DC fireworks on the Potomac

[Gpayne]

I'm considering getting together with some friends and launching at Leesylvania state park, then running the 20 or so miles upriver to watch the Fireworks in DC from the water. I'd like to just watch the show Tim's puts on, but I won't be in town on the 30th. I've never made a run like that on the water before though, so I'm looking for some insight from more experienced boaters. I won't be the only boater in my group, and I certainly won't be the only boater on the water, though that could be a bad thing, too. I have run at night before, though not in a huge crowd of boats. We usually just launch there at the park, and fish within a 4-5 mile radius of the ramp. Maybe run over to Tim's for a bite to eat, then some catfishing across the river. Of course, safety will be my first priority. A couple good waterproof flashlights, PFD's, flare gun, first-aid kit, etc, and I have no problem waiting after the show for the crowds to thin some, but I'll admit the thought does make me nervous. Anyone made this run before? Any thoughts, tips, pro/con lists? Thanks guys.

 

[Bondo]

Re: DC fireworks on the Potomac

I'm considering getting together with some friends and launching at Leesylvania state park, then running the 20 or so miles upriver to watch the Fireworks in DC from the water. I'd like to just watch the show Tim's puts on, but I won't be in town on the 30th. I've never made a run like that on the water before though, so I'm looking for some insight from more experienced boaters. I won't be the only boater in my group, and I certainly won't be the only boater on the water, though that could be a bad thing, too. I have run at night before, though not in a huge crowd of boats. We usually just launch there at the park, and fish within a 4-5 mile radius of the ramp. Maybe run over to Tim's for a bite to eat, then some catfishing across the river. Of course, safety will be my first priority. A couple good waterproof flashlights, PFD's, flare gun, first-aid kit, etc, and I have no problem waiting after the show for the crowds to thin some, but I'll admit the thought does make me nervous. Anyone made this run before? Any thoughts, tips, pro/con lists? Thanks guys.

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... I think yer Outa yer Mind.....

I've done it several times on much smaller venues, 'n on "Known" waters...
Bein' on known waters after dark the 1st few times is bad enough,...

Doin' it with a few Thousand other Idiots who don't know a thing 'bout boatin', other than it's supposed to float is Suicidal...

Doin' it on "Unknown" water would be Insane....

Now-a-days,... I'll run out to the end of my bay, 'n 'round down into Black River bay, stoppin' 3 or more miles from the fireworks at Sacket's Harbor...
an 8/ 10 mile run, without the Thousand other Idiots... Last year was a Full Moon to boot...

 

[Gpayne]

Re: DC fireworks on the Potomac

Yeah the more I think about it the less I wanna do it. Like I said, I know the waters within a couple miles of the dock well enough to find my way either back to the dock after dark, or to a safe and quiet cove after dark to wait out the inevitable drunken idiots. As nice as it would be to watch the fireworks from the water, think I'll hold off this year.

 

[dingbat]

Re: DC fireworks on the Potomac

Access is very limited in those parts so a "huge" crowd typically isn't an issue.

My primary concern would be making the 20 mile run back down river after dark. You have a full moon on the 3rd and the Potomac is a very big, well marked river, so the risk is minimal from a boating standpoint. What worries me is your apparent lack of confidence in your skills after dark.

First time, no confidence, equals no go

 

[Gpayne]

Re: DC fireworks on the Potomac

Definitely appreciate the advice guys, but I wouldnt consider it a lack of confidence, more like understanding my own lack of experience and limitations. Im confident that I could make the trip safely and successfully if I had to, i'm just nervous at the thought of my first night trip of any real distance being in a crowd of people during a big event. Perhaps it would be better for me to go out on an indescript night when traffic on the water would be considerably less. I don't think i'll be making the trip this year, perhaps next year. However, I may get a couple people together one evening and go for a nice cruise when things are calm and quiet.