In a matter of minutes, a single kayak trip on the Ohio River can seem like night and day.
The riverfront and the back channel, both off of Wheeling Island, are very different environments, though they are both part of the river.
Wheeling Island Marina is located on the north end of the island and on the back channel. It has a public boat launch and new docks which were installed earlier this year due to damage caused by back-to-back flooding in April 2024. There is ample parking and a shelter which can be rented plus a public disc golf course.
My favorite weather for kayaking is a temperature in the high 60’s low 70’s, sunshine and very little wind. For me, this sets the stage for a relaxing float trip. When my husband and I kayak around the Island, we off-load our kayaks onto the grass and then find a place in the lot to park.
Occasionally, the lot can be full of the empty trailers of other boaters on the river.
The back channel is narrow and calm. On our most recent trip, the water was crystal clear and when the sun hit the water, you could see many feet below the surface. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of flora that could be seen in the crystal-clear water. Minnows popped out of the water, abundant dragon flies and only one other boat was on the back channel of the river. It was very relaxing and peaceful.
The north tip of the island is shallow enough that the kayak can drag on the bottom, and a few feet off the shore, the green submerged plants shimmer in the sun just inches from the surface. Birds fly over the water to roost on trees along the riverbank.
Paddling around the north point of the Island brings an abrupt awareness to the size and activity on front channel of the Ohio River. The width of the river quintuples in size to over 1,500 ft, from Ohio to the mainland of WV. It’s not unusual to feel the wakes of passing speed boats, pontoons and the long line of coal or chemical barges as they navigate the river.
The barges move fairly slow and stay to the main channel of the river. Pay respect to the size of the boats and barges and be aware of the smallness of a kayak on the river. Always use caution when crossing the river
Each trip is a bit different. Wakes caused by the boats and barges create a little added enjoyment, the view of Wheeling from a different vantage point on the water is remarkable, the sounds of activity on and off the water waffle through the air, and always a favorite of mine, seeing the iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge.
This point of view never gets old.
Some of the houses along the shore of the Island have decks, gazebos, porches and boats sitting at their dock just waiting for the next adventure. I suspect the waterfront property on the Island is prime real estate for viewing all the festivities which take place throughout the year. The City of Wheeling fireworks display, Wheeling Symphony at the waterfront, festivals, visiting ships, and Waterfront Wednesdays are just a few examples of how owning waterfront on Wheeling Island can create the feeling of being on vacation every day in your own home.
If you own a boat, that just sweetens the location.
The current of the river slowly carries your kayak southward, down river and if you get lucky, a barge will pass going up the river, creating a wake that will push you against the current and assist in going back the way you started. When I was younger, paddling all the way around the Island was a great workout. At my age, that doesn’t interest me anymore.
I want to just enjoy the subtle changes, do a mix of paddling and floating and take in the sounds and sights. From the time we put in at the marina until we turn around to head back, we spend about 30 minutes in each direction.
The trip back around the north end of the Island takes you into the calm back channel and the slow process of returning to the landing ensues. Kayaking on the river at Wheeling is an enjoyable experience that is different every time.
Notably, I have found that boaters respect each other regardless of the size or style of boat.
Stay safe when boating, wear your life vest, respect other boaters, remember it is a working river, and enjoy! Hope to see you on the water this fall.
