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Annual Burning of the Socks Kicks Off The Paddling Season
A quirky tradition that began in the late 1970's by mariners in the northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay is a great way to kick off the canoe and kayaking season, by freeing your feet from being cooped up all winter in socks, and is also the first guided paddle trip of the year at York River State Park.
The annual Burning of the Socks has become a fun tradition, as we say goodbye to cold weather and embrace spring at York River State Park.
PICK UP YOUR PADDLES AND WAVE GOODBYE TO COLD WEATHER
Burning of the Socks has become a fun tradition at York River State Park
CELEBRATE SPRING
If you don't believe us, there is even etiquette for the Burning of the Socks ceremony, wherein you show up and burn old worn-out holey socks to usher in the paddling season. An example might be to not bring photos of your old boyfriend to toss into the fire, while singing "You've lost that loving feeling," more here.
One recommendation of defiance and to help kick off the opening of paddling season is to wear your smelly socks to the ceremony, then take them off and place them directly on the fire. Going back barefooted in your boating shoes.
BE THERE
York River State Park will be having the Burning of the Socks event on Saturday May 6, 2017 from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. at the park amphitheater.
So, get your gear ready and an old, worn, ugly pair of socks prepared for the fire. The Interpretive Program Fee for this event is $10.
SAILORS AND LANDLUBBERS WELCOME
Bring your own canoe or kayak or you rent one from us. Equipment rentals are canoes (2 person + 1 child) $15, solo kayak $20, tandem kayak (two person) $20, and please call 757-566-3036 for reservations. Click here for more information about the event.
Our American Canoe Association (ACA) Canoe Instructor, Brad Thomas, will give a safety review. Then our ACA Flat-water Canoe Guide John Gresham will lead us in the untraditional hymn, “I Wanna Burn My Socks” as we will gladly offer our cotton, wool, and natural fiber hosiery to the fire pit. Saying goodbye to cold weather and hello to picking up our paddles.
NEW THIS YEAR
This year, we are asking participants to bring an unopened pack or pair of socks to the event as well as we will donate them to the Historic Triangle Community Services Center. Burning socks may be fun and games, but there are many people in the Williamsburg area who need a helping hand.
Non-perishable food items are also welcome.
FEED THE FLAMES
SAFETY FIRST
Please note that our canoe dock on Taskinas Creek is at the bottom of a steep hill.
For the comfort and safety of our guest, we will not lead a trip unless the water and air temperatures add up to 120 degrees. Hypothermia is still a danger in the early spring. Capsizes, though rare, can happen. In case of cold temperatures or foul weather, we will hold this event on the following Saturday, May 13, 2017.
Say hello to paddling season at the annual Burning of the Socks Ceremony
Join us for a guided trip into Taskinas Creek and the York River
Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.
