Paddle Now! Special Events : Indoor Pool Sessions

During the winter season, the CPA enjoys access to indoor pool sessions around the Maryland, Virgina, and Washington D.C. area to practice and learn new skills. These are open sessions, not lessons, however quite often you can find a friendly CPA member who is willing to spot and give advice. Members are responsible for bringing their own boat and gear.

Important: Visit the Forums( CPA Discussion Board ) for specific pool discussions, available open dates, updates or to coordinate rolling practice with other paddlers.



Mike teaching Julie to roll at an indoor pool session, Maryland. (Photo courtesy of DJ Manalo)	Catriona teaching a UMD student how to roll at a pool session, Maryland. (Photo courtesy of DJ Manalo)

Various pool facilities may be available for kayaks to join on various days of the week. Some of the pool sessions are organized by CPA Members, and some are organized by other groups. Here is a list of the known facilities in the area which are hosted for sea kayaks and any contact information for these sessions. If you know of another facility open to sea kayaks, contact the webmaster to have it listed here, or post to the CPA Pool Forums.

Various Pool Sessions that occur in the Chesapeake Bay area:

Fairlands Sports and aquatics Complex

Location: Fairland Aquatics Center
13820 Old Gunpowder Rd
Laurel, MD 20707

Days: Nov 3, 24; Dec 29 2012;March 2, 9, 16, 30; April 6, 13, 27 2013.

Limited Lane Availiability: Dec 15 & Dec 22nd. Please email Paul at Pool_sessions@cpakayaker.com to confirm that there is available space.

Hours: 4:00 to 5:50 and 5:50 to 7:45 pm

Fee: $7 per person. Pay at Facilities cashier by going up the stairs to the left of the pool-level restrooms. Cashier should be at the desk at the top of the stairs.

Questions: Contact Paul Diggins at pool_sessions@cpakayaker.com if you have any questions about the use of the facilities.

Recommended: If there is any questionable winter weather, confirm the pool is open (FAC: 301-362-6060).

Required: BOATS MUST BE TOTALLY CLEAN. Boats and gear must be clear of leaves, mud, grass, etc. There is a hose by the door at pool-level for those who need to use it and a fellow kayaker might have a sponge if you need one.

Directions: Take your best route to I-95 between Baltimore and Washington. Exit at MD-198 West. Turn left at 2nd light, Old Gunpowder Road. The pool will be about a half mile down on the right. Use the lower entrance to the southern side of the building entrance. Parking is available near to this entrance.

RF Wilkinson YMCA in Williamsburg, VA

Location: RF Wilkinson YMCA
301 Sentara Circle
Williamsburg, VA 23188

Days and times:

January 13, 2013 - 2-4 p.m.
January 26, 2013 - 2-4 p.m.
February 24, 2013 - 1-3 p.m.
March 10, 2013 - 2-4 p.m.
March 24, 2013 - 2-4 p.m.

Fee: The fee structure for these sessions is variable depending upon attendance. Cost will be no more than $10 per person per session. Contact the event organizer for more information.

Questions: Contact if you have any questions about the use of the facilities.

Reservations: Reservations MUST be made in advance to use these pool session. Seats are very limited. Contact as soon as you believe you want to attend ANY of the sessions.

Required: BOATS MUST BE TOTALLY CLEAN. Boats and gear must be clear of leaves, mud, grass, etc.

Cancellation: If you cancel, it is your responsibility to get another person to take your place from the wait list, if any. Because the cost per person depends on how many show up, if you are accepted for a spot and and you don't show up or get a replacement, you will still be responsible for your share and you will go to the bottom of the list for future sessions.

Waiver: A CPA waiver will be required to participate in the event. I will bring waivers for everyone to sign. No one will be allowed to use the pool without one.

Lee District ReCenter

Location: Lee District ReCenter
6601 Telegraph Rd
Franconia, VA 22301

Days and times:

Starting Sun. Jan 13, 2013, 9:00-12:00 (3 Weeks)
Starting Sun. Feb 3, 2013 9:00-12:00 (3 Weeks)
Starting Sat. Mar 2, 2013, 6:00-9:00 pm (3 Weeks)

Fee: Fairfax County requires enrollment prior to the start of the sessions. Enrollment is provided online or via phone to Fairfax County ParkTakes. Sessions are paid for in monthly groups. The Jan and Feb usually fill up early.

Questions: Check out the online ParkTakes site at Fairfax County ParkTakes. Select BOATING from Category, and enter ROLLING into Keywords. Note that there are sessions with or without boat rental. Boat rentals are WW boats and include coaching by an instructor.

Reservations: Reservations MUST be made in advance to use these pool session. See above. Although members have been able to fill in for those who have already paid but cannot make a session. Use the forums to discuss amongst yourselves.

Required: BOATS MUST BE TOTALLY CLEAN. Boats and gear must be clear of leaves, mud, grass, etc. There is a hose inside the door for use in cleaning your boats.

Recommended: If there is any questionable winter weather, confirm the pool is open by visiting the site link listed above.

See some of the people who practice at the
Fairfax County Lee ReCenter sessions during 2011

PPS at Audrey Moore

Location: Audrey Moore Rec Center at Wakefield Park
8100 Braddock Road,
Annandale, VA 22003

Days: November 10; December 22; January 5; February 2; March 2; April 6, 2013

Time: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Fee: Practice sessions are $35 each, or a group of 4 for $100. Instruction is also provided at another fee rate. See the link listed above for more details.

Questions: Contact Potomac Paddle Sports at the above link listed.

Reservations: Reservations MUST be made in advance to use these pool session.

Required: BOATS MUST BE TOTALLY CLEAN. Boats and gear must be clear of leaves, mud, grass, etc.

Univ. of MD, College Park

No pool sessions at UMCP are available currently. Check back next winter.

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