Friends of the John Smith Chesapeake Trail

Before You Go

The Chesapeake is a beautiful place for small boats. Its sandy bottom and soft shores can be forgiving to an errant navigator. And it is full of good anchorages and of creeks and gunkholes waiting to be explored. The John Smith trail will get you to many of them.

But the bay can also be an unforgiving piece of water. Storms quickly generate a difficult chop. Squalls can come up quickly and are sometimes violent. At the wrong time of year the bugs can be relentless. So be prepared and know what to expect.

Here are some points to consider as you plan.

Research your route

Research your route before your trip.
Know your limitations and skills, as well as those of your group. Match your trip to your group's abilities and interests.
Find your launch, takeout, and camping spots; plan for each day. A good map book can help identify access points.
Plan for emergency routes and take-outs in case of mishap. One source of information is the interactive Chesapeake Bay Program Public Access Guide.
Identify and make sure you know how to avoid any hazards or restricted areas on the map.
Gather the proper maps and navigational aids, and the tools you'll need, including a compass, and tide chart.
Locate launch sites.

Develop your boating skills

Know your boat and equipment. Go with experienced paddlers if you are new to the sport.
Use proper safety equipment, including a lifejacket - a certified personal flotation device. Be prepared for the unexpected.
Check out the list of required Coast Guard safety equipment for all recreational boats.
Learn how to prevent hypothermia, one of the biggest threats for small boaters, with proper clothing and in-water survival techniques.
Become proficient at reading a map and navigation.
Know basic knots.
Know the rules of the road.

Weather, tides and currents

Weather conditions vary widely on the Chesapeake, day to day and season to season. Research and keep an eye on weather and waterway conditions. The Chesapeake Bay Coastal Prediction Center and the USGS Web site are two online sources of information.
Know the tides. The bay and coastal rivers are affected by tides. Paddling against tidal flow makes a trip difficult. Tidal information can be found on the Chesapeake Bay Coastal Prediction Center Web site.

Carry appropriate nautical charts

If your local marine supply store does not have the chart you need, try the an outdoor store for a good map of the Bay's rivers or use the internet. For example, Google maps can provide good aerial views of much of the bay and its rivers.

Expect the unexpected

Weather may keep you in a campsite for an extra day. Equipment could fail. Make sure you have plenty of water and food.
Check out the list of required Coast Guard safety equipment for all recreational boats
Learn how to prevent hypothermia, one of the biggest threats for small boaters, with proper clothing and in-water survival techniques
Be sure someone on the mainland knows your plans