Highlighting - Sinepuxent Bay, MD
Highlighting - Sinepuxent Bay, MD
Assateague, MD (link to map)
Now that schools are out and the Maryland summer is officially in full swing, many people will be heading off on vacations and looking for places to paddle while they travel. If you are headed toward Ocean City, MD or even the Delaware Beaches be sure to check out Sinepuxent Bay near Assateague Island or the Burton Island Launch Point located on the Delaware Seashore State Park just north of Bethany Beach, DE.
Sinepuxent Bay is a coastal bay located in Worcester County, Maryland, near Assateague Island. It is situated between the mainland and the barrier island of Assateague, and it is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through an inlet known as Ocean City Inlet. The bay covers an area of approximately 4,000 acres and is an important ecological and recreational resource in the region.
The Sinepuxent Bay launch area has a huge parking lot with plenty of parking but does also have a boat trailer ramp so many use it to drop off their boats. The parking lot also has a bathroom facility. Directly across from the launch parking area is the Assateague National Seashore visitor center which has a ton of great info about the area and fun activities for the kids.
When Stand Up Paddling here, the wind can pick up as the water is pretty open, but if you stay along the shoreline it feels a little better. Paddling north or south will take you past some lovely eastern shore homes, golf courses, and the occasional dilapidated dock where a bunch of birds have made it into a home. Lastly, keep an eye out for powerboat wake and crab pot lines. Many people leave crab pots and fish out of their boats on this bay, and you don’t want to get caught up in those.
The name "Sinepuxent" is derived from the Algonquian Native American language and is believed to mean "foul water" or "stinking water." This name may have been given due to the bay's brackish water, which is a mix of freshwater and saltwater and can sometimes have an unpleasant smell.
Historically, the area around Sinepuxent Bay has been inhabited by Indigenous People tribes, including the Assateague and Pocomoke peoples. European settlers began colonizing the region in the 17th century, establishing small communities and engaging in fishing and farming activities.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area around Sinepuxent Bay experienced significant changes due to human impact. The construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952, which connects the mainland to the barrier island, contributed to increased development and tourism in the region.
The bay and its surrounding areas are known for their diverse ecosystems, including marshes, wetlands, and barrier islands. These habitats support a variety of plant and animal species, including migratory birds, fish, and shellfish. Sinepuxent Bay is also home to the Assateague Island State Park and the Assateague Island National Seashore, a protected area that spans both Maryland and Virginia and is known for its wild horses and pristine beaches.
Today, Sinepuxent Bay remains an important natural and recreational resource. It offers opportunities for boating, fishing, crabbing, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and protect the bay's delicate ecosystem and maintain its ecological balance while also accommodating the needs of the local communities and visitors.
Places to visit after paddling:
Assateague Surf Shop and Cafe - You will pass it on your way, it’s worth a stop to support your local surf shop. Coffee, sandwiches, hoodies, surf gear, and skateboards
Walk On Water Paddle Board Co. - Only SUP-focused shop in OC, MD, stop by for boards, rentals, lessons, or just because you forgot your leash.
Sinepuxent Brewing Co. - Adorable brewery with tons of outdoor seating
Smokers BBQ Pit - Casual BBQ take-out joint with limited seating
Rise Up Coffee (West OC location) - Coffee, Cold Brew, and egg sandwiches…need I say more
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