Maryland/D.C. - Potomac River

[Kurpski]

I am considering bringing my 196 down from NW PA to MD where I live. The closest places to ski would be Potomac river near Hagerstown, MD around Dam #5 or down on lower Potomac near Reagon National Airport.

Anyone get out at either of these locations, if so, how is the water and skiing/wake boarding?

[NautiqueJeff]

I work in an office that's right on the Potomac in Alexandria (just down from Reagan). There is hardly ANY boat traffic out there at all during the day. I have never seen any ski or wakeboard boats out there though. If I see you out there, I might have to chase you down for a pull!

[Kurpski]

Jeff,

I will keep you posted. I am trying to work out logistics of boat storage and feesability. I may bring back this weekend for the remainder of season to try out MD/DC area.

[waterfreak]

Jeff, I just moved to Gaithersburg last year from FL. I have a 2000 SAN. We mostly ride the potomac in Hagerstown and at Lake Anna. We plan on being at lake anna a lot this summer. We stay at Christopher Run Campground. Let me know where you will be and we'll hook up. I hang out with some of the guys from DC Wake. Not many other Nautiques around here!

[coloradonautique]

Kurpski,
Where in MD do you live? I used to live in Silver Spring and keep my Nautique on a boatel at Liberty Marina in Annapolis. We mostly skied the course at the top of the South River on weekends and some nights. I believe the Severn river (north side of Annapolis) also has a course and decent water. Alternatively, I have seen folks in the coastal bays/rivers around Baltimore when I used to fly into BWI. If you are working in D.C., the Potomac may be the best choice but I think out of water storage was difficult to find in that area.
If I remember, there are some paid membership private lakes in Maryland but you have to know someone in the club. I seem to remember a quarry over by Andrews being used by a ski club. Maybe ask around and talk to the Bucklands (Bryan and Melissa) at Chessie Marine.

Cheers,

Lorin

[Kurpski]

Coloradonautique,

Thanks for the information. I live in Frederick, MD. We primarily keep our SN in NW PA for the season near family and Conneaut Lake. We decieded to bring boat down to MD last season to get a couple extra months out of the skiing season. We tried Potomac River up near Hagerstown/Williamsport and Lake Anna VA, both worked out great. I did not try Annapolis and South or Severn Rivers because I thought they were salt water and wanted to avoid if possible.

I did speak with a couple of the private ski lakes/clubs in and around DC. That would be a great solution but we are currently at the familly boating/skiing level. Possibly down the road if our skiing level progresses, one of the private ski lakes/clubs may be interesting to join.

Thanks again for the help.

Patrick

[DCSKI]

There are several Nautiques and other boats set up for slalom and wake in Pohick Bay, just south of Fort Belvor along the Potomac in NOVA. Their is a county park owned storage and boat ramp and amenaties. Slalom course has been maintained by locals for over 12 yrs. Best times are early morning or after work. I have my 85, 2001
and my 2003, 216 both there. Good Luck.

[Kurpski]

DCSKI,
Is that area/course open to the public?

[thedude]

I know for sure people wakeboard out there. I just moved to the area myself (Arlington VA). I'm waiting for the water to warm up a bit before heading out there, its 62F right now I believe. There is a put in right at Columbia Island marina ($5). I know of several wakeboarders in the area who ride this area. You have to catch it very early in the morning on the weekend or after work on a weekday or else you'll be hitting 4" rollers from the 50 foot boats.

Matt

[coricluster]

hey guys i live in md in ocean city. we have the pocomoke river which is super deep and always flat. we ride there 2-4 times a week all day. so if u gets get a chance check it out its a BEAUTIFUL river and on the busiest there may be 4 boats at a time on it. and its 100+ miles of deeeeep river. its actually the deepest in the country for the width. so hit me up i just got an old 2001 and will be there errr day