Introduction
As you know, it isn't safe to go boating alone. To solve this problem, most of us join canoe/kayak clubs. We are very fortunate in the Baltimore/Washington area to have quite a choice of clubs - each with a very rich history. Just like paddlers, each club has its own personality. Club dues are generally quite inexpensive and come with a great deal of benefits. Many paddlers join several clubs.
Canoe Cruisers Association (CCA)
The CCA is one of the oldest whitewater clubs (founded in 1956) in the country and at one time was the largest club in the world. The club holds its meetings at the Clara Barton Community Center near Washington, DC. No club can match the history of this club. Many of its members are legends in our sport: Ed Gertler, Ed Grove, the Hearns to name a few. Ed Gertler and Ed Grove are authors of the best guide books for Maryland/Delaware and Virginia paddling streams. The Hearn family is one of the most famous in slalom racing. The CCA is the club for all forms of racing and sponsors numerous races in our area. The CCA runs several ACA Swift Water Rescue classes and has the only Instructor Trainer - Tim Bromel - in our area. The CCA membership tends to be on the older side but is trying to recruit new members. Club dues are $15/Year per family. The CCA has just revamped their web site: CCA Web Site.
Monocacy Canoe Club (MCC)
The MCC is headquartered in Frederick Maryland and is another club that is rich in history. Lately, many of the young guns from the DC Area have joined this club and the club hosts the famous Paddle Praddle BBS. Some famous members in the past are Bob Burrell (Author of Wildwater West Virginia - the "Bible" to us old-timers) and Randy Carter (Inventor of the bridge gauge system). Many MCC members are very competitive in extreme whitewater racing. The MCC leads the area-wide New River Rendezvous. The MCC also runs ACA Swift Water Rescue classes. If you want hook up with lots of class V boaters, perhaps this is the club for you. Club dues are $15/Year per family. The club website is: MCC Web Site.
Conewago Canoe Club (CCC)
The CCC is headquartered in York, Pennsylvania and is 36 years old. This is a very family oriented club and is the club for formalized Whitewater training and it is excellent! Many paddlers join this club just to participate in their extensive training system that culminates with the Upper Youghiogheny. This club also provides ACA Swift Water Rescue classes. The club caters to all levels of paddlers from novices to experts. Club dues are $20/Year per family. The club website is: CCC Web Site.
Baltimore Canoe & Kayak ClubGreater Baltimore Canoe Club (GCKC)
Started in the early 70's. This club has undergone numerous changes over the years and is the best club in Baltimore for whitewater paddling. In the old days, many of the club members paddled canoes. The club used to sponsor slalom and down river races on the Patapsco and then the Lower Gunpowder. The club no longer organizes races but heavily participates in all of the major races in our area. Some famous alumni are Jesse Whittemore (Invented Squirt Boating) and Bryan MacKay(Author of several outdoor guides) Few clubs can match the party going atmosphere this club has to offer. This is especially true during the annual Cheat Festival. The club is affiliated with the American Canoe Association and American Whitewater and donates to many charities. The club also conducts Beginner , Intermediate paddling classes and Swift Water Rescue using ACA certified instructors. The GBCC member ages run the whole gamut from youngsters to paddlers in the seventies. They also publish a jam-packed club schedule. Club dues are $20/Year per family. They host an excellent well maintained web site: GBCC Web Site.
Other Clubs - AW Website
Other clubs can be found via: AW Club Search.
Sea Kayaking
Canton Kayak Club
The Canton Kayak Club is 10 years old and hosts a BBS. If you live in the Baltimore area and are interested in Sea Kayaks, perhaps this is the club for you. Their website is: Canton Kayak Web Site.
Chesapeake Paddlers Association (CPA)
The CPA is another good sea kayaking club that is very active in our area. Their website is: CPA Web Site.
