Dave helped me get my Open Water Diving Certification for an upcoming trip that I have planned. He…read morewas extremely nice to everyone in the group, and ensured that we were all excited to do the training. He took his time to ensure that each of us was thoroughly trained at each step. I would highly recommend Dave and the rest of his crew.

Just completed my Open Water Certification. Fantastic!…read more Dave and Gray were awesome instructors. Lots of dives, lots of learning. Always knew what we were doing, how we were doing, and gaining confidence thru the process. Want to dive, first call should be to Dave and Get Down Scuba.

Hands down my favorite park in the area! It's always well kept with great parking, a really good…read morespot to launch a boat or to go for a walk!

Deep Bottom Park is one of those places that I never would have visited had the bf not discovered…read moreit on one of his kayaking adventures. We decided to take the scanoe (yes, a scanoe, not a canoe. it's a canoe with a square back) out last weekend and the bf's destination of choice was Deep Bottom Park. It's not the most scenic place in the world, but it fulfilled its purpose for us. There were a few picnic tables, but I'd really only go back to use the boat ramp again. The bathrooms are really nice, though. I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness- clearly someone's on top of the upkeep and it shows. A number of other boats were out on the water while we were there, along with at least one jetskier. We also saw a few people fishing off of the docks, so it seems like this boat launch is probably a fairly popular spot. If you're looking for a place semi-close to downtown, with relatively calm water and a decent boat launch, this park is worth a shot.

Had a great experience! Van and his team are top notch and made sure our family of 4 had a great…read moretime. We did all 3 courses!

Had a blast. My son and I went on a whim and had a good experience. The course is family friendly…read moreand can be completed by anyone who is willing to try. The safety system in place is very effective and provides an almost zero chance of falling. I would recommend buying the gloves in the office before you start or bring your own the guide wires and ropes will eat at your hands. We ran through the three biggest courses. They also have a fourth course for younger children.

We headed to Huguenot Flatwater last night to do some kayaking with our group. It is very easy to…read morefind, and there is a small parking lot there. I can see it being frustrating to find a spot as it gets closer to boating season though. I was not a fan of the boat launch area, it's design was not very user friendly for easily getting into your kayak. You have to step off a ledge into your boat, or use the small muddy area to load and push off. The point it puts you into the river is great though, and you can go left for a nice paddle up to Bosher's Dam.

During this crazy time of Covid and politics, our priorities have shifted from dining out…read morefrequently, to attempt a more healthy lifestyle of cooking most meals at home, and seeking out alternative sources of entertainment, ones that permit us to breathe in fresh air, enjoy what nature has to offer, and maintain social distancing. So, after visiting a few terrific Virginia State parks, renting kayaks, we decided that this would be something we would like to do regularly, and purchased our own boats. How many times have you crossed Huguenot bridge and thought, oh neat, look at the people kayaking, what fun? Yea, that has been me for years. So we decided to check out the Huguenot Flatwater put-in area and while it is a challenge, it is doable. By this, I mean, it is CRAZY steep, there is a ramp that the "fit and brave" smaller and experienced kayaker can attempt. For us, we carried our kayaks down the steps and were able to launch from there with relative ease. The main issue we had, was that it got super busy, and it was really noisy with the constant sound of vehicles on the bridge. We paddled down river for a bit but decided to play it safe and head back up river so we could float back and were not fighting the current and didn't get too worn out. When we were about ready to head back in, there were so many people trying to put in, that people were having to wait to get out. And then a bus load from a tour company came and we decided to head over to where a trail end let out on the river, decided it was safe, and we carried our kayaks through the trail and back to our car. Not far. The "coolness" and novelty of urban kayaking wore off within 5 minutes of being in the river. It wasn't peaceful at all, but we did get a decent workout and enjoyed the views. We will definitely continue to seek out different places to kayak, and kudos to those who love the adrenaline of being in that environment. I personally just prefer more quiet and fewer people.

My fiend and I had a wonderful day catfishing day on the James. It was due in large measure to…read moreChuck's expertise,knowledge of the James , and his desire to do his best for his customers. Time after time this was demonstrated throughout the trip. The "bite" was difficult, but Chuck worked and worked to does his best. The result were 3 citation fish , a total of 9 fish weighing in over 200 lbs. This all was on a day when others were not having success. It was a pleasure to be on the water with Chuck for a day's fishing. Not only did he do his best so the fishing went smoothly, the equipment was 1st class, and he was someone that made spending 8 hours in a boat pleasure . Not only is Chuck a top quality guide, he is a top quality person. If you are looking for a top quality guide for fishing the James River. I would recommend Chuck without reservation. In my opinion, he's simply the best!

When you set out to catch fish of this size you go under the pretense that you'd be happy catching…read morea few big ones each day. To catch so many large fish in a short period of time speaks volumes of Chuck's skill and knowledge of locating fish and putting them on the boat. As a guide, Chuck is definitely in the top tier of professionals I had the luxury of being able to fish with. He works his ass off all day for his clients from netting live fish each morning, to trying lots of different spots each(setting up 10 rods each spot), to assisting you when you have a big one on the line. He's also NOT a clock watcher and he's a hell of a nice guy. If you are coming down to catch some giant James River Blue Cats you gotta go with Chuck! Update: Just had my third 3-day adventure with Chuck and booked a 4th for next year. Me and my dad both caught our personal bests with a 74lb and 72lb in the same trip, Also caught a 67 and a bunch in the 40s. Chuck just seems to have a 6th sense of where to find fish and he works very hard to make sure you put some in the boat!!

Pocahontas State Park offers over 90 miles of trails, a large lake system, and a well-maintained…read morecampground. Time your hike for lunch at Swift Creek Reservoir. You might spot hawks, eagles, or herons. In spring, the path leaving the reservoir is often covered in tiny frogs. They have no self-preservation so watch your step. The park hosts concerts at its amphitheater, including touring acts like Dark Star Orchestra. Snakes are common, especially near water. They're native, and you're trespassing so leave them be. Or text a picture to the VA Snake Hotline (804) 617-7086 to confirm that you don't need to freak out. As for the paw prints in the mud: I've seen them. They look like mountain lion tracks. Officially extinct in Virginia, but the prints say otherwise. Leave no trash. Pack out everything. This place is awesome/wonderful/beautiful!!! Don't mess it up.

Went to meet friends for surprise bday get together for their Mom. Which was awesome once everyone…read moreshowed up. How ever, the state of VA needs to invest in bigger signs with a bit more clarification of where things are. Basically I had to go back to main entrance and make turn just to figure out where I needed to go, but funny thing is I was the first person to show up at the shelter . The park is beautiful though, and very popular for the water park inside.

Kinda smells bad all of the time but i mean it's okay i guess. it's not even convenient you have to…read morego out of your way to get their.

I really enjoy running at Dutch Gap. It's pretty basic- if you're looking for a strenuous hike with…read morelots of climbs, twists and turns, you won't find it here. If (like me) you are in search of a peaceful getaway with soft surfaces that are easy to navigate then this is a great option. While yes- the park backs up to a coal-powered electrical plant (the largest in the Dominion system) after the first mile or so on the trail you don't see it. Most of the 4 Mile trail offers views out to the tidal lagoon or James River. There are some trail spurs that also offer observation decks out to the water. Parking is shared with the Henricus Historcial Park as are indoor restrooms, which were clean and spacious. About 10 min off I-95 for those traveling through- it's worth the stop to break up a trip.

Trey gave phenomenal service and was super attentive to our group making and regularly checked in…read moreto make sure we had plenty of drinks, water and if we needed any other food.

sherif is the best! we had a large group and he took care of everything effortlessly!read more