🌊 The 32-Miler: Overnight Edition Is Coming! 🏄♀️🏕️
- supfrederick
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
A self-supported paddle + optional riverside campout down the beautiful Potomac River.
Hey paddle fam!
It’s that time of year again, our annual 32-mile Potomac River journey from Brunswick (Lock 30) to Violette’s Lock (Lock 23) is in the works, and this time we’re adding a twist:
🌙 Overnight camping at one of the first-come, first-serve hiker/biker campsites along the C&O Canal Towpath!
🗓️ Help Us Pick the Date!
We’re aiming for August 2025, but with so many of us balancing schedules, we’re asking everyone to vote on the weekend that works best.
(We really need your RSVP to coordinate return rides, gear drop-offs, and all that behind-the-scenes magic.)
🛶 What to Expect
Start Point: Brunswick Boat Ramp (Lock 30)
End Point: Violette’s Lock (Lock 23)
Distance: 32 miles total
Lunch Stop: White’s Ferry Grill
Paddle Time: 9–15hours depending on the current, the paddle, and the group.
Camp Option: Midway near White’s Ferry at either Marble Quarry or Turtle Run campsite (first-come, first-serve hiker/biker campsites are available)
Return Plan: Coordinated carpools or Uber back to the starting point.
Gear: Paddleboard/kayak, life jacket, whistle, water, snacks, dry bag, sunscreen, and camping gear (if you are camping, you can always choose to venture on to try to do the whole 32 miles in one day… it’s doable but it’s funnier if you camp!)
This is a self-supported paddle, you carry your own food, water, and gear. We paddle together, camp together (if you want!), and we make memories!
🧭 Who Should Join?
Experienced paddlers ready for a full-day adventure and comfortable in varied river conditions. We’ve had river current slowdowns, group slowdowns, storm delays, and total triumphs. Every year is different, and always unforgettable.
💬 From Last Year’s Crew:
“The rain tried to stop us. It didn’t. We paddled. We laughed. We made it.”
— Emily, 2024 paddler
“Sideways rain was totally a thing in 2024, so maybe I bring a poncho this year, lol!!! We had a blast nonetheless, last year’s paddle was my favorite!”
— Erica, 2024 paddler - Do it, Lady! All of it!
“I didn’t expect the mid-river lunch stop to be the highlight. Bring snacks! My blood sugar needed plenty to eat and drink along the way, and we made it in 9.5 hours! So damn proud.”
— Jordan, first-timer, 2023
📩 So What’s Next?
✅ Vote for your ideal weekend (see FB eVite, and find the poll in the discussion section: (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DtCTb22UL/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
✅ RSVP to help us coordinate transportation and planning (https://www.facebook.com/share/19P7feuZ8Z/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
✅ Invite a friend or two, campers welcome to join for the overnight only if they want (they’ll need to hike or bike to the campsite though)!
This is more than just a paddle. It’s an experience.
Let’s make this 32-Miler the best one yet. 💙🌊🏕️
Paddle strong,
– The SUP Frederick Crew
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