Paddlebarding Deep Creek Lake - Deep Creek Lake Blog

The Fall Foliage Season photographed from a Paddleboard

Taylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022

Throughout the last couple of years as the focus shifts to the upcoming fall foliage season, I have found the most spectacular and soothing way to experience this sought after season via paddleboard. The visitors have slimmed down to next to nothing and the lake shifts from being a physical playground for activities to a visual backdrop for nature’s art. The season also brings calm days mixed in with traditional windy fall days. It is on these calm days that you can witness a spectacular visual ever-lasting gumdrop of emotions that will take you from pure elation to a centered mental calm. It is experiences like these that elevate the lake to spiritual status.

To see the mountains gleaming with fire and glowing with rich hues of the fall season is only magnified when you see a double image reflection mirroring off the lake. These powerful reflections bring the water alive as they transform into a three-dimensional bouquet of seasonal colors. The paddleboard becomes your soul mobile as Deep Creek Lake takes you down a peaceful highway that will recharge your faith in nature. Each quiet dip of the paddle propels you across an amazing and colorful glass-lake, virgin of ripples. The horizon slowly inches toward you like an out-of-reach oasis which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the dreamy conveyor belt that only a few have experienced.

Our nationally respected and loved Fall spectacle is an event here at the lake that a lot of folks have been lucky enough to experience year after year. This year I encourage and challenge you to try it from a different cockpit vantage point. The end of summer does not mean the end of paddleboarding or enjoying an intimate relationship with the lake. Set sail this autumn with your favorite non-powered watercraft and experience the hallowed ground at Deep Creek Lake that is worshiped by only a handful.

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor — Betsy Spiker Holcomb, Deep Creek Lake’s Favorite Realtor

Taylor-Made Real Estate Betsy Spiker Holcomb-301-616-5022

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Deep Creek Lake State Park. Deep Creek Lake and our surrounding county have an immense amount of activities to do in and out of the lake. Continue reading Deep Creek Lake State Park

Living in the Moment, Creating Memories, Deep Creek Lake

Living in the Moment, Creating Memories, Deep Creek Lake. Along this journey of our existence, we find a comfortable place to experience the joys of life with family. We strive to live in the moment and create memories that we will never forget. Continue reading Living in the Moment, Creating Memories, Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lakes Top Spring Activities

Deep Creek Lake’s Top Spring Activities

We are often asked what are Deep Creek Lake’s best spring activities. In a four-season resort like Deep Creek there is always plenty to do as you transition into each season. As we start getting closer to the end of the 2016 winter season it’s a great time to start planning next season’s family adventures. Springtime always has a special place in my heart personally because of the abundance of “new life” after a long winter of hibernation. You will not be disappointed with the diverse amount of activities we have here at Deep Creek to experience. Here are a few to get you started…

Fishing- Like fishing? Get up before the crack of dawn and get out on the lake with a pale full of golden shiners in some secluded little cove near the dam and get ready to wear out your wrist reeling in 14+ species of fish. All your favorites are here such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill and many other species. Start your day enjoying the peaceful calm that Deep Creek offers every morning and fill up your cooler with lunch for the family.

Hiking–If you like to check-out from civilization and become one with nature then Deep Creek Lake is your home for great hiking adventures. With seven State parks, you will have no problem getting your fill of the green life. Mild temperatures, budding trees and blooming wildflowers make spring a great time to hike in the area. There is plenty of information online to get you started, so grab your family and get stepping!

The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls- You can witness a really amazing spectacle here at Deep Creek Lake in the Spring time. The Spring thaw at Deep Creek lake is basically all the snow accumulation during the winter melting which swells the rivers and waterfalls. Take some time to research and check out this amazing event.

Golf – Deep Creek Lake is lucky enough to have the wonderful mountain course Lodestone near Wisp Resort. There’s also Thousand Acres Golf Course, Oakland Golf Club and Wisp Golf Course. You have a nice selection of different tiered golf courses for your enjoyment.

Canoeing/Kayaking Paddleboarding- Take an early morning sunrise canoe/kayak or paddleboard run around the lake and have the entire lake to yourself. If you have never been on the lake early in the morning you are missing out on one amazing experience.

Christmas 2015-Paddleboarding-Deep Creek Lake

I am reflecting on an experience over the holiday season that I thought I would share with you.

So it’s Christmas Day 2015 and I decided to go Paddleboarding on Deep Creek Lake. The mild weather had mostly everyone happy except for the winter sports enthusiasts. As the sunrise warms the mountain skyline, I notice the suns reflection cast over a glassy mirror lake that seems incredibly inviting. The warm week prior to Christmas morning shows no sign of letting up and the calm lake always triggers my mind towards the spiritual solace of a morning paddleboard session. I have an instant conflict in my mind because after all, its wintertime! The air temps seem reasonable however I wonder how cold the lake has become with the fluctuating fall weather. I finish my coffee and decide to test the waters… I certainly have to be the first one ever in the history of Deep Creek lake to ever paddleboard on Christmas Day and I’d be a liar if I didn’t mention that this fuels my excitement!

I get down to the lake and I’m happy to see that the wind is still non-existent. I have tried to explain to people the spiritual feeling you get as you slowly slice through virgin lake glass. Ahead of you is a perfect reflection of the mountains and trees reflecting off the water and behind you are fan layers of a trace wake calmly sent toward the shoreline. The only sound you hear early in the morning is your paddle dipping slowly through the water along with an occasional fish snapping the top of the water and birds far off in the distant. Christmas morning did not disappoint! I did a couple mile spin up and around some beautiful shorelines and didn’t see a soul on the lake throughout my journey.

As we roll into Martin Luther King Weekend the cold weather and snow are filling in and we forget quickly about the warm fall and winter season that is behind us. Take every opportunity that you have to enjoy the lake and surrounding areas which have so much to offer. In any conditions there is a diamond in the rough experience to be had here at Deep Creek Lake.

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Highlands Festival-Real Estate News

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Highlands Festival-Real Estate News. Weather check…PERFECT! I got up at 6:00am and went for a quick paddleboard run before work and can tell you that we are having an amazing day. The lake was mirror glassy with winds non-existent and the temperature is perfect. Check out the view! Get up here soon so you can enjoy these special, early summer days.

A very special McHenry Highland Festival this coming weekend. After 20 years, this will be internationally acclaimed Scottish fiddler Bonnie Rideout’s last year performing at the Festival. Bonnie never ceases to amaze us and music just doesn’t need to be better than this. Don’t miss it! There will be two performances on Saturday, June 1^st at 11am and again at 1:45pm. Also, they will have plenty of crafts and food vendors to make for a full day of family enjoyment. A YouTube video with a sampling of Bonnie’s beautiful music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P129kV3ImN0

The link below is the full schedule of the Festival at the Fairgrounds in McHenry for Saturday, June 1st.

http://www.highlandfest.info/events.html

On a different subject, we, along with most of the country, had interesting weather for the Memorial Day weekend. Although quite a cold weekend, temperatures are transforming to perfect today. I still love this time of year. Our Spiker Team colleague and friend, Kathy Johnson, was able to capture this “secret” garden in Garrett County a couple days ago. What a gorgeous photo of her Zen garden!

This week’s featured listing is a very clean lakefront home, centrally located with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a Type-A dock. This home boasts an open floor plan, stone wood burning fireplace, two family rooms, wood floors, hot tub, two waterside decks and wonderful lake views!! What else could you want? Oh, you want to be close to restaurants, shops and Wisp Ski Resort? DONE! Check it out-http://vt.realbiz360.com/MLS-1304262.html

Here what’s gone under contract in the last 30 day-http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=52640329952.

If you’d like for us to do a customized search for you using our MLS database with every real estate company’s listings just shoot us an email.

Enjoy life on the lake!!!

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities

Greetings from Deep Creek Lake-Summer Activities. It gets easier to be revved up for summer when you start seeing the boats filtering on the lake. Yesterday there was a mix of recreational tubers, fisherman, and marinas tuning up boats for their clients. Weather has warmed up to summer temps this week and you can tell folks are starting to gather into the lake. Last night I did my evening paddleboard between 7:30pm-9:00pm and saw some late evening fisherman and a few boats screaming by trying to ensure that their boats are running smoothly. I cruised past a family of at least a dozen who were throwing football and roasting smores around a fire pit near the water’s edge. I love summer!

Dusk paddle

In case you missed the USA Canoe/Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team Trails this weekend, here is a photo gallery on our Deep Creek Lake, Maryland Facebook page of some of the action. Remember this will determine who will be competing in next year’s ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships of 2014 between September 16-21, 2014. We had three Olympic medalists here competing this weekend. Look ahead in your calendar if you plan on visiting because this is no small event. Word is that lots of people will have to stay out of town because all rentals will be booked. This event will be the biggest event ever hosted here at the lake. The eyes of the world and Canoe/Kayak community will be focused on Deep Creek Lake for a week. Plan far in advance so you don’t miss it!

Intense competition

If you have not visited ASCI or tried to go whitewater rafting I highly recommend it! There are only a few re-circulating whitewater courses in the world and we are lucky to have the best here in our back yard.

Rafting trip at ASCI with my son and his girlfriend

This weekend we have the Tom Wallisch Rail Jam at Wisp Resort on Saturday, May 25^th. Registration is between 6pm-7pm with the competition starting soon thereafter. They say there is plenty of snow to hold this event and I hope you have a chance to go check out some of the skiers and snowboarders competing. The Tom Batcherlor Band will provide the music.

Not sure what direction to go this weekend? A few suggestions…

Go zip lining, ride the mountain coaster, or go for a dune buggy ride at Wisp Resort. Go hiking or rock climbing at Fork Run Recreational Area. Go get some hot wings and a crabcake from The Black Bear. Go visit the magnificent waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park. Go rent a boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard from Deep Creek Marina. Go try out Deep Creek Lake’s newest restaurant Aces Run. Go enjoy an eco tour with the family. Go fishing on DCL or the Yough River. Go play golf at the well received Lodestone Golf Club. Buy a home here at the lake!!! Call Betsy Holcomb 301-616-5022 http://deepcreeklakeproperty.com/meet-betsy/

Featured listing of the week: Check out this homesite on hole #13 at Lodestone. Lake and golf views! http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-440824.html

Sold Property in the last 30 days- http://mrislistings.mris.com/DE.asp?ID=52524358330

Have a safe & memorable family weekend!!

Paddlin for PAWS… Paddleboard Race… Wisp Resort

Rain and foul weather could not keep the diehard Paddleboarders from making the trip up to DeepCreekLake this weekend to brave the 3 mile or 6 mile race courses right off the DeepCreekLakeState Park. Friday afternoon I took a trip out there to participate in the group paddle. The winds and rain were in high gear so there was only a few of us that tried to navigate the three mile course. On the home stretch to the state park the tail wind/cross chop put me (falling) in the lake for the first time of the season. To be honest, it was not super cold, just a mild chill.

Paddlin for PAWS… Paddleboard Race… Wisp Resort. Wisp Resort event organizer, Mike Valach, who is an avid paddler and my paddle partner is hell bent on promoting a sport that he has a deep passion for. He and co-worker John McCracken rolled out the red carpet for the locals and out-of-towners bringing in some 1st class racers. The crew from Stand Up Paddle Annapolis came up and raced world class times in fair, drizzling conditions. They brought with them top of the line/state of the art racer gear. Carbon Fiber boards and paddles with different design elements. Remember, paddleboarding although having roots back to Tom Blake in the early 30’s, is evolving into many different hybrids ranging from surfing, racing ,cruising, fishing…you name it. And with this, evolution of the design is still being tweaked to maximize speed and performance. I noticed the displacement hulls are the norm with bottom contours ranging from flat, to having vee/concave with various tail and nose rocker, and carbon fiber paddles that only weigh 14 ounces.

I missed the beginning of the race as I had swim lessons for my 5-month old but was lucky enough to round State Park Road right as the leaders were dueling it out halfway through the race. It was interesting to see all the different stroking and turning techniques that separate the competitors although there is no right or wrong. Board and paddle technology, paddling and turning techniques, and physical conditioning all come into play, but like any sport, mental endurance separates the top racers from the rest. Let’s not forget that winning is definitely not everything! Just to spend time on a paddlboard is spiritual and healthy as I have preached in the past. You also have the opportunity to meet a lot of great new friends.

It was exciting seeing the camaraderie at the finish line as all the racers cheered and congratulated each and every contestant as they made their way on shore. Chances are that whatever town you live in you will have the enthusiastic paddlers stoked on promoting and enjoying a sport that has taken over the world. If you can’t join us here at Deep Creek Lake then look around your own community and get revved up on a fantastic life-changing sport. If you want to keep up with local group paddle sessions, check out our newly formed Stand Up Paddle Group Facebook page. I will try to organize some sunrise/sunset paddles when the lake is glass as we transition into the season. Also, if you want real time information about the lake visit our page Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. See you on the Lake!

Greeting from Deep Creek Lake-Paddleboard for PAW-Wisp Real Estate

Greeting from Deep Creek Lake-Paddleboarding PAW-Wisp Real Estate. I’ve been blown away by the wind this week, literally. The lake has rivaled the ocean this week as whitecaps slammed the shoreline for the last 10 or so days. I am itching to get out on some patented DCL glass on my paddleboard sessions early in the morning before too long. But on a positive note, the ramps have ripened perfectly over the last few days and I had the opportunity to fry some up in beer batter and tried fusing them into a scalloped potatoes recipe. They turned out excellent.

Here’s a cell phone photo I snapped while hunting for ramps…

I am very excited to bring you news about the Paddling for Paws Paddleboard Race at Deep Creek Lake State Park this weekend. Get up to Deep Creek Lake this weekend and come participate in the Paddling for Paws Paddleboard Race at the Deep Creek State Park. Bring the wife, kiddos and friends and get stoked on paddleboarding while helping a great cause.

Racing this weekend!

Paddleboarding is the hottest sport worldwide at the moment and the great thing about it is that you don’t have to be a world class athlete to enjoy and compete. It all gets started on Friday afternoon (May 10^th) with a local paddle from 3pm – 5pm. This is your chance if you have never been on a stand up paddle board (SUP) to experience a chill paddle around the lake with locals and out-of-towners. You don’t have a paddle board you say? No problem! Wisp will be renting boards for the local paddle and for the race for a mere $10! Here is much more information.

SUP Yoga Friday 5/20/13 @ 6pm

Real Estate/Wisp/Lot information talk on the streets is that National Land Partners is possibly planning to staff their new office during the Olympic Time Trials in May or the middle to end of June. Word is they are going to slash prices on interior lots and there may be some fabulous deals to be had. We will do our best to keep you informed as we hear more and feel free to call us; we can help!

Our featured listing of the week is a lovely home in the gated community of Deep Creek Highlands where the amenities include an outdoor pool, clubhouse, tennis court, lakeside pavilion and lake access area, trails, playground and more. This contemporary is an established rental property and is beautifully decorated. http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-778743.html

Enjoy your week! www.DeepCreekLakeProperty.com

Paddling for Paws Paddleboard Race Deep Creek State Park

Paddling for Paws Paddleboard Race Deep Creek State Park. Get up to Deep Creek Lake this weekend and come participate in the Paddling for Paws Paddleboard Race at the Deep Creek State Park. Bring the wife, kiddos and friends and get stoked on paddleboarding while helping a great cause. Paddleboarding is the hottest sport worldwide at the moment and the great thing about it is that you don’t have to be a world class athlete to enjoy and compete. It all gets started on Friday afternoon (May 10^th) with a local paddle from 3pm – 5pm. This is your chance if you have never been on a stand up paddle board (SUP) to experience a chill paddle around the lake with locals and out-of-towners. You don’t have a paddle board you say? No problem! Wisp will be renting boards for the local paddle and for the race for a mere $10!

Then, at 6pm on Friday, there will be a sunset paddleboard yoga class. This sport incorporates SUP’s water, balance, stretching, and of course yoga. Let go of your stress and find peace and calm with DCL’s serene mountains as your backdrop! Are you curious to learn more about SUP Yoga? Check out this video. After you have down shifted your mind, finish up with a peaceful sunset paddle.

Saturday is race day and will have many different class and distances to race. Don’t let your inexperience keep you from participating. Jump in head first and get racin’!

Classes & Fees
Children’s Race – Free Admission
5K or 10K – $45 event fee (pre-registration)
– Onsite day of event- $55 event fee –
5 K race – under 12.6’ board
5 K race – 12.6’ board
5 K race 14’ board
10K race under 12.6’board
10K race 12.6’ board
10K race 14’ board
10K race legends(50+) open

Event Schedule
Friday, May 10
3pm – 5pm – Local paddle
6pm – Sunset Paddleboard Yoga Class
6pm – 7:30pn – Sunset Paddle (ride the course)
– Location – Deep Creek Lake State Park (beach area)

7:30pm – 9:30pm Packet pick up and welcome party/bonfire
– Location – Wisp Resort Adventure Park

Saturday May 11
8:30am – Prerace meeting
9am – 3 mile and 6 mile race on Deep Creek Lake
11am – Kids Race – Free
– Location – Deep creek Lake State Park (beach area)

12pm – Cookout and Awards
– Location – Wisp Resort Adventure Park

Check out Deep Creek Times description…

“The May 11th, 2013 event at Deep Creek Lake is a grassroots Stand Up Paddleboard race event to promote SUP racing to the Deep Creek Lake area and to bring awareness to the SUP community the great opportunities to enjoy paddleboarding in the mountains of Western Maryland on Deep Creek Lake and other nearby lakes. This event will also donate a portion of the race entry fee to HART for Animals charity for pets located in the McHenry area. The race course is a three mile loop with three buoy turns, the event will have a recreational class ( 1 lap) and elite class (2 laps) and a fun race for kids. The race is expected to attract SUP racers from the mid-Atlantic area and is part of Mid Atlantic Stand Up Race Association Point Series 10 race location series in the mid-Atlantic area. This event is a nice start to the spring paddleboard session and has something for the first time to elite paddleboard racer, various paddleboard companies will be on hand for the event, there also will be some demo boards to test and first time paddleboard clinics to let people try the sport of paddleboarding.”

Tag: Paddlebarding Deep Creek Lake