Potomac River

Route Proposed by: Nathaniel Gueltzau

Overall Fastest Known Paddle: TBD

1st attempt: Nathaniel Gueltzau, age 34, of Burke, Virginia. Solo male (supported) category. Started on 8/29/25, unable to finish due to low water, injury and safety concerns. Trip report forthcoming.

280 miles

Start: Confluence of the North and South Branches of the Potomac, Green Spring, WV

Finish: Point Lookout Lighthouse, Scotland, MD

Map resources from Visit Maryland

Route Notes from Nathaniel:

The official Potomac river starts at the confluence of the north Potomac branch and Potomac south branch. There are at least 5 major areas of rapids along the Potomac River, however 2 of them are class 3+ with Great Falls being between Class 4-5+ (depending on Water Levels) and I am not at that skill level and will have to portage around (FKP editor note: it is always acceptable to portage around rapids). There is the C&O canal that runs right next to the river for boats to pass and will use that or the tow path along the river (FKP editor note: this is acceptable). The end of the river is at point look out where it flows into the Chesapeake Bay.

Pre-attempt Notes from Nathaniel:

He will be paddling a P & H Scorpio MKII HV Kayak and will be supported by Sergio Morales.

He writes “I first got into paddling in 2021 when I took on the Missouri River 340 with a college friend, and I’ve been hooked on endurance paddling ever since. Since then, I’ve completed some of the toughest long-distance events in North America, including the Missouri River 340, the Alabama 650, and the Suwannee 230. I also joined Operation Deep Blue, a six-day expedition from New Jersey to Washington, D.C., honoring fallen law enforcement officers and their families. For me, paddling is about more than just racing. It’s about resilience, healing, and pushing past limits — whether it’s paddling through the night, battling tough conditions, or simply finding joy in the small moments on the water. I go by the nickname “Penguin Viking,” because I try to bring both grit and humor into every challenge. My paddling philosophy is simple: every stroke forward is progress, no matter how small.”