On Saturday March 24th, Canoe & Kayak Seasonal Kick-Off “Burning of the Socks.”
The event drew almost 40 paddlers! About half of them were members of the Hampton Roads Outdoor Adventures Meet-up Group. Our solo kayaks were all reserved several days before the event as were a few tandems and canoes. Most guests brought their own boats ranging from sit-on-top to touring kayaks.
Our new rite of Spring
The day began with our Education Support Specialist John Gresham leading the ceremony at the amphitheater. Greetings from the “Ode to the Sock Burners." We also had a moment of silence and blessing of the boats. Chief Ranger Brad Thomas gave us paddling and safety tips just before we all rose to place our socks on the fire.
Rangers Brad Thomas and John Gresham
Everyone enjoyed the guided trip as osprey and juvenile bald eagles were flying nearby. We paddled into the York River, but decided to explore Taskinas Creek as the rain began to fall. When the tour was over, some participants opted to continue to paddle until the rain was too much to handle. Except for the weather, we intend to make improvements to this event. A special thanks to all of the staff, volunteers, and organizations that helped make the “Burning of the Socks” a success!
In a creek with paddles
Join us on the river
Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available from now until the end of September.
The Spring Break Pick Your Paddle will take place on Saturday, April 7th at 4 p.m. Make reservations for our guided paddling programs (including the Mother's/Father's Day Surf & Turf and Mysterious Moonlight Canoe Tours) by calling our park office at (757) 566-3036.