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Paddle for Peace: My Solo Kayaking at Mariners’ Lake

There’s something powerful about being on the water—just you, a paddle, and the quiet. That’s exactly what I experienced during my visit to Mariners’ Lake at The Mariners’ Museum and Park in Newport News, Virginia. I set out to enjoy a solo kayak trip, but I left with something deeper: peace, purpose, and the reminder that nature truly is medicine.


A Lake with Heart—and History


I had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Garner, the Mariners Lake Program Manager, who gave me a look into what makes this place so special. We talked about conservation, accessibility, and how kayaking supports mental wellness. You can watch our full conversation here in the video: Watch on YouTube. Mariners’ Lake spans 167 acres and is surrounded by peaceful trails, abundant wildlife, and wind-protected coves. But this lake isn’t new—it was created in the 1930s as part of Archer Huntington’s vision for a maritime museum and public park. Designed with preservation in mind, the lake and surrounding 550-acre landscape remain one of the largest privately maintained green spaces open to the public in the United States.


This is more than just a body of water—it’s a space rooted in history, healing, and access. The lake lies at the center of environmental education, wellness initiatives, and public recreation, all while continuing a proud legacy of conservation and stewardship.



Person in a kayak launching off an accessible ramp into Mariners’ Lake, beginning a peaceful solo paddle
Launching solo never felt so powerful—accessible, supported, and completely on my terms.

Programs with a Purpose


This isn’t just a place to paddle. It’s a place to learn, grow, and heal.


The Mariners’ Lake team offers:

  • Kayak and rowboat rentals for safe, easy access to the water

  • Paddling 101 classes and safety resources for beginners

  • Summer camps with arts-based activities like sketching and poetry

  • Mindfulness and breathing programs that focus on calming the senses

  • Watershed education for sixth graders and community groups

  • Veteran outreach with partners like the Wounded Warrior Project and Project Healing Waters

  • Flora, fauna, and local history programs are available by request

  • Accessible equipment and adaptive paddling tools for all abilities


Mindfulness activities, especially for students, include breathing techniques, sensory walks, and reflection. These teach us how to slow down—how to simply notice. Whether you're into science, stress relief, or floating through a quiet cove filled with dragonflies, Mariners’ Lake has something for everyone.

Kayaking as Healing: Mental Health on the Water


Kelly and I had a heartfelt conversation about the emotional benefits of kayaking. Research continues to grow around the positive effects of spending time in “green” (nature) and “blue” (water) spaces—and how these environments promote mental well-being.


When I got home, the geek in me had to look it up. I know how being in nature (green space) and on water (blue space) feels for me, but I wanted to check out some of that research. Here is some of what I found:

  • A 2022 systematic review published in Oxford Academic found that blue space interventions, including kayaking and rowing, are consistently linked to reduced stress and improved emotional health.

  • The University of Cumbria described kayaking as “vitalizing,” helping people feel more physically energized and emotionally renewed after time on the water.

  • The National Institutes of Health showed that even short visits to urban green spaces can lower cortisol levels and promote clearer thinking.

  • The American Psychological Association refers to this as “soft fascination,” where gentle natural elements, such as rippling water or birdsong, restore our attention and reduce feelings of overwhelm.


Mariners’ Lake brings those science-backed mental health benefits into reach for everyday people. Through programs designed for veterans, school groups, and the general public, they’re creating a safe, calm, and supportive space where people can reconnect with themselves, with each other, and with nature.


Close-up of the handicap-accessible kayak launch at Mariners’ Lake, showing supportive rails and seating designed for adaptive paddlers.
This adaptive launch is here for you—just roll up, slide in, and set off. Everyone deserves time on the water.

Want to Fish from a Kayak? Here's What You Should Know


Fishing is permitted at Mariners’ Lake—but only from kayaks or rowboats. Fishing from the shoreline or bridges is not allowed. This helps protect the lake’s banks from erosion and keeps fishing lines out of trees that line the well-traveled Nolan Trail.


To fish, you’ll need a valid Virginia fishing license if you’re 16 or older (available through the Department of Wildlife Resources) and pay a $5 per-person conservation fee. All fishing is catch-and-release only.


The Conservation fee supports important work like:

  • Long-term water quality testing (since 2018)

  • Monitoring and protecting fish habitats

  • Preserving shoreline conditions


Anglers often pull in impressive bass (up to 7–8 lbs.), crappie, and bluegill. Many return week after week. Once you fish here, you understand why.


Accessible for All: A Place Where Everyone Can Kayak


As a disabled veteran with physical limitations, finding outdoor spaces where I can still be active and independent isn’t always easy. Kayaking is something I can do—and it’s one of the few things that gives me both freedom and peace. That’s why this article on the Mariners’ Lake means so much to me. I want others who have felt unable to enjoy life to experience this freedom too.


They’ve gone above and beyond to make this space welcoming for all abilities. The lake features a fully accessible kayak launch with a wheelchair transfer bench, designed specifically for individuals who need stability or support when entering or exiting a boat. It’s one of the best setups I’ve seen.


They also offer:

  • Adaptive paddling equipment, including hand and wrist support tools

  • Stabilizing pontoons that can be attached to the kayak for extra balance

  • A range of kayak sizes, including options that support up to 425 lbs

  • Calm, flat, non-tidal water with no motorboats—perfect for beginners, solo paddlers, and those with sensory sensitivities


You don’t need to be in peak shape or have a whole team to help you launch. I didn’t need to haul equipment or rely on someone else. I just showed up, launched on my own, and found the kind of independence that’s hard to come by. Here, I was able to show up by myself, paddle at my own pace, and just breathe. That kind of independence is rare and it’s something I truly value.


Kayaking offers a physical outlet, a mental reset, and a safe space to process experiences. For veterans, trauma survivors, and anyone carrying stress, it creates room to reconnect with the world and with yourself. Kelly shared one story that stuck with me: A woman who could no longer run due to injury told him that after kayaking, she finally felt “free again.” That’s the power of water. It lets you move again—even when life has slowed you down.



Scenic view of Mariners’ Lake with calm water, surrounded by trees and sky, capturing the peaceful atmosphere of the kayaking experience.
Still water. Open sky. Just you and the sound of the paddle—Mariners’ Lake is where nature meets healing.

For the Geeks and Schools


If you're someone who loves to learn or has curious kids in your life, Mariners’ Lake is more than just a peaceful paddle. The lake team offers a rotating menu of educational programs that change with the seasons. Topics range from the flora and fauna of the lake to the region's natural and cultural history. When kayaking, they often include information about the lake’s delicate ecosystem, including the macroinvertebrates that form the foundation of the food web, the fish populations that rely on them, and the birds that depend on it all working in balance.


The team frequently collaborates with the Virginia Master Naturalist program, particularly the Peninsula chapter, to host guided tree hikes and outdoor explorations of what’s growing, flying, or swimming nearby. These aren’t just science lessons; they’re opportunities to really connect with the environment and understand how it functions.


For school groups and younger learners, Mariners’ Lake offers engaging programs that blend education with creativity. Summer camps introduce kids to nature-based activities like sketching what they see, writing poetry inspired by the water, or drawing animals from field guides and real-life encounters. Their watershed education program, specifically designed for sixth graders, helps students understand their connection to the land and water around them. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and sensory awareness are woven into the experience, helping kids slow down, focus, and be present while learning about nature.


Whether you’re into environmental science, local history, or just enjoy asking, “What’s that bird?” Mariners’ Lake offers something meaningful for every curious mind.

Why This Day Mattered to Me


This wasn’t just another travel stop—it was a personal milestone. I’ve kayaked with my grandkids and loved every moment, but it’s not always easy for me to go alone. At home, I have to haul my own equipment, which can be hard with disabilities. Here, everything was ready for me. I didn’t need help loading. I didn’t need someone to come with me. I just needed to show up, and that gave me the freedom I rarely get.


Kayaking helps me to relax and enjoy the moments away from the hustle and bustle of life. Currently, I’m balancing full-time work, blogging, writing books, building a business, and navigating cancer treatment. I wanted to be alone this time. I wanted to get away from family and life. I wanted quiet. I wanted thinking time. It was a cool but sunny day. The water was still, the air was light, and the lake reflected more than just the trees—it reflected the peace I’ve been needing.



Want to Kayak at the Mariner's Lake?


Here’s what you should know:

  • Kayak rentals available—credit/debit cards accepted

  • Fishing requires a license + a $5 conservation fee

  • Catch-and-release only, from boats (not shore or bridges)

  • Beginner support and Paddling 101 classes offered

  • Adaptive gear and accessible launch are available

  • No tides or motorboats—just calm, quiet water

  • If paddling solo, file a float plan and tell someone your return time


Location: The Mariners’ Museum and Park100 Museum DriveNewport News, VA 23606

Kayak rentals and lake info: www.marinersmuseum.org/park/mariners-lake

Contact: Kelly Garner, Program Manager Email: kgarner@marinersmuseum.org


Final Thoughts


Mariners’ Lake has made the healing benefits of nature more accessible through thoughtful programming and open-hearted community work.


If you’ve been looking for something peaceful… something real… something that helps you reconnect with nature and yourself, this might just be it. You don’t need a group. You don’t need experience. You just need a little courage and a life jacket.


Sometimes the most healing journey you’ll ever take is just a paddle away.


And if you have a little extra time, don’t rush off. Spend the day. Walk the scenic Noland Trail, which winds around the lake, or visit the Mariners’ Museum, located right on the property. There’s history, beauty, and calm here—all waiting for you to explore.


Whether you’re recovering, overwhelmed, grieving, healing, or just in need of a moment to breathe, Mariners’ Lake welcomes you exactly as you are.


Tired of the Same Old Routine?


If you’ve been craving something new but don’t know where to start, here are a few simple ways to shake up your routine, without draining your wallet.


  • Look for local parks with kayak or paddleboard rentals. Many cities now offer affordable day-use options, and some even provide adaptive equipment for those who need it.

  • Plan a nature day near home. Pick a quiet spot with water, walking paths, or even just a shady bench. Bring a journal or camera and explore at your own pace.

  • Visit a museum with outdoor space or a connected nature trail. You might be surprised by how many art or history museums have access to gardens, water, or green spaces right outside their doors.


Small changes make big differences. You don’t need a passport to pause, breathe, and reconnect.



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