Monument Info Packet

Thank you for registering for beginner kayaking trips with Potomac Paddlesports! You’ll soon discover that, for a bunch of paddlers, we’re pretty organized. This packet of information is provided to help keep you organized and ensure that you are fully prepared for your lessons. Please review all of this information carefully at least one week prior to your lesson. You may contact us at any time with questions by calling 301-881-2628 or emailing us at info@potomacpaddlesports.com.

For expert service when purchasing paddling clothing or equipment, please visit our retail store at 9812 Falls Rd Potomac, Maryland 20854. We look forward to paddling with you!

Contents

This packet contains the following:

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.

  1. You have up to two years from your first trip to complete any membership package.
  2. Please schedule or re-schedule your trip online.
  3. 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.
  4. Please do not wait until the last minute to prepare for your trip.
  5. Please arrive and be prepared fifteen minutes prior to your trip start time. (Late arrivals will not be admitted.)
  6. Personal floatation, paddle, and kayak are provided at no charge.
  7. 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.
  8. On some trips, you will have to help carry your kayak on two short portages.
  9. Store your car key in a “Hide-a-Key” box or similar somewhere on your vehicle.
  10. You may repeat any trip at a discounted rate of 10%. Please call our registration office for further information.
  11. 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.)
  12. For your safety and enjoyment, we request that you keep your personal information up to date via your schedule page. Please log in and update your info at www.potomacpaddlesports.com.

List of Things 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. Please call or visit our retail store for assistance. (See map and directions below.)

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Gear Store

Directions to Our Retail Store

Our retail store (not lessons!) is located at 9812 Falls Road, Potomac, Maryland 20854. Our phone number is (301) 881-2628. Click on the Directions link in the map below for directions.

Directions to Lesson Location

The monument tour is held at Columbia Island Marina in Arlington, VA. Columbia Island Marina is only accessible from the southbound lanes of the GW parkway. If you possess a GPS device, please use it.

Southbound on the George Washington Parkway:
  1. Take the GW Parkway southbound. Follow signs towards Reagan National Airport.
  2. After you pass the exit for Rt. 66, get in the right lane and get ready to exit.
  3. Turn right into the Marina just after the signs for "Lyndon B. Johnson Memorial Grove."
  4. Locate the kayak trailer in the parking lot and park near it. You will find your instructors nearby.

Northbound on the George Washington Parkway:

  1. Pass Reagan Washington National Airport and take the next exit for I-395 South
  2. Stay Right and take immediate first exit, Exit 10 A (Boundary Channel Drive)
  3. Follow directions "From I-395," below.

From I-395 (northbound or southbound):

  1. Take Exit 10 A (Boundary Channel Drive)
  2. Merge Right towards the North Parking of the Pentagon
  3. Continue on the left lane around the pentagon. The pentagon lagoon and marina will be to the right.
  4. Come to a stop sign. There will be a sign that says "George Washington Memorial Parkway" with an arrow to the right.
  5. Turn right and enter route 27 North (There will not be a sign for 27 North) for a short time (stay in right lane)
  6. Take first exit Right to George Washington Parkway South. There is a sign for Lady Bird Johnson Park to the right on the exit ramp.
  7. Merge right onto Geo. wash. Pkwy South.
  8. Just pass yield/merge sign, turn Right into Marina (before the Humpback Bridge)
  9. Locate the kayak trailer in the parking lot and park near it. You will find your instructors nearby.

Please have all your clothing and supplies ready to go fifteen minutes prior to start time so that we can start promptly.

Note! Vehicles have been broken into at this parking lot. Please leave all valuables at home and bring a small drybox for your credit cards and cash. You can store your car key in a hidden key box on the underside of your fender.