There will be a lottery drawing monthly (sign up above). If you are one of the lottery winners, you will have a window of time to register for 1-4 spots using a direct scheduling link.

If you have a group that would like to come out for a private paddle on a weekday (class field trip, school club, leadership team, work group, volunteer group, etc.) you can email greenboats@livingclassroomsdc.org starting in March.

The ability to schedule a paddle is not guaranteed, as it depends on program schedule, staff availability, water temperature, and group size. A group size of 9-24 is recommended, though we have the ability to accommodate up to 48 people on a given date.

Private groups with children under the age of 9 will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian AND they must be accompanied in our two-person boats by someone 18 or older from your party.

If you are bringing a group of students, they must be 4th grade and up to paddle in a boat with another student. Students under 4th grade must be in a boat with someone 18 or older.

It’s on the Anacostia River next to the RFK stadium. If you register, we will send you detailed directions.

Any children (under 18) need a signed waiver from their parent or legal guardian to participate.

Children under the age of 16 will need a waiver signed by a parent or guardian AND they must be accompanied in our two-person kayaks by someone 18 or older from your party during a public paddle.

We do NOT currently use canoes for most sessions, so parties of 3 (1 adult, 2 children under the age of 16) usually cannot be accommodated unless you register for a second boat and bring a second adult so each child is in a boat with an adult. If that won’t work, please email greenboats@livingclassroomsdc.org to see if there is a date where a party of 1 adult and 2 kids can be accommodated.

Young children have successfully participated in public paddles in our two-person kayaks with an adult. However, all children and adults must be able to perform the Essential Eligibility Criteria (see below). Children must be able to follow directions and remain seated. Bathrooms will not be accessible during the program (and boats must stay on the water the whole time without a bathroom break), so everyone should use the bathroom beforehand.

This is included in our waiver that all people who go out on the water must sign (see below to download it), but for your reference, it is as follows:

Essential Eligibility Criteria: Participation in this program is open to all individuals who acknowledge the ability to perform the following essential eligibility criteria.

-Breathe independently (i.e., not require medical devices to sustain breathing).

-Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water.

-Independently hold head upright without neck / head support.

-Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion.

-Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance.

-Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with assistance of a companion.

-Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket.

-Get on/off or in/out of a paddlecraft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance.

-Independently get out and from under a capsized paddlecraft.

-Remount or reenter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance.

You do NOT have to be able to swim to participate as all participants are required to wear life jackets the entire time they’re on the water. You also do NOT have to know how to paddle- our paddling facilitators love teaching people new to kayaking and canoeing!

Yes! Just let us know what we need to sign or fill out for you. Printed forms are preferred over email.

Anything you bring with you has to go on your boat (including backpacks or bags), so please pack lightly. We will not have a place to store belongings on shore. Please leave any valuables at home. We will provide each participant with a dry bag to borrow for small items (wallet, keys, phone).

By signing up, you are agreeing to stay for the duration of the program, as early departures and late arrivals are disruptive to the activity.

We will supply all items related to paddling and trash pickup (boats, paddles, life jackets, bags, gloves, trash grabbers). As for everything else, here’s some suggestions!

What to bring:

-Signed paper liability waiver for each participant. We will have extra copies available to complete onsite. If you wish to review it beforehand or can print one, it will be attached to the email you get when registering.

-Water (in a reusable bottle). There are water bottle fill stations at the bathroom building next to the soccer field. When you enter through the RFK parking lot, you'll see the fields right away.

-Sun/weather protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc) and bug spray

-A snack (in case you get hungry)

-Quick drying clothes or a change of clothes and towel (any time you paddle, there’s a chance you could get wet. If you bring a change of clothes/towel, we recommend leaving them in your car if you drive)

What to wear:

-Clothing and shoes that can get wet or muddy (fitness-wear is ideal)

-Close-toed shoes or sports sandals with a back strap (older sneakers, Tevas, Chacos, and Crocs are great options)

You can email greenboats@livingclassroomsdc.org with any questions.