Locations for Sculling Meetups

---

With 80+ miles of waterways and temperate seasonal weather, it’s surprisingly a little difficult to grab your oars and go exploring a different part of the city since most water access is on private property. While Virginia Beach does not currently have a boathouse, VBRC has selected favorite spots already to take the guesswork out of it so you can get to the water more easily. We didn't say "entry" would be easy though for some of these, but it's well worth it.

This is our VBRC basecamp AND the best location for “learn to row” and focused drill work. Because of the small size and unique shape of the lake, members can practice 500k intervals and turning/navigating really well. Often when larger bodies of water are too choppy to row in, Lake Joyce is calm. Workouts can average 8k-10k…but be prepared for many, many turns (and a ski boat in warmer months).

• Low profile dock available
• Free member parking
• Oar house for car keys and gear
• Hose available to rinse your shell
• Outdoor rack storage for members
• Freshwater 
• Restroom available at Bayside Recreation Center (must be Rec Center Member)
• Find it on the map

This location is fun since it’s right by the airport runway and jets are often flying overhead - so don’t be startled! Enjoy views of Norfolk Botanical Garden.

• 9 minute drive from VBRC Basecamp
• Requires City of Norfolk boat permit on your shell
• Boat ramp entry only - be prepared for water entry!
• Freshwater - no need to hose off your boat after
• 2k course with buoys to mark final 100m
• Easily get in 10-12k workout with minimal turnarounds
• No public restroom; Food Lion grocery is .25 mi. away
• Free parking at Lake Whitehurst Boat Ramp & Shore Drive
• Find it on the map

• Distance: 8k roundtrip out and back 
• Water type: Saltwater/brackish
• Entry point: 64th Street landside and Atlantic Avenue - drive down to Narrows and look for small beach area at trailhead before restrooms
• Beach entry  - no low profile dock available
• Public restrooms available and plenty of parking; weekends tend to be much busier
• Park gate opens at 7am
• What to bring: $10 entry fee or state park pass
• Find it on the map

• Low profile dock available
• Public parking is available but minimal
• 1,500k canal navigation out to open water 
• No public restrooms but there are commercial restaurants nearby
• Find it on the map
• Brackish/saltwater and very tidal - check the tides before you go!

This location is a City of Virginia Beach park that is nestled in the middle of a lovely residential area.

• Boat ramp entry only; there is a dock but not a low profile dock – we hope to change that in the future!
• Freshwater - no need to hose off your boat after
• 4k out and back with one bend in the middle (2k straightaway)
• Be on the lookout for small fishing boats!
• Public restrooms available
• Find it on the map

VBRC is hopeful that Munden Point Park can be a future accessible rowing site with permanent installation of several low profile docks to accommodate 1x to 8+. Within 35-40 minutes of the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Munden Point Park is a 100-acre park located on the North Landing River, a major leg of the Intracoastal Waterway. We will keep members posted of our progress as conversations continue with key stakeholders and decision makers.