90-minute kayak tours are free and open to the public

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is partnering with Norfolk Kayak Rentals to bring guided kayak tours to the Elizabeth River this summer. Launching from the ERT kayak launch at Plum Point Park, these 90-minute tours are free and open to the public.

An experienced guide will highlight the working waterfront that makes the ERT so unique and showcase the environmental, natural and historical beauty of the trail from the water. The dates for this inaugural three-part series are: July 8, August 5 and September 23 from 8:30-10 am. Prior kayaking experience is required. Paddlers are encouraged to bring their own kayak or register in advance for a limited number of free kayaks. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/274517368460763/274517385127428/ for details and registration.

“We are so excited to offer water programming,“ said Kindra Greene, executive director of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation. “It’s always been a vision of the Foundation to have this connected ‘blueway’ alongside our trail that we can activate with a series of kayak launches and programming. The connection to our namesake river is very important to us, and it will be so fun to see and appreciate the trail from this different perspective. The forthcoming kayak launch at the Larchmont Library will expand our programming even more.”

“As a daily user of the ERT, Norfolk Kayak Rentals is excited to be able to partner with the ERT to offer this free programming and get more people in the community out exploring our waterways,” said Josh Coplen owner/founder of Norfolk Kayak Rentals.

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation’s mission is to create an inclusive and resilient urban riverfront trail that connects and inspires people and businesses in the Hampton Roads region. The Elizabeth River Trail runs 10.5 miles through businesses, historic attractions and 28 neighborhoods within a five-minute walk. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University, through Downtown Norfolk and Old Dominion University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. The Foundation has completed multiple new unique and award-winning amenities, including kayak launches, play sculpture and double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park and most recently, The Glowline. Major sponsors include Sentara and the City of Norfolk.