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Kayaking in Hampton Roads

TAG | Launch

The launch site at Lake Whitehurst has closed effective November 1st.

To the best of my knowledge there are no immediate plans to replace or relocate the facility.

The closest launch is at Little Creek Reservoir on Northampton Blvd., and looking at the satellite pictures, it almost looks like you could make under the bridges at Diamond Springs road and the railroad bridge, and make it out to Lake Whitehurst.

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Okay everyone in Norfolk, I heard you…
My self imposed boycott of Norfolk, because of their boat permit is over….
I had reason to be in Norfolk on Saturday, and took advantage to visit most of launches available in the city of Norfolk.

I added 3 Saltwater launches on the Lafayette River, and 3 Freshwater launches.

In the Saltwater category, I added Haven Creek Boat Ramp (By far the nicest of the 3), Lafayette Park (in desperate need of a makeover), and 45th Street Boat Ramp/Marina (in desperate need of parking)

In the freshwater category I also added 3 locations in Norfolk, well ok 2 are technically in Virginia Beach, but are on Norfolk’s water. They are Lake Smith, Little Creek Reservoir, and Lake Whitehurst. All three appear to be nice urban lakes with some potential…

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May/08

26

Lotus Pond Launch

Today I made it up Ashville Bridge Creek from Horn Point, and I saw that the Lotus are really thick this year, and as the bigger leaves start coming out, I’d be willing to bet it will b close ti impossible to get through the creek here. If the creek looks impassable, you may want consider heading dow the road to Little Island, or over to Horn Point.

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Came across this website Doggie Paddling the Triangle during a discussion about the differences between Watersnakes and Cottonmouths…

As described by the author:
Personal site of Tom Hemp, offering image galleries and GPS routes for kayaking in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

Even though I am not familiar with the Raleigh Durham area, looks like it has a lot of launch information for the area, and the guy kayaks with his dog, I wish my dog was relaxed enough to go with me.

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Just a confirmation that Horn Point Kayak and Canoe launch is now open for the season, and there is a caretaker on site. I had a little chat with Danny (the Caretaker) today, and he seems like a real nice and helpful guy.

NWS Back Bay refuge Kayak and Canoe Launch facility


The other thing to take not of is that the sandbar has pretty much moved to the other side of the channel, the deepest part was only about 6 inches or so. It was a bit of a nuisance, having to step up and over the wood bulkhead.

NWS Back Bay refuge Kayak and Canoe Launch facility


So enjoy…

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Mar/08

31

More launch sites Added

I added 3 more launch sites tonight, all are on the peninsula, and I have a few more that I’ll add as soon as I can.

Those added today are Buckroe Beach and Sunset Creek in Hampton and Smith’s Landing in York County

I just looked and that bring the number to 50 launch sites, cool…

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Mar/08

30

Horn Point

Well it is that time of the year again…

Tuesday the Kayak and Canoe launch facility at Horn Point will re-open for the season, and as many of you already know this is a great spot to put-in for the Northern end of Back Bay.

For more information go to the Horn Point page at kayakvb.com…

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I have finally started the re-write of the launch site pages and maps. Don’t know how long it will take.

When I initially wrote the mapping pages, Google maps only had 16 meter resolution aerial views for the majority of Southeast Virginia, and Yahoo had much better aerial/satellite views which is why I went with Yahoo. Now google maps has improved their imagery as well as the application, and the current pages are dated

In a nutshell I plan on adding the ability to get to/from directions, Down-loadable way-points, and a better more stable interface. I am also open to suggestions on improvements.

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Feb/08

12

Additional Launches

Well since the wind was such an issue yesterday, I decided to scout out a couple more launch sites…

Baileys Beach  in the Isle Of Wight.

Lawnes Creek in the Isle Of Wight.

Portsmouth City Park in Portsmouth.

Elizabeth River Landing in Norfolk

Go and check them out, and let me know how your trip went

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A while back someone had mentioned to me that there had been some changes to the launch at Lovitts Landing. Today on I was heading to Drum Point and Nawney Creek, and decided to take a look at what if any improvements were done to the ramp, and apparently someone took the time to do some “Improvements” to the ramp. Lovitts was/is probably trickiest launch out there, balancing on the telephone poles was not a real fun thing to do, and with all the rusted steel mat, I’m sure it was a tetanus shot waiting to happen. What is there now, is a wooden ramp consisting of 2×6’s imbedded in concrete, and a lot of oyster shells scattered around for good measure. The tricky thing looks like it will be the uneven spacing of the boards further down the ramp, but the side of the ramp looks like it is an alternative.  I am going to stop by here next time the water is low and get a better look at the ramp, I was almost tempted to give it a try today, but the little voices told me no… 


Lovitts Landing Ramp 2 Lovitts Landing Ramp 1 Lovitts Landing Ramp 3

  A  few pictures to give an idea of the changes    

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