June 30, 2026
The quiet lapping of water on the shore. The distant cry of an egret soaring overhead. The subtle splash of a silver-bodied fish jumping from beneath the river’s surface. These …
Continue reading “Paddling Paradise: Kayaking at Machicomoco State Park”
June 15, 2026
By Captain Taylor Ovide, Backwater Expeditions, LLC For much of my adult life, the Chesapeake Bay has been my workplace. Over the years I’ve worked in marine law enforcement, firefighting, …
November 14, 2025
There’s a saying in rural coastal Virginia that the tide shapes everything — the land, the people, even the stories. Nowhere is that more true than in the Guinea Marshes, …
November 3, 2025
When the summer crowds fade and the air turns crisp, Virginia’s Middle Peninsula transforms into a kayaker’s winter sanctuary. From the York River to the Piankatank, from Dragon Run’s cypress-studded …
September 17, 2025
Thinking about trying kayaking for the first time? You’re not alone. Every year, new paddlers discover the joy of exploring Virginia’s waterways from a kayak. Whether you’re looking for a …
Continue reading “Beginner’s Guide to Kayaking: Frequently Asked Questions”
September 17, 2025
Kayaking is a year-round adventure on Virginia’s waterways, but there’s something truly magical about fall. As the air turns crisp and the leaves shift into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges …
June 19, 2025
Somewhere between the splash of your paddle and the rustle of marsh grasses, a moment appears—a heron lifting off at sunrise, sunlight filtering through cypress branches, a still reflection that …
June 19, 2025
Kayaking offers the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and togetherness — making it an ideal family activity on Virginia’s scenic waterways. Whether you’re navigating quiet creeks, coastal marshes, or gentle …
Continue reading “Paddle Together: 10 Tips for Planning a Family-Friendly Kayaking Trip”
June 19, 2025
Looking to turn your next kayak outing into a weekend-long escape? The Middle Peninsula of Virginia is home to some of the best places to combine camping and paddling. From …
Continue reading “Camp & Paddle: 5 Top Middle Peninsula Campgrounds for Kayaking Adventures”
February 14, 2025
By Woodie Walker I biked the Hutchinson Tract last week, located a mile upstream from Tappahannock, on the south side of Tidewater Trail (Route 17). The early January snow had …
Continue reading “Binoculars Required on the Hutchinson Tract Bike”
