Baltimore’s Inner Harbor only a few months ago was declared safe for swimmers, and now, Ultimate Watersports, a company known for its all-in approach to water sports on the Gunpowder River, has expanded its reach by making the newly clean harbor the site of its second location.
The new location supports the Baltimore Blueway, a program of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. According to the latest water quality data, the harbor is now clean enough to go kayaking most of the time. However, kayakers should avoid contact with the water for 48 hours after heavy rainfall. This is because the rain can carry pollutants into the water and those take time to dissipate, according to the Waterfront Partnership.
The latest data from Blue Water Baltimore, a local nonprofit dedicated to monitoring and protecting Baltimore’s waterways, indicates that sewage overflows are down 97% since 2018 and bacteria scores have improved across the region as of 2023.
Since then, more than 100 people participated in a “Harbor Splash,” jumping into the harbor on June 23, and open water swimmer Katie Pumphrey completed a 24-mile swim from the bay into the harbor days later.
Though Ultimate Watersports is not offering submersive activities, it’s a vote of confidence in the harbor that kids and adults participating in its kayak and standup paddleboard instruction and tours will have some exposure to the water.
Tours for paddlers 13 and older will highlight the beauty of Baltimore’s Inner Habor and take paddlers to Mr. Trash Wheel, the National Aquarium’s Floating Wetland and more. The new location is open seasonally now through October and offers classes for all levels of experience. Families can find it between Harbor East and Harbor Point. It includes a protected paddling area for beginners, instructional programs and a new paddling center.
Hal Ashman, president of Ultimate Watersports, says in a news release that the Ultimate Watersports team is excited to be part of building momentum around recreational water sports following efforts to clean the harbor and promote a thriving urban waterfront.
