The first river you paddle runs through the rest of your life. It bubbles up in pools and eddies to remind you who you are. — Lynn Noel
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast living or visiting Philadelphia and its surrounding area then you’ve probably heard buzz about our waterways. City dwellers and visitors can enjoy these waterways by canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, dragon boating, and rowing. You can get some exercise and tour the Philly area all at the same time!
Here are some great ways to try your hand at one or more of these paddling adventures.
Paddle Penn’s Landing
Now through September 27, 2015
12:00 – 8:00 p.m.
This year, the Delaware River Waterfront Corp is partnering with the Independence Seaport Museum to run Paddle Penn’s Landing. Kayaks, canoes, and foot-pedal swan boats are available for public rental. Anyone looking to enjoy the beautiful waterfront can rent one of the boats and enjoy the atmosphere in a safe, supervised environment at the Penn’s Landing Marina, located just south of the Hyatt Hotel.
SUP at Spruce Street Harbor Park
June 17, 2015 through September 26, 2015
Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
If you didn’t grab a paddle board and strike a pose at the Spruce Street Harbor Park last summer, then here’s your chance to finally downward dog on the water. SUP Yoga, also known as Paddle Board Yoga, is back! For those of you who don’t know what that means, it’s a unique combo of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and yoga. Only on the fitness scene for the last couple of years, this yoga class offered by Aqua Vida not only offers the benefits of yoga (flexibility, strength, balance and focus), but the floating studio allows you to commune with nature while you are doing it.
Schuylkill Banks and Manayunk Kayak Tours
Now through September 26, 2015
Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (times vary)
Hidden River Outfitters, a family owned Philadelphia business, offers a unique perspective of center city that can be found nowhere else. Guests will encounter spectacular views of the Fairmount Dam, the Art Museum, Fairmount Water Works, and the city skyline. The Schuylkill Banks tours depart from the Walnut Street Dock and the Manayunk tours depart from the dock at Manayunk Brewing Company. Both tours begin on land with some basic paddle instruction to get guests comfortable, as well as a safety briefing. This year they will also be offering paddle board instruction and rentals!
Philadelphia Dragon Boat Association
Ongoing
The Philadelphia Dragon Boat Association recruits and trains new members in the spring of each year, and accepts veteran paddlers all year long. They’re always looking for physically fit recruits of all ages and genders. And if you don’t know how to paddle in a dragon boat they’ll be happy to teach you!
Sixth Annual Learn to Row and Paddle Day Philadelphia
Saturday, August 8, 2015 at
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Lloyd Hall
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be rowing or paddling on the Schuylkill River in the beautiful surroundings of Fairmount Park or other local waterways, register today for the Sixth Annual Learn to Row and Paddle Day Philadelphia and give yourself the chance to find out. Maximum registration is 150 individuals, so register now!
Hike and Paddle with Schuylkill River Heritage Area
Saturday, August 8, 2015
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The Hike and Paddle will take place at Schuylkill Canal Park. Participants will take a birding walk along the river, a tour of the canal, lock 60 and the lock tender’s House, and a kayaking loop that begins on the river and returns via the canal. Lunch, kayaks and all kayaking gear are provided.
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