I mentioned this last year and I'll mention it again. During the skiing offseason, I enjoy kayaking in the DC area.
I created a guide for where you can rent a kayak in and outside the Beltway:
snowsmith wrote:
I have kayak and I’m always looking for new places to kayak. Being able to ‘put-in’ is important. If you have recommendations, I would appreciate it if you could share.
I believe the Northern Virginia Parks allows put-in; my brother does that on the Occoquan.
Fletcher's Boat House does as well, though I think you are expected to pay a dock fee. I think the same may be true for the marina near LBJ Park.
You may be able to unofficially put-in at Theodore Roosevelt Island.
The Washington Sailing Marina is another stop and I would expect a dock fee. They used to rent kayaks but have seemingly ended the practice which is very disappointing for me since I live in Alexandria.
Four Mile Run near the end of Commonwealth Avenue in Alexandria works; that's where the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation kayak cleanups launch from too.
I can't speak for the other locations from personal experience as I am a renter (much more convenient than hauling/storing a kayak). The map on the my DC Kayaking landing page has links to all the locations I know of to rent.
snowsmith wrote:
I have kayak and I’m always looking for new places to kayak. Being able to ‘put-in’ is important. If you have recommendations, I would appreciate it if you could share.
I biked down to Belle Haven Marina this weekend. It's a $10 launch free
from their dock. It's right off of the GW Parkway south of Alexandria.
In theory you could put in at Jones Point Park for free, but I haven't looked closely at those docks.
I checked out Belle Haven Marina recently:
$10 launch fee @snowsmith
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