Kiptopeke Surf & Ocean White Water Week

Dates: April 17 – 25, 2027

Trip Level: L4  Trip Level Guide 1-2021.docx

Trip Leaders: Tony Pascuzzi & Dave Nord

Location: Kiptopeke State Park, Kiptopeke, VA

We will camp at Kiptopeke State Park campground and do day paddles on the ocean and on Chesapeake Bay. The Bay side can provide sizeable surf with winds out of the west. Ocean side paddling will be more challenging with surf, current, and the wave train. There are also plenty of islands to explore as well on the ocean side with moderate currents and tide to contend with. 

Trip Focus: This trip will emphasize surfing and rough water skills. Participants must be able to perform a solo rescue in L4 conditions. A solid roll is highly recommended.

Training Opportunities: Trip planning using navigation, tide and current predictions, launching and landing in surf, playing in waves and the wave train, as well as boat handling skills. Currents through Smith Island Inlet and around Fisherman’s Island can run from 3 - 7 kts. 

Due to the weather and other factors, the itinerary will be determined each day and communicated to participants as far in advance as the forecasts reasonably allow. All day trips are subject to change to maintain kayakers’ safety. Participants can choose whether or not to join each day’s scheduled trip. Trip Leaders may restrict or redirect individual participants on any given day, if necessary, to maximize individual and group safety.  If the weather makes padding unreasonable, there are lots of biking and hiking opportunities nearby as well as a brewery and ice creamery.

Trip Highlights:

• ·       Surfing at Smith Island
• ·       Cape Charles Brewery – cold beer and substantial portions for post paddling.
• ·       The Wave Train at Smith Island
• ·       Cape Charles Brewery
• ·       Brown Dog Ice Cream

Required Equipment:

·       Sea kayaks 15’ or longer with full perimeter deck lines, sealed fore and aft bulkheads and/or floatation in both ends of the kayak·        

·       USCG approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) & whistle, spray skirt, pump and paddle float.

·       Appropriate paddling clothing for the conditions.

·       VHF Radio (recommended), InReach or PLB (if you own one).

Participants must be able to:

• ·       Participants must be able to perform a solo rescue in L4 conditions. A solid roll is highly recommended.
• ·       Safely exit their kayak while wearing a spray skirt and participate in an assisted rescue in the above conditions when applicable.
• ·       Paddle for up to 3 hours without landing. Expect 4-7 hours of paddling each day.

Trip Level Guide 1-2021.docx

Registration is conditional upon final approval by the Trip Leader. The Trip Leader may communicate with you to assess whether your skills & equipment are appropriate for the conditions. Please contact the trip leader with any questions.

Registration:   Register here and e-mail Tony Pascuzzi @ izzucsap@yahoo.com

Reference / Reservation links:

·        VA State Parks - https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/reservations

·        Eastern Shore Virginia Water Trails map - https://virginiawatertrails.org/eastern-shore/

·        Deep Zoom for currents and tides - https://www.deepzoom.com/