DELAWARE

Delaware Seashore State Park to host new kayaking event called 'Paddlefest'

The Daily Times

Kayakers paddle at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Anniversaries call for a celebration, and Delaware Seashore State Park is doing just that to mark its 50 years of operation.

On Aug. 26, Delaware Seashore State Park will be holding Paddlefest, a new kayaking event, to take place in the Rehoboth Bay.

“We’ve been offering kayak eco-tours for over 10 years, but we figured with the 50th anniversary being this year, it was time to try something new and different," said Laura Scharle, interpretive programs manager for the park, in a release. “Most people come to our park to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but few people stop to enjoy the expansive salt marsh habitat and wildlife-viewing opportunities on the bayside of the park. This event is the perfect opportunity to check it out.”

Participants will launch at Savages Ditch Road and paddle along a 4-mile course ending at New Road.

All participants must launch between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Along the course will be park naturalists, who will share information about marsh ecology, local maritime history and will hand out snacks and other treats.

The first 50 people to complete the course will receive a Delaware State Parks water bottle, and all participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Paddlefest will also have a food truck, photo ops and the 50th anniversary park history exhibit on display.

Transportation back to the beginning of the course will be provided.

Paddlefest is free to enter, but entrants must pre-register by calling 302-227-6991. Previous paddling experience is required due to the length of the course.

Kayak rentals are available through Coastal Kayak by calling 302-539-7999.

For more information about this event or other state parks programs, call the Indian River Life-Saving Station at 302-227-6991 or visit destateparks.com.

On Twitter @hughesg19