All Activities

One on one instruction with a member of the Thompson Boat Center coaching staff. This program is for anyone looking for individualized analysis and coaching. Each session will last roughly 90 mins. including setup and breakdown of equipment.

Take the next step in developing your rowing skills in our Intermediate Sculling Class. This four day, Saturday, intensive class reinforces the basic skills first introduced in our “Learn to Scull” class, while still providing participants with the opportunity to grow and improve their technique.

In this compressed version of our introduction to sculling class, students of all ages will learn about the basics of rowing in a one-person boat, including proper terminology, equipment handling, an overview of river navigation, and of course, the rowing stroke.

Moves beyond the basic skills covered in our first two classes to help students as they progress into our racing shells. Topics covered in this class involve how to handle the increased instability of a racing shell, how to build pressure and move the boat faster, and advanced navigation of the river.

Take the next step in developing your rowing skills in our Intermediate Sculling Class. This class reinforces the basic skills first introduced in our “Learn to Scull” class, while still providing participants with the opportunity to grow and improve their technique.

This 90-minute tour starts off with a brief paddling tutorial from your guide followed by some leisurely to moderate paddling around Fletchers Cove. Your experienced tour guide will provide some light narration as well as a few paddling tips along the way. All types of paddling experience are welcome!

On this 90-minute paddle explore the Potomac River and its role in our nation’s history. Hear fascinatig stories and take plenty of photos in the glow of a gorgeous DC sunset.

Kayaks are a great option for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Kayaks are appropriate for all ages. Anyone aged 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the same boat.

Looking to get out and paddle, but don’t know your aft from your anchor? This 1-hour class is geared toward first-time kayakers looking to get acquainted with the water.

Your tour begins with a brief kayaking and safety instruction followed by a 90-120 minute guided paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island and paddle past iconic D.C. locations like Watergate, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Kennedy Center.

For experienced paddleboarders, and those who are new or familiar with yoga.

This 1-hour class is geared towards first-time paddleboarders who are interested in learning the fine art of SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)!

Pedal Boats are a fun way to take a relaxing, leisurely pedal on the water and see the sights. Great for all ages!

Pedal Boats are fun way to take a relaxing, leisurely pedal on the water and see the sights. Great for all ages!

Kayaks are a great option for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. Kayaks are appropriate for all ages. Anyone aged 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the same boat.

Stand-up Paddleboarding is an incredible combination of canoeing, kayaking, and surfing all in one! People ages 8 on up can grab a SUP and go!

Stable and easy to handle, canoes are perfect for your solo water adventure or with friends and family!

Grab your fishing poles, pack a picnic, and hit the water in search for the big one. Or go old school and grab your parasol for a romantic row around the sights.

If you’re more of the landlubber type, we have quality bike rentals to get you out on a two-wheeled exploration of the scenic DC sights!

Comfortable, safe and stable, sculling provides the ultimate low-impact, full-body workout and burns about twice as many calories per hour than jogging!

Experience the iconic D.C. monuments, Kennedy Center, and Georgetown Waterfront from the Potomac!

This 90-minute tour starts off with a brief paddling tutorial from your guide followed by some leisurely to moderate paddling around Fletchers Cove. Your experienced tour guide will provide some light narration as well as a few paddling tips along the way. All types of paddling experience are welcome!

On this 90 minute paddle explore the Potomac River with views of Alexandria and learn the history of our Nation’s Capital. You’ll hear historical information from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and modern times.

Kayak from Key Bridge Boathouse to one of the best 4th of July backdrops in the country and get an amazing view of the fireworks on America’s birthday! Choose between either a single or a double kayak.

See the beautiful DC Cherry Blossoms in bloom!
Experience the Cherry blossoms in a new way – from the water! Join our historical kayak tour along the Georgetown waterfront. Learn some of our nation’s incredible history while taking in some of DC’s most majestic sights.

Available at: Ballpark Boathouse, Columbia Island Marina, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor, Thompson’s Boat Center, Tidal Basin, Washington Sailing Marina, Wharf Boathouse

Your tour begins with a brief kayaking and safety instruction followed by a 90-120 minute guided paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island and paddle past iconic D.C. locations like Watergate, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Kennedy Center. Your guide will share intriguing facts about the area that you will only hear from us!

A full moon happens just once a month. The coolest place to view it is from the water!

As the sun falls over DC, your adventure begins!

Kayak from Key Bridge Boathouse to one of the best 4th of July backdrops in the country and get an amazing view of the fireworks on America’s birthday! Choose between either a single or a double kayak.

Moves beyond the basic skills covered in our first two classes to help students as they progress into our racing shells. Topics covered in this class involve how to handle the increased instability of a racing shell, how to build pressure and move the boat faster, and advanced navigation of the river.

Available at: Ballpark Boathouse, Columbia Island Marina, Fletcher’s Boathouse, Key Bridge Boathouse, National Harbor, Thompson’s Boat Center, Tidal Basin, Washington Sailing Marina, Wharf Boathouse

This one- day refresher is for our sailors who have taken a full sailing class either with us or somewhere else. This one-day refresher course will review and reteach any of the necessary sailing skills to get you comfortable to rent a boat on your own. This will be on our 19ft Flying Scot up to 4 people per boat plus the instructor.

Open to first-timers as well as returning sailors
To accommodate students not following the public school schedule, pre-camp is offered before most other camps begin. So, gather your friends and come on down.

Covers sailing basics for first-timers and those with limited experience
This 5-day course covers the basics of sailing, the parts of the boat, steering, use of a sail, capsizing and safety issues.

5-day course on a Flying Scot
Over this fun 5-day course, you’ll learn boat handling, points of sail, sail trim (main & jib), terminology, and basic navigation aboard a Flying Scot. 4-5 students per boat.

Learn to maneuver a Windsurfer on your own!
This fun 5-day course will give students the necessary skills they need to maneuver a windsurfer independently around a small course in a contained area. The first session will be on a simulator to “get the feel.”

Learn keelboard cruising aboard a 25-ft. Catalina!

This camp will be on board our Sunfish Aquafins and is for sailors who have a Sunfish Skippers license, preferably during the summer of 2018 (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis).

Learn to sail a high-performance Hobie Cat

Yes, a camp for adults! This 3-day course (6 hours per day) for beginners or those looking to refresh their skills offers the same lessons as our 2-day Adult Basic Lessons, but with one extra day for practice!

This class is for the experienced day-sailor who is ready to tackle something a little bit bigger, like a 25′ Catalina! This exciting 2-day course (6 hours each day) covers basic keelboat sailing, including preparation to sail, crew operations, sail theory, leaving and returning to dock or mooring, boat control in confined waters, overboard recovery, and safety.

This 2-day course (six hours per day) is for beginners who like to start at the very beginning. You’ll learn aboard the classic 14′ Sunfish, a fun solo sailor boat, or for two if you wish. Be prepared to get wet and have a great time!

Two-day course on-board a 19 ft Flying Scot. Good for beginners or as a refresher course. Teaches steering, use of sails (main & jib), docking, tacking, jibing and basic nomenclature. RAIN or SHINE. Two-6 hour session (12 hours total)

Over 4 evenings for a total of 12 hours, you’ll learn the use of sails (main & jib), docking, tacking, jibing, and basic nomenclature while sailing a 19′ Flying Scot. It’s great for beginners or as a refresher course.

During this 5-day course on board a Flying Junior or 420, the focus will be on developing boat handling and racing skills through an array of specific drills designed to demonstrate the various elements of racing.

You’ve learned how to sail, now come show off your new skills under the supervision of a sailing instructor. For Both Youths and Adults.

Awaken your soul as the sunrises over D.C. with the water rolling gently past the docks! This peaceful 1-hour class is a great way to start your day outside with serenity and bliss. Don’t forget to bring your mat!