MARYLAND STRONG
Join Waterfront Partnership for the 7th annual Baltimore Floatilla on Saturday, June 8, 2024. This year's theme is Maryland Strong, so come out ready to show your Maryland spirit as you embark on a scenic 5-mile roundtrip paddle from Canton Waterfront Park to the Inner Harbor. Show off your love for all things Maryland by decking yourself and your boat out in your favorite Maryland gear.
Once in the Inner Harbor, you will enjoy a live performance of your favorite tunes by Cara Kelly & the Tell Tale as they rock out while floating onboard Baltimore's own Mr. Trash Wheel.
This year we will be raising money for both Waterfront Partnership's Healthy Harbor Initiative and the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong relief fund for those impacted by the collapse of the Key Bridge. You can fundraise as an individual or a part of a team. The top three indivdual and team fundraisers will be recognized at the event.
Registration & Rental Add-ons
Early Bird Tickets (ends 5/13) = $40
General Tickets = $45
Single Kayak Rental = $55
Tandem Kayak Rental = $85
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) = $65
Rentals equipment and on-water safety are provided by Ultimate Watersports.
The Baltimore Floatilla is a rain or shine event, however, it will be cancelled by 6:00 A.M. on the morning of the event if there is a small craft advisory or if other weather events make paddling unsafe (thunder, lightning, etc.).
The Baltimore Floatilla is an annual event organized by Waterfront Partnership to raise awareness about paddling in Baltimore Harbor. The event takes place every June and involves kayakers, rowers, and stand-up paddlers paddling to the Inner Harbor. The purpose of the event is to advocate for better recreational water access and to highlight environmental issues on the waterfront. The event is co-hosted by Waterfront Partnership, Ultimate Watersports, and Baltimore City Recreation and Parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Groups have been paddling safely in the Baltimore Harbor for many years, but we do not take safety for granted. In fact, safety is our number one concern. Motorized safety boats will be patrolling the route and will be able to offer paddlers first aid and other assistance as needed.
Clean water with soap and hand sanitizer will be provided at Canton Waterfront Park.
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Yes, water quality is always a concern in urban waterways and you should take time to familiarize yourself with local water issues by reviewing the Healthy Harbor Report Card or checking the most recent water quality data on swimguide.org. In the case of a major water pollution event in the days leading up to the Floatilla, we may ask participants to take extra precautions such as not participating if they have compromised immune systems or open wounds and asking participants to consider wearing gloves and waterproof clothing. The intent of this event is to raise awareness about water pollution issues in the Baltimore Harbor and we want all participants to understand the risks associated with paddling in an urban waterway.
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The Baltimore Floatilla is a rain or shine event, however, it will be cancelled by 6:00 A.M. on the morning of the event if there is a small craft advisory or if other weather events make paddling unsafe (thunder, lightning, etc.).
If there is no small craft advisory but the weather is less than ideal, the event will still take place but the route may be shortened to ensure safety. Paddlers will be notified of route changes onsite the morning of the event.
If the event is canceled, participants will have the option of receiving a full refund or donating their registration fee to Healthy Harbor.
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We would love your participation! You can either participate in the rally by HarborPlace in the amphitheater between 10am and 11am, or meet us for the After Party at Canton Waterfront Park at 12pm.
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There is a floating dock and a concrete boat ramp on either side.
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Yes, previous paddling experience is mandatory for participation in this event. This is not an event for first time paddlers; this is a five-mile round trip course in an urban waterway. We ask that all participants have previous experience paddling five or more consecutive miles.
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Yes. All participants between the ages of 13-15 must be accompanied in the same boat by a parent or guardian; all participants between the ages of 16-17 must attend paddling event with parent or guardian but may operate their own craft; all participants 18 years or older may paddle individually without parent or guardian.
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Your registration fee includes supervised launching from Canton Waterfront Park, a Baltimore Floatilla tech t-shirt, safety whistle, lunch and ice cream at the After Party!
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Carpooling is encouraged! Canton Waterfront Park has free parking for up to 70 cars on a first come, first served basis. Once that lot is filled participants can drop off their vessels at the park but will then be directed to the paid lot at 1500 S. Clinton St where there are hundreds of parking spaces. Limited street parking is also available in the vicinity.
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All individual paddlers participating in the event must check in at Canton Waterfront Park at 8:00am on Saturday, June 10th. Group paddlers in pre-notified and pre-determined group will launch from Harbor Hospital boat ramps. There is to be no crossing of the main channel after 8:00am.
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The Baltimore Floatilla is a rain or shine event, however, it will be cancelled by 6:00 A.M. on the morning of the event if there is a small craft advisory or if other weather events make paddling unsafe (thunder, lightning, etc.).
If there is no small craft advisory but the weather is less than ideal, the event will still take place but the route may be shortened to ensure safety. Paddlers will be notified of route changes onsite the morning of the event.
If the event is canceled, participants will have the option of receiving a full refund or donating their registration fee to Healthy Harbor.
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To participate in the Floatilla you must either bring your own boat or rent a kayak or stand up paddle board with Ultimate Watersports through the registration page.
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Nope! Bring a valid ID and we will have a list of names.
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The Baltimore Harbor is under a tremendous amount of environmental stress caused by sewage overflows, trash, and polluted stormwater runoff. We are coming together in solidarity to support the environmental restoration of this ecosystem because we value the health of our city, our harbor, our bay, and our oceans.
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If you are paddling, please arrive no later than 7:30am, ready to launch by 8am. If you are rallying only, meet us by the Harbor Place Amphitheater between 10am and 11am to join in! The After Party will begin at 12pm
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Yes! Email chelsea@waterfrontpartnership.org for more information.
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You should come prepared to be outside and exposed to the elements for the duration of the event. To participate, you will need to bring a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, a paddle, a life jacket, and a large bottle of water. You should also consider bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, shoes, and clothing that you won’t mind getting wet and/or dirty.
Help Us Work Towards A Healthy Harbor
Waterfront Partnership's Healthy Harbor Initiative works to restore and protect our city's most valuable asset, the harbor. Through our growing list of projects, programs, and partnerships, the Healthy Harbor Initiative is educating the public about what lives beneath the surface and how we can all fight for the urban ecosystem through actions we take.