva Paddling Weekend, which will be held Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 on the waters around Snow Hill.
Labor Day Weekend may signal the end of the summer season for Ocean City, but it kicks off the beginning of the autumn paddling season around Snow Hill.
As the beach traffic slows down and the hot, humid days fade away, the Pocomoke River, Nassawango Creek, and Chincoteague Bay become paradise for paddlers. The warm water, cool air temps and few insect pests combine to make late September and early October the best time of year to paddle some of the finest flat water on the East Coast.
Participants can choose from an à la carte menu of clinics and guided paddling trips to remote and rarely paddled locations. Interpretive paddling tours guided by local naturalists will focus on the birds and wildlife of the Bald Cypress swamp and the coastal marshes of Chincoteague Bay. Some may choose to experience a twilight ghost tour paddle on the dark waters above Snow Hill’s historic drawbridge. New paddlers can learn basic SUP skills at Byrd Park.
A steamed crab feast at the River House Inn in Snow Hill and accommodations at the local bed and breakfasts and Pocomoke River State Park are available for this new outdoor event that celebrates the paddling experiences of Worcester County, and showcases Snow Hill as a paddling “Trail Town” — a central location to stay, play, dine and drink before and after paddling experiences. Snow Hill is situated on the wild and scenic Pocomoke River, with easy access to amazing outdoor recreation opportunities and proximity to Nassawango Creek and Chincoteague Bay. The towns’ natural beauty and rich history makes it a prime destination for both nature and heritage tourists.
Participants may bring their own human-powered boats or boards, or local outfitters will provide kayaks, canoes and SUPs for those in need. Participating outfitters include the Pocomoke River Canoe Company and Walk on Water.
The Delmarva Paddling Weekend is co-hosted by the sister Trail Town of Laurel, Del., located on beautiful Broad Creek. Clinics and guided paddling trips will also be offered on Broad Creek, Trap Pond, the Nanticoke River and the millponds of Western Sussex County.
Event sponsors include the University of Delaware’s Sustainable Coastal Communities Initiative, Delaware Sea Grant, the Town of Snow Hill, Worcester County Tourism, Delmarva Almanac, the Delaware Office of Tourism, the Greater Laurel Chamber of Commerce, and DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures.
The Delmarva Paddling Weekend is organized by Conservation Community Consulting, LLC along with a host of other partners. To register and learn more, please visit www.DelmarvaPaddling.com.