Discover The Potomac

DISCOVER THE POTOMAC BEGINNER KAYAK TOUR
The Ultimate (No Stress) Local Adventure!
Enjoy a four-hour guided trip of a serene and scenic section of the Potomac River on our signature trip. All our beginner trips are specifically designed for people with limited to no paddling experience (calm water, stable kayaks, friendly instruction).
$125.00

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Trip Details
LOCATION
Pennyfield Lock, Potomac, MD
TIME
9:00 AM or 2:00 PM
DURATION
4 hours
2025 DATES
(Note: all dates are Saturdays)
May* 10, 24, 31
June 7, 14, 21, 28
July 5, 12, 19, 26
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
September 6, 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
PRICE
Discover The Potomac
$125.00

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Photo Gallery
Check out some photos from past trips!



What To Bring
This information is provided to help keep you organized, ensure that you are fully prepared for your lessons, and that you arrive at the correct location with ample time to spare. Please review all of this information carefully at least one week prior to your lesson. Chat or message us through our website with any questions. We look forward to paddling with you!
Directions
The Discover the Potomac beginner kayak tour is held at the Pennyfield Lock area of the C&O Canal National Historical Park off River Road in Potomac, Maryland. For alternate routes, or from points north or west, Google 12100-12351 Pennyfield Lock Rd., Potomac, MD 20854.
WHAT TO BRING
The following list of things to bring is for your comfort, safety, and enjoyment of your on-water experience with us. ALL ITEMS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
- Event “tickets”: electronic proof of purchase (use email), electronic proof of completion of Risk Form by ALL participants (use email), electronic proof ALL participants names appear as “scheduled” for the event date and time (use scheduling login)
- Appropriate apparel that is warm if wet and dries fast, such as fleece and wicking garments, rain jacket and pants or poncho
- One liter of water
- Waterproof snack (Clif Bar, etc.)
- Allergy medication (We require medications for all severe reactions such as bee stings, peanuts, asthma, etc.) and small dry bag to store it
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with strap
- Sun hat
- Hide-A-Key and or small dry bag – Please stash your own key and belongings on your car or person during events.
- Towel and change of clothes (in case you capsize)
Glasses or Contact Wearers
If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, make sure to also be prepared with the following items:
- Eyeglass strap (so you don’t lose your expensive prescription lenses).
- Note to those who wear contacts: Bring extra. You will need to close your eyes while underwater. (Swim goggles don’t work that well. A well-fitting dive mask is ok while learning to roll.)
Optional Items
We recommend bringing the following items, though they are optional:
- Tip for instructors
- Insect repellant
- Binoculars
- Waterproof bird guide

FAQs
Can I just sign up for a single tour or do I have to purchase the complete package?
Yes! The Beginner Flatwater Kayak Tour Package is a better value if you were to do all of the trips, but you can sign up for the Discover the Potomac Beginner Kayak Tour as a standalone activity, if desired. Just follow the registration link on this page and you can purchase a single trip.
Here are some answers to some other frequently-asked questions:
- IMPORTANT: Have all participants in your group created an account, pre-completed our electronic risk form, and have they been scheduled along with you? Please make sure! Only those individuals whose names appear on our schedule will be able to participate in any event. Your purchase is not a reservation. Please chat or message us if you need assistance with our online process.
- Please schedule or re-schedule your events online using your scheduling login – and check your wait list status regularly – wait listing for an event is a commitment on your part to attend. We recommend checking on Monday and Thursday before weekend events. You WILL NOT be notified when you are automatically moved off the wait list, so be sure to check using your scheduling login. The roster generally solidifies the week of the event and we make final adjustments to capacity at that time. Adjustments made on a Friday that result in your being added are accompanied by a manual text and phone call from us. Please respond promptly. Remove yourself from the wait list if you can no longer attend.
- You have up until 72 hours before start time to reschedule (please do so online). Guests who do not reschedule in time or don’t show up forfeit their trip. No exceptions are made to this policy and we do not offer refunds.
- Please do not wait until the last minute to prepare for your trip.
- Please arrive and be prepared fifteen minutes prior to your trip start time. (Late arrivals will not be admitted.)
- Personal floatation, paddle, and kayak are provided at no charge.
- Although our beginner trips do not include intentional capsizing, you could accidentally end up in the water. Therefore, in the spring and fall we require that all participants wear synthetic clothing that dries quickly. Patagonia Capilene is great for such a situation and it can be worn under basic nylon pants and jackets. Long pants are a good idea on many beginner trips. Visit our retail store for assistance with purchasing the right clothing for kayaking.
- On some trips, you will have to help carry your kayak on two short portages.
- Store your car key in a “Hide-a-Key” box or similar somewhere on your vehicle.
- You may repeat any trip at a discounted rate. Message or chat with us for more info.
- All trips meet rain or shine. A decision to postpone due to lightning or other dangerous conditions is made on-site at the last possible minute. (Mother Nature often cooperates if we wait and see.)
- For your safety and enjoyment, we request that you keep your personal information up-to-date on your schedule page using the link at the top right that says “Personal info”
What Others Are Saying
Reviews from others are the highest compliment that we can receive. Check out what others in the Washington, DC area have said about our kayaking lessons and adventures!
Make This Year Amazing!
Learn a new skill, meet new friends, and see the Potomac River like never before with Kayak DC!

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Looking for Something Else?
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